Whether you’re sipping on a hot coffee with friends or diving into that bowl of ice cream with loved ones, it is supposed to be a joyful and pain-free experience.
The last thing you want at these times is having tooth sensitivity pain interrupting you.
Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentine hypersensitivity or root sensitivity, is incredibly common and affects around 25-30% of the population *.
Although each person has an idea of what tends to trigger the pain, not many people know the root causes or how sensitive toothpaste actually works.
The sharp pains from sensitive teeth are often caused by dentine on root areas being exposed, due to gum recession. It is very common for gums to recede with age, often because of overzealous tooth brushing.
Dentine can be exposed on other tooth surfaces because of teeth chipping, acidic diets or tooth grinding. Some dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, can also make teeth sensitive.
Enamel erosion with dentine exposure is a common cause of tooth sensitivity.
Where the crowns of your teeth have a layer of hard, protective enamel, the root of each tooth only has a soft covering called cementum. Once this is lost, the dentine layer that immediately surrounds the tissue in the centre of the tooth that contains nerves becomes exposed.
The pores or tubules in dentine run from the outside of the tooth straight down to the centre of the tooth where nerves are found, hence the flashes of pain.
Tooth sensitivity is a sure-fire way to spoil a good time and can even lead to daily anxiety around eating and drinking.
It’s important to give your dentist or hygienist a heads up about any pain you’re feeling, so they can do a proper examination.
As common as tooth sensitivity might be, there is always a chance that the pain is being caused by decay, a cavity or a broken tooth, and you don’t want that to slip under the radar.
To help prevent tooth sensitivity, keeping your mouth healthy with good oral hygiene and a low-acid diet is the best thing you can do.
Brush properly with a soft toothbrush and avoid scrubbing teeth too vigorously, and remember to floss.
If you have tooth sensitivity, when it comes to eating or drinking, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste can help to relieve the sensitivity discomfort. It will also help fight cavities and reduce plaque.
Brushing with Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief makes it easy to look after your pearly whites.
Its exclusive Pro-Argin formula can provide instant, effective pain relief when you apply the toothpaste directly to the sensitive tooth with your fingertip for one minute.
Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief works by plugging the channels that lead to the sensitive tooth nerves to block the pain. When used regularly, it builds a long-lasting protective barrier that acts like a seal against sensitivity.
Simply apply to a soft toothbrush and brush twice daily, making sure to brush all sensitive areas, and say hello to eating and drinking sensitivity-free.
Management of tooth sensitivity. Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Colgate-Palmolive, Lower Hutt TAPS PP4515
- Source: Epidemiology of Dentin Hypersensitivity, Clin Oral Invest 2013
