Ways to avoid tooth sensitivity

Do you feel a twinge of discomfort when you crunch down a cube of ice or experience excruciating pain after having a sip of hot tea or coffee?
If yes, you have sensitive teeth. Teeth become sensitive when a nerve is exposed. When a tooth cracks due to worn-off enamel or gums recede, the nerves are exposed, leading to extra-sensitive teeth. Here are a few ways to avoid aggravation:
Watch what you drink and eat.Avoid eating acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis as they can cause your enamel to erode. Minimise intake of soda, wine, coffee, energy drinks and fruit juice. Consume tomatoes and citrus fruits in moderation. If you crave for something acidic, drink through a straw to minimise exposure, afterwards, rinse your mouth with water to neutralise the pH. Wait 30 minutes before brushing.
Calcium is the prime mineral for preventing tooth problems. Dairy products are a great source of calcium, along with veggies like broccoli, nuts and almonds.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Harder brushes can contribute to receding gums, which expose dentin – the tissue that forms the core of each tooth. It can lead to pain.
Opt for a desensitising toothpaste instead of a normal one and a mouth rinse that contains stannous fluoride. Their special formula blocks the tubes in the teeth that are connected to nerves, reducing the pain.
Brush your teeth with the right technique. Brushing in a back-and-forth motion can cause receding gums. Instead, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and brush in a circular motion. Never apply too much pressure.
A sensitive tooth may be irritated if you brush with cold water. So swish with warm water. Hot water is a no-no.
Do not go for any whitening treatments as they contain abrasive ingredients that increase tooth sensitivity and cause pain, especially when used too often. Whiten up no more than once in six months.
— An initiative by Sensodyne and The Times of India