Sensitive teeth make brushing feel like a punishment, so people brush less, and the sensitivity gets worse. Five small changes our hygienists swear by break the circle.
In this article
Change 1
Hard bristles wear the gum back and expose the root, which is where most sensitivity starts. Choose a brush marked soft or extra soft, and replace it every three months.
Change 2
Hold the brush like a pen, not a hammer. If the bristles splay after a few weeks, you are pressing too hard.
Brush gently twice a day and the sting usually fades within a month.
Change 3
Use it for two weeks before you judge it. Spit, do not rinse, so it stays on the teeth.
A varnish for sensitive teeth can be added at any check-up.
Change 4
Coffee, fruit and fizzy drinks soften the surface for a while. Wait half an hour before you brush.
Change 5
If it still stings, mention it at your check-up and clean, $95. A varnish takes two minutes and often helps for months.
Try it
Put the word sensitive in the notes box when you book and we will bring the varnish to the chair.
