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Causes of Sensitivity
Causes of Sensitivity
What is Enamel Wear?
Enamel is the hard outermost surface of the tooth. Although it's harder than any other substance in the body, over time it can gradually wear away causing teeth to appear yellow and dull. Enamel wear can also lead to tooth sensitivity.
Enamel wear can be caused by:
Tooth Grinding
Do you grind your teeth, either at night or during the day? If so, you may be wearing down the enamel, which over time can expose the underlying dentine.
Tooth Brushing
If you brush too frequently or too hard, eventually your tooth enamel may be worn away or you could develop receding gums.
To prevent this ask your dentist or hygienist for advice on the best tooth brushing technique and oral hygiene routine for you, and try using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Acid Erosion
Over time, acidic foods and drinks can cause your tooth enamel to wear down - this is called acid erosion. Acidic foods and drinks include fruit and fruit juices, carbonated drinks, black coffee or tea, wine, and anything that tastes sharp such as ketchup or salad dressing. As few as four acidic 'challenges' throughout the day can put your enamel at risk from acid erosion, also known as acid wear. If your tooth enamel is at risk of acid erosion, talk to your dentist or hygienist:
- Ask for advice on the best tooth brushing technique and oral hygiene routine for you
- Ask for dietary advice, and how best to help protect your teeth against the effects of acid erosion.
- Brush twice a day with Pronamel, which has an optimised fluoride formulation that is clinically proven to help protect enamel from acid erosion.
Tip: Your dentist can spot the early signs of tooth wear so it's important to go for regular dental check ups. If you think you might be at risk of enamel wear, talk to your dentist.
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