The dentist of the Clinical Innovation and Care Quality Team of Sanitas Dental, Victoria Cartaya, and the medical director of Sanitas Mayores, Dr. Miriam Piqueras, point out that, to reduce the occurrence of dental sensitivity, it is key to "reduce the frequency of acidic drinks and avoid immediate brushing after consuming them."
In this regard, they remind that "sodas, energy drinks, citrus juices, or lemon water erode enamel if consumed repeatedly," so they advise moderating their intake. In their opinion, "it is preferable to concentrate their consumption at specific moments, drink water afterward, and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing."
Cartaya and Piqueras also recommend not subjecting the teeth to sudden temperature changes in a short time, as alternating a very cold drink with hot food "can increase the painful response in sensitive teeth and promote microcracks or discomfort in already vulnerable teeth." They also consider it essential to "use soft-bristled toothbrushes, fluoridated toothpaste, and review the brushing technique."
Among the preventive guidelines, they insist on "not starting whitening treatments without professional assessment," since "poorly indicated or excessively repeated whitening products increase sensitivity and can irritate teeth and gums." Additionally, they recommend "consulting the dentist if sensitivity appears suddenly, persists, or is localized in a specific tooth."
The specialists emphasize that these recommendations are especially important in summer, when heat waves and very high temperatures combine with habits such as consuming very cold drinks, eating ice cream, or moving from hot spaces to air-conditioned rooms. These thermal contrasts, they explain, can cause brief and sharp pangs in those who already have dental sensitivity.
High prevalence of dental sensitivity in Spain
According to the 'Sanitas Oral Health Study 2026', dental sensitivity is among the most common oral health problems in the Spanish population, with a prevalence of 37.5 percent. This discomfort is often linked to enamel wear or gum recession, situations that expose the dentin and facilitate the arrival of thermal, chemical, or tactile stimuli to the nerve.
Cartaya clarifies that "temperature does not cause dental sensitivity by itself, but acts as a trigger when the tooth already has a vulnerable area," and specifies that "worn enamel, receded gums, a cavity, a crack, or a recent dental treatment can facilitate the passage of the stimulus." He adds that "if, in addition, there is bruxism, aggressive brushing, acid erosion, or the use of whiteners without supervision, discomfort appears more easily."
In the case of older people, both experts urge to exercise extreme vigilance, as it is more common to find receded gums, old restorations, significant wear, root cavities, or dry mouth associated with medications or chronic conditions. They remind that "saliva helps protect the mouth, neutralize acids, wash away food debris, and maintain the balance of the oral cavity, so its decrease leaves the teeth more exposed to discomfort, cavities, and infections."
Piqueras emphasizes that "in the older population, sensitivity that did not exist before should not be automatically attributed to age," since, at times, "it sometimes reveals changes in the gums, loss of enamel, root cavities, or sustained dryness." In his opinion, "detecting it in time allows for adjusting hygiene, reviewing treatments, and preventing a seemingly minor discomfort from affecting diet or daily oral care."
Finally, Cartaya stresses that dental sensitivity "has treatment when the cause is well identified," and details that "in some cases, it is enough with a desensitizing paste with fluoride, potassium nitrate, or stannous fluoride, or with a professional application of fluoride"; while "in others, it is necessary to treat a receded gum, a cavity, a crack, or a deteriorated restoration." He concludes that "the review, whether in person or through a video consultation when appropriate, helps distinguish a specific discomfort from a problem that needs clinical attention."