What does tooth sensitivity really feel like?

WATCH OUR NEW VIDEO TO FIND OUT HOW REAL SENSITIVITY SUFFERERS DESCRIBE THEIR DISCOMFORT AND HOW IT CAN BE PROTECTED WITH SENSODYNE RAPID RELIEF

People describe the discomfort of sensitivity in lots of different ways. The sufferers describe it as a sharp, stabbing sensation, like brain freeze, nails on a blackboard and needles.  One thing is clear: it is an intensely unpleasant sensation. 1

Most people will describe sensitivity as a short, sharp sensation that they get after having something hot or cold or something sweet. But this physical discomfort is just the beginning of the story when it comes to the impact of sensitivity. 4

No one likes discomfort, but despite as many as 1 in 3 people experiencing sensitivity, only 1 in 3 act on the problem,² with most finding other ways to cope with it instead, like avoiding certain food and drinks, drinking through a reusable straw or putting their tongue over their teeth to protect them. While these might help to avoid discomfort, sensitivity may still have a big impact on quality of life. 4

As part of the Sensodyne campaign film, sufferers explained some of the ways tooth sensitivity impacts their lives.

All the participants said they avoided the food and drink that they know triggers their sensitivity.

It’s clear that the discomfort of sensitivity isn’t something you can ignore.

DISCOMFORT IS JUST THE START

With dentine hypersensitivity the discomfort is just the start. It’s like the bit of grit in your shoe. It’s only a little thing, but a little thing can cause ripples right through your life.

This discomfort is highly relevant from the sufferer's perspective and may adversely impact the quality of life. 4

People talk about avoiding ice cream and cold drinks, about avoiding going out. Somebody had even put off going on holiday because it was cold weather. 1

The issue is that many people have got so used to coping with their sensitivity that they have no idea that there are simple and effective ways to treat this problem. A lot of people don’t even mention it because they’ve got so used to having it and managing the pain of sensitivity. 1

HELPS BEAT SENSITIVITY FAST

However, it’s important to get your teeth checked by a dentist if you experience short sharp sensations due to tooth sensitivity. A dental professional can identify if there is a more serious cause, but if dentine hypersensitivity is diagnosed, the good news is it’s easy to treat.

If a sufferer is diagnosed with dentine hypersensitivity, this is not something they should have to put up with. People think there is nothing they can do about it, but there is. 1

To help, Sensodyne Rapid Relief provides sufferers with a quick, simple and effective way to address their tooth sensitivity. Better still, it offers quick sensitivity protection, helping beat sensitivity fast and deliver ongoing protection with every brush.

LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST

If you’re among the 1 in 3 people who experience sensitive teeth or one of the sufferers who say sensitivity takes the pleasure out of eating and drinking, Sensodyne Rapid Relief is the simple solution to sensitivity.

So, the next time you wince, or find yourself saying no to your favourite foods and drinks in an attempt to avoid the discomfort of tooth sensitivity, ask yourself if there might be a quick and easy solution.

* All the sufferers featured were encouraged to visit their own dentist as part of their participation in the SENSODYNE Faces of Sensitivity Project and consented and agreed to help SENSODYNE provide educational material for the benefit of raising awareness of what tooth sensitivity is.
1 :The everyday impact of dentine sensitivity: personal and functional aspects by :  B Gibson , O V Boiko , S Baker , P G Robinson , A Barlow , T Player , D Locker
2 : Sensodyne Rapid Relief Global Key Messages
3 : Do you have to live with sensitivity? campaign chapter film
4 : The Impact of Dentine Hypersensitivity on the Quality of Life: An Overview David G Gillam* Oral Bioengineering Institute of Dentistry Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry QMUL, London EA1 2AD, UK.