There are several causes of Tooth Sensitivity.

Dental erosion, or the loss of tooth enamel, can cause sensitivity. Enamel is the hard outer coating of a tooth that protects the sensitive dentine underneath. If enamel is worn away or eroded, this dentine is left exposed which can lead to pain and sensitivity, which can be worsened with extreme temperatures.

• Erosion can be caused by your diet (frequent consumption of high sugar or high acid food or drink), tooth brushing habits (brushing too hard), tooth grinding, certain medical conditions and eating disorders.
• Receding gums expose soft cementum that covers the root. This wears away easily, exposing the dentine and causing sensitivity.

For top tips on protecting your enamel and for effective treatment of tooth sensitivity, come to the practice for a check-up and we will create an individualised care plan for you.

Brushing your teeth before you eat breakfast will help protect your tooth enamel compared to brushing after eating. If you prefer brushing after each meal, you may want to wait about 30-60 minutes so that you prevent the acid in the food from attacking your teeth.

It's best to floss before brushing your teeth.

Regular flossing will reduce gum disease and bad breath by removing plaque bacteria that forms along the gum margins and in between the teeth.

Bad breath is known as Halitosis. It can be caused by gum disease when sulphur releasing bacteria emit gases. It can also be present when there is a dental decay, dry mouth, smoking habit, tonsillitis and acid reflux. 

It is usually easily treated. The best way of avoiding bad breath is to keep your teeth, tongue and mouth clean.

• Brush your teeth and gums at least twice a day for two minutes
• Clean your tongue once a day using a tongue scraper or cleaner
• Clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss twice daily
• Visit your dentist for regular dental check-ups.
• Use antibacterial mouthwash

The key to healthy teeth is a combination of effective tooth brushing and a sugar free diet. It is best practice to bring your child for a check-up before their first birthday and continue to do so every year after.

Children 0-2 years

Clean teeth with a soft toothbrush or gauze

Children aged 2+

Brush teeth twice daily using a pea sized amount of adult fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1200 ppm fluoride.

• Avoid/ limit sugary foods and snacks. 
• Drink plenty of water, avoid fizzy drinks and sweetened juices.
• If taking sugary snacks and drinks, use a straw and have at meal times. Avoid snacking in between meals. Limit the number of snacks.