Sensitive teeth? Discover how to enjoy the foods you love, pain free!

Life can be uncomfortable when you have sensitive teeth. Here are some of the causes, triggers and, most importantly, ways to soothe your discomfort.

 Sensitive teeth causes 

Do you sometimes suffer from a sudden, sharp pain when you eat certain foods, especially those that are hot or cold or very sweet or sour? These foods are all well known as painful triggers to those who suffer from sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth are a symptom of dentinal hypersensitivity, which may develop as the enamel on your teeth suffers wear and tear, which may happen if you brush too hard.

Worn enamel as well as receding gums can cause the dentin (the softer, inner part of the tooth) to be exposed. Once the dentin is revealed, certain triggers (such as a hot or cold foods) can cause that familiar sharp jolt of pain for sensitive teeth sufferers.

Foods that trigger teeth sensitivity

What you eat, or drink has a direct impact on both your oral health and the sensitivity of your teeth.Some 57% of people may suffer from teeth sensitivity which can be triggered by certain foods such as:

 1. Ice cream If you have sensitive teeth you may struggle when you eat foods with extreme temperatures. Ice cream, for instance, not only causes discomfort but its high sugar content may be broken down by plaque bacteria, leading to tooth decay.

 2. Coffee Many of us can’t do without our daily cup of coffee and often need a cup or two to power us through the day. However, sipping on a piping hot latte can spell trouble for those with sensitive teeth. The beverage’s high temperature may increase symptoms of tooth sensitivity.

 3. Sweets Consuming too much sugar is not good for your oral health. Sweets, gummies and hard candies which contain high amounts of sugar can trigger tooth sensitivity. If you find these hard to resist, be sure to eat them in moderation and make a point of brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth frequently to stop sugar clinging to your teeth and causing decay.
Even better, rinse with a mouthwash like LISTERINE TOTAL CARE SENSITIVE MOUTHWASH^® which cleans the areas brushing misses and offers effective and soothing protection against sensitivity

 4. Alcoholic drinks Regular consumption of alcohol may lead to tooth decay and the high sugar content could increase tooth sensitivity too. Acidic drinks like wine, which act as a stimulus, may advance symptoms.

 5. Juice They may be seen as healthier alternatives, but sports drinks and juices still contain a fair amount of sugar and acid. However, this doesn’t mean you need to completely avoid that electrolyte-rich sports drink after your workout or say no to a delicious glass of apple juice at breakfast. What you can do is to watch your intake of sugary and acidic foods. Be consistent with your daily oral care, to stop sugar hanging around to cause damage.

Simple ways to soothe sensitive teeth

The good news is that with a good oral care routine you don’t have to avoid the foods you love. Good oral care can go a long way to reducing sensitivity.

Brushing can be harsh on gums and sensitive teeth, and because it only cleans up to 25% of your mouth, you need a bit of extra help to clean spaces like the gaps between your teeth or the harder to reach areas below your gums. LISTERINE TOTAL CARE SENSITIVE MOUTHWASH^® is designed to give effective and soothing protection from sensitivity starting as early as day 1 by building protection against that sharp, sudden sensitive feeling.

Your choice of toothpaste can also help with the symptoms of sensitive teeth. Try one which contains potassium nitrate, which help to relieve sensitivity. They do this by desensitizing your nerves to reduce tooth sensitivity sensation.

When it comes to soothing sensitivity, gum care is important too. Plaque build up, if left untreated, will lead to inflammation of the gums. Chronic inflammation loosens the gums, causing them to pull away from the teeth and expose sensitive areas like the dentin. Brushing regularly will also help to get rid of plaque before it hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove.

Good oral care means you can enjoy the foods you love, free from pain.