Your Sensodyne Profile

Summary of Symptoms

Based on what you told us in the Online Check Up, here's how your responses match up to the more common symptoms of tooth sensitivity:

  • Discomfort with hot foods or drinks 
  • Discomfort with cold foods or drinks 
  • Discomfort with certain types of foods 
  • Discomfort with certain types of drinks 
  • Discomfort in cold weather
  • Discomfort when cleaning teeth

Oral Health Habits

Here’s how your responses to the Online Check Up could relate to some of the factors which over time can contribute to the underlying causes of sensitive teeth:

  • Brushes teeth more than 3 times a day 
  • Brushes teeth straight after eating/drinking 
  • Brushes teeth very vigorously 
  • Brushes with a hard bristle toothbrush 
  • Grinds teeth 
  • Frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks on a daily basis 

Helpful Information for You

Most of us could do more to improve our oral health, so why not start today? Here are some general oral healthcare tips for you:

 

  • About Sensitivity

    Dentinal hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, is a common dental problem. It's a condition that can develop over time, as a result of common problems such as receding gums and enamel wear. Most sufferers are between 20 and 50 years old.

    Tooth sensitivity can start to happen when the softer, inner part of the tooth called 'dentine' becomes exposed. Dentine lies under the enamel and the gums.

    Thousands of microscopic channels run through the dentine towards the centre of the tooth. Once the dentine is exposed, external triggers (such as a cold drink) can stimulate the nerves inside the tooth, resulting in the characteristic short, sharp pain of tooth sensitivity.

    Only a dentist can confirm you have dentinal hypersensitivity. If you are experiencing any dental problems, always consult your dentist for advice.

    If you have dentinal hypersensitivity, you can help to minimise further exposure of dentine, care for your sensitive teeth and relieve the painful symptoms by making some simple changes to your daily oral care routine, and dietary habits.

    Talk to your dentist about the most suitable daily oral care routine for you. They can advise you on the best toothbrushing technique, how often, and when. If your tooth enamel is at risk of acid wear, ask your dentist for dietary advice, and how best to consume the many acidic foods and drinks in the modern diet.

    In addition, you can relieve the painful symptoms of tooth sensitivity by changing your regular toothpaste to a daily use toothpaste specially formulated to treat sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne.

  • Visiting Your Dentist

    We recommend that you visit your dentist every x months for regular dental check ups.

    If you experience any dental pain or discomfort, seek dental advice as soon as possible.

  • Tips on Toothbrushing

    Brushing overly aggressively or overly frequently can contribute to gum recession and wear your enamel. Over time receding gums and enamel loss can lead to exposed dentine and tooth sensitivity.

    It could be better for you to avoid brushing your teeth immediately after eating or drinking. Consider using a softer tooth brush. We recommend you ask your dentist for advice on the best toothbrushing technique for you.

  • Advice on Teeth Grinding

    If you know you grind your teeth, or if you feel discomfort in your teeth when you wake up in the morning, we recommend that you ask your dentist about this as soon as you can.

  • Whitening Treatment and Sensitivity

    Hydrogen peroxide, in the form of carbamide peroxide, is a tooth whitening ingredient which is known to cause sensitivity. Speak to your dentist about sensitivity if you are considering having teeth whitening treatment.

  • Avoiding Enamel Erosion

    Over time, acidic foods and drinks can cause your tooth enamel to wear down. These include fruit and fruit juices, carbonated drinks, black coffee or tea, wine and anything that tastes sharp, like ketchup or salad dressing.

    To help protect your teeth against acid erosion, talk to your dentist about how best to consume acidic food and drinks, and try Pronamel toothpaste.

Note - tooth sensitivity is unusual in children under 12 years of age. If you are concerned about your child's teeth, please consult a dentist for advice.