Avoid the following when you have sensitive teeth:
- A toothbrush that is too hard
- Rinsing your mouth out with cold water
- Anything acidic: citrus fruits and juices, mouthwashes that are too acidic, pickles, sodas, tea, tomatoes, vinegar-based products
- Foods and beverages that are either too hot or too cold
- Sugary foods, if that is a trigger for you
- Breathing cold air in through your mouth if you can breathe through your nose or a scarf instead
- Chewing on hard objects including but not limited to ice, nails, unpopped popcorn kernels, pencils
- Choosing to use your teeth as a bottle opener, staple remover, pair of scissors, or any other toos you may be missing unless it is a life-or-death emergency
- Regular, whitening, or tartar-control toothpaste—choose a toothpaste for sensitive teeth instead
- Choosing not to brush and floss on a regular basis because it hurts
- Too much teeth whitening
- Gnashing your teeth in frustration
- Not seeing your dentist for regular check-ups