People with sensitive teeth should avoid acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, soda, vinegar, and wine, as they erode enamel. Rinse your mouth with water after consuming such items
Published Jun 24, 2025 | 7:00 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 24, 2025 | 7:08 AM
Tooth sensitivity. (iStock)
Synopsis: Tooth sensitivity can often be a sign of deeper dental issues, and it’s more common than you’d think. A doctor said it usually occurs due to deep dental caries, gum infections, or tooth surface loss caused by faulty brushing or long-term habits, such as chewing pan or frequent consumption of acidic beverages.
If you wince every time you sip your morning coffee or bite into ice cream, your teeth may be trying to tell you something serious. Tooth sensitivity — that sharp, sudden pain — can often be a sign of deeper dental issues, and it’s more common than you’d think.
Speaking to South First, Dr Ashwin D, Pedodontist from Kasaragod, explained, “Sensitivity is not a condition by itself but a symptom. It can happen for several reasons — most commonly due to deep dental caries, gum infections, or tooth surface loss caused by faulty brushing or long-term habits like chewing pan or frequent consumption of acidic beverages.”
He added that treatment depends on identifying the exact cause: “It could involve anti-sensitivity toothpaste, switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, treating underlying cavities, or scaling to manage gum disease. If someone is grinding their teeth at night — which can lead to sensitivity and TMJ pain — we often recommend using a night guard.”
Meanwhile, Dr Mohan R from Chaya Dental Clinic in Bengaluru said that people with tooth sensitivity must avoid acidic foods and drinks. Limit intake of citrus fruits, soda, vinegar, wine, etc, as the acid in these can erode enamel. Also, rinse your mouth with water after consuming.
Importantly, one must wait 30 minutes to brush after eating acidic foods. “Wait 30 minutes—acids temporarily soften enamel, and brushing immediately can worsen wear,” he added.
Dr Ashwin also addressed some traditional oral care methods. “People often use raw salt or charcoal to brush. These can be abrasive over time and damage enamel. But natural methods like chewing on mango leaves, cashew leaves, or neem sticks — or even biting sugarcane — don’t cause harm and may actually help maintain gum health.”
Another common desi remedy is placing cloves or garlic near the aching tooth. “These have mild anaesthetic properties and are generally safe as short-term pain relief,” said Dr Ashwin. While mild sensitivity can often be managed at home, persistent pain is a sign to see a dentist.
Dr Ashwin added, “It’s important to treat the root cause before it worsens. That occasional jab in your tooth could be the start of something more serious.”
Prevent sensitive teeth:
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
