Why are my teeth sensitive?

Symptoms: Your teeth are sensitive to hot and cold foods. You’ve always been slack on oral hygiene.

You’ve had sensitive teeth for years.

The dentist says there’s nothing wrong with them. You grind your teeth at night.

Your teeth have been gradually getting more and more sensitive to hot, cold and sweetness. You’re obsessive about cleaning your teeth and use a stiff-bristled brush to make sure they’re clean.

It could be:

Receding gums, usually the result of poor oral hygiene with pockets of infection around the gum margins causing them to swell and scar, exposing the sensitive part of the tooth.

You’re a “teeth grinder”, wearing off the protective enamel and exposing the sensitive dentine underneath.

Over-brushing which has worn away the protective enamel from the surface of your teeth leaving the sensitive dentine exposed.

Stop it:

See your dentist for an assessment. Start cleaning your teeth after every meal, use fine interdental brushes to clean debris from between your teeth and use a mouthwash such as Corsodyl to get rid of any infection.

See your dentist who will make you a mouth guard to wear at night so your grinding will no longer damage the surface of your teeth.

Change to a softer toothbrush. You might even try a soft-bristled electric toothbrush and ensure your mouth is clean with interdental brushes to clean out the crevices between your teeth. Carry them with you at all times.