Have you started avoiding cold foods and drinks because your teeth are feeling on edge? Maybe sweet things give teeth a zing too?

You’re not alone. Teeth sensitivity is a frequently asked question we get asked about.

There are several causes of teeth sensitivity, but a cause that seems to be popping up regularly for us to help with recently is due to electric toothbrush use.

Here are some easy, quick hacks to maximise teeth sparkle and minimise teeth ouch!

1. Press lightly

The harder you press the worse you’ll clean, the more sensitivity you’ll cause and the greater the risk of gum recession or damage you’ll experience. Because the toothbrush bristles won’t be able to move across your teeth surfaces freely

2. Ensure your toothbrush has enough power 

So it can move at the right speed to clean effectively without you needing to press harder

3. Avoid abrasive toothpastes 

Ingredients such as silicates, charcoal, pumice, some carbonate or phosphate salts in high concentrations or larger particle sizes can do huge damage over time especially when combined with an electric toothbrush. Avoid any paste that says “whitening” as it’s a misnomer for abrasive.

4. Clean one tooth at a time 

Hold the moving brush head on the tooth surface for about 2 seconds before moving to the next one. You don’t need to move your hand back and forward like you do with a manual brush

Want more tailored advice?

For more info about home oral care book an online consult with one of our dental practitioners

By Dr Christine May Principal Dentist of ViDe.

This information is of a general nature only and doesn’t replace specific personalised advice given to you by a health practitioner following a consultation.