• Improper heavy handed brushing of the teeth. It is estimated that 50-90% of people brush with too much pressure. Over weeks, months and years of brushing they remove significant gum tissue exposing the tooth roots.
• Poor oral hygiene can lead to plaque build-up around teeth and gums. Over time this plaque hardens into tartar. Bacteria in this tartar are responsible for the gingivitis and periodontal disease that cause gum recession

The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is to keep the gums from receding. Reducing the pressure we use to brush our teeth helps tremendously. The problem with this is that our tooth brushing is an unconsciously ingrained habit reinforced after decades of brushing and therefore nearly impossible to change. We advise people to use an advanced electric toothbrushes (plaque remover) like the Braun 3D Excel or Sonicare. These toothbrushes feature pressure sensors that stop the brush when you apply too much pressure. Another option is the Alert toothbrush, (part of our Sensitive Teeth Kit) which activates a warning light when you brush too hard.

Preventing gingivitis and periodontal disease with proper oral hygiene is also crucial in preventing gum recession. Remember, it takes 2 to 3 minutes to properly brush all your tooth surfaces. Most people spend less than 45 seconds leaving areas untouched where plaque and tartar can build up. Flossing is crucial in order to reach the 35% of the tooth surfaces where brushing can not reach.

What can you do once you already experience sensitive teeth ? Sensitivity toothpastes containing potassium nitrate can also help reduce tooth sensitivity. Sensodyne is the #1 Dentist recommended toothpaste for sensitive teeth and is part of the our Sensitive teeth Kit. These toothpastes desensitize the tooth nerve directly. Treating teeth with fluoride mouthwashes also can help reduce tooth sensitivity.

After a few weeks of use the sensitivity usually goes away. Unfortunately, the same heavy handed brushing which caused the sensitivity in the first place can brush away the pore covers created by the toothpaste. This will cause sensitivity to return. For this reason, we suggest that people use the Alert toothbrush while using sensitivity toothpastes. This combination is found in our Sensitive teeth Kit

Additionally, highly acidic foods (citrus, soda pop, tea) can increase sensitivity and work against the sensitivity toothpaste.

A major advance in treatment has been the introduction of sensitivity toothpastes containing strontium chloride. These products, like Sensodyne and a host of others, coax the minerals in your saliva to crystallize and cover the pores in your exposed roots so that cold stimuli can not reach the tooth nerve.

If you cannot get relief by brushing gently and using sensitivity toothpaste, your dentist has several options for relief. Your dentist can use "oxalate" compounds that, when rubbed on the root, will reduce if not eliminate the sensitivity. Many dentists prescribe high fluoride content mouthwashes which can help reduce tooth sensitivity. Dentists may also apply "bonding agents" to close the pores of the tooth root.