In summertime, it is quite common to have some ice-cream, smoothies, milkshakes and many other cold drinks. In most of the cases, these drinks produce teeth sensitivity, which causes a sharp pain due to dentine exposure to external stimulus – such as cold drinks. 67% of the overall population has teeth sensitivity to cold drinks and meals, although there are many other variations (to sugary drinks or snacks, to hot drinks or even to cold air).

Don’t forget to visit your dentist: teeth sensitivity can be related to other factors: tooth decay, gum disease, eroded tooth enamel, broken or chipped teeth.

Change your diet: you shall avoid any sugary or cold drink/food that may debilitate tooth enamel or increase teeth sensitivity.

Avoid all bad habits: cutting food with your teeth, using toothpicks, teeth clenching or heavy biting and chewing, among others.

Take care of your oral health: use dental floss after brushing your teeth and change your normal toothpaste for another more specific, such as sensitivity toothpastes.

Watch out for whitening toothpastes: its excessive usage can debilitate tooth enamel and cause teeth sensitivity. In the case of toothbrushes, it is advisable to use a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoid its excessive usage, but using dental floss instead.

Use mouthwash: fluoride toothpastes or mouthwashes can help to reduce teeth sensitivity.

What to do if the pain persists for more than one minute: in this case, you should visit the dentist. A fluoride treatment or coating your teeth with porcelain veneers can largely reduce teeth sensitivity.