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What is sensitivity?
If you have sensitive teeth, you’ll probably experience occasional discomfort or pain when eating or drinking cold, hot or acidic food, or when you brush your teeth. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, and there is no reason to suffer. Twice-daily brushing with Sensodyne can prevent sensitivity while controlling plaque and protecting your teeth.
Sensitivity isn’t necessarily a sign of weak teeth. Nor is it necessarily a result of aging or your inherited genes, and it doesn’t mean your teeth are about to fall out. Underneath the protective enamel coating of teeth is a highly porous layer called dentine. Once dentine becomes exposed, the nerve in the centre of the tooth becomes susceptible to stimuli and responds with a short sharp pain. Dentine can become exposed through 2 main routes:
- Acid Erosion – acids in our everyday diet can soften the enamel coating of the teeth. This enamel is then susceptible to being worn away by brushing, which over time, can expose the dentin. Acidic foods and drinks include fruits, juices, ketchup and sodas (including diet drinks).
- Gum Recession – this can be caused by over-vigorous toothbrushing or poor brushing which can also lead to gum disease. Gum recession can lead to exposing the sensitive dentin in the neck of the tooth.
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