'Prevention is better than the cure' applies to a lot of things, including sensitive teeth. Once teeth become sensitive the damage to them has already been done and it may only be a matter of time before you need to visit the dentist to have work done. Here are some tips on how to prevent sensitive teeth so that each dentist appointment you have is a happy one.

Before you learn how to prevent sensitive teeth it's important to learn how they occur in the first place. For whatever reason, the hard enamel coating that surround the inside (or 'dentin') of a tooth can be worn away and leave the sensitive part of the tooth exposed. Similarly, when gums recede they can leave the tooth root exposed which also causes pain. When the tooth is exposed to hot, cold, sweet and bitter foods it reacts and can either cause a quick burst of pain or hours of discomfort that is almost unbearable.

There are a few possible causes and therefore things you should avoid in order to prevent sensitive teeth, with the first one being over brushing. This might be brushing too hard or too often, but also brushing in the wrong way; only from side to side instead of in tiny circles as recommended by dentists. Try to choose a medium strength toothbrush too as strong ones only increase the likelihood that you will over brush. Secondly, not brushing your teeth on a regular basis can cause a whole heap of problems, not just sensitive teeth but periodontitis, gingivitis and tooth decay. It's recommended that you brush two to three times per day, preferably after meals. If you find yourself wanting to brush your teeth a lot more than this then it may be worth having chewing gum to get that fresh feeling, clean the plaque from your teeth but avoid over brushing at the same time.

One of the biggest causes of acid erosion, which in turn causes wearing away of the tooth enamel, is eating acidic foods. These might be citrus fruits, alcohol, fizzy drinks and vinegar. It's a good idea to chew gum or brush lightly after eating or drinking any of these things, but obviously this is quite a difficult one to remember.

One way to prevent sensitive teeth actually involves one of the cures for it; using toothpaste for sensitive teeth. This is usually a little more expensive than normal toothpaste but after a fortnight of regular use you should start to see a difference. Remember that this toothpaste works by building up your enamel and strengthening your gums, so don't expect overnight miracles. If you're unsure of what brand to buy then visit your dentist who will give you recommendations and also show you the best way to brush your teeth so that you remove all the plaque.

Do be sensible with brushing your teeth; if you've forgotten or been unable to for a day then don't go overboard and brush extra hard to make up for it. The point is to keep your teeth clean and safe from erosion of the enamel, so brush lightly but well with a good sensitive toothpaste and you should remain sensitivity free.

Stan Tian

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