Teeth Sensitivity

Teeth sensitivity can occur for several reasons, they may include:

Recession - can be a result of the gum migrating up / down the tooth. This can be caused by gum disease or vigorous brushing.

The two main aims to prevent gum recession are:

a. to reduce recession, use a soft bristled toothbrush, a less abrasive toothpaste, brushing in a light circular action angling the bristles of the toothbrush into to the gums, rather than hard back and forth action. Hold the toothbrush like a pen using little force rather than a firm grasp.

We recommend electric toothbrushes

b.To reduce the sensitivity use a toothpaste specially designed for sensitivity. This type of toothpaste doesn't contain an abrasive, so it is gentle on your teeth. For very sensitive teeth, place a pea-sized drop of toothpaste on the tip of your finger and rub over the area of recession, leaving the toothpaste to dissipate on its own accord. Having the paste in contact with the tooth for the longer period of time will encourage the paste to work more effectively.

Toothbrush Abrasions - Are also caused again by vigorous brushing that wears the gum away and also wear ridges into the tooth, resulting in exposed sensitive tubules.

The abrasions may require

• A special tooth colour covering to repair the scrubbed tooth, replacing the enamel destroyed by vigorous brushing.
• Changing the technique of brushing (An electric toothbrush)
• Use of a sensitive type toothpaste