5 ways to stop “pangingilo” from ruining your foodie adventures

The post-millennial generation has a strong relationship with food. They spend more money on dining experiences than any other category, such as clothing, concerts, and gadgets. Unfortunately, one dental problem can ruin this for the Gen-Z foodies: tooth sensitivity or pangingilo.

Many Filipinos have experienced pangingilo. But a study by Sensodyne showed that 2 out of 5 young adults aged 18 to 25 years old[1] now experience the onset of pangingilo. Those who suffer from it describe the pain in different ways: a sharp, stabbing pain like nails running down a blackboard or like being stabbed by needles. These are all triggered by eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet food. However, many are unaware that pangingilo is a problem that needs to be taken seriously. Over 70% of people who suffer from tooth sensitivity say that this has taken the joy out of eating and drinking.

Whether you wish to prevent pangingilo, or if you are diagnosed with dentine hypersensitivity, the key is to incorporate good habits into your daily oral health routine. Dentist-recommended Sensodyne toothpaste shares tips to help care for sensitive teeth.

1. Practice good oral hygiene. Brushing regularly can help prevent conditions, such as enamel wear and gum recession, that can lead to sensitivity. Eighty-seven percent of Filipinos are suffering from dental caries while 48.3% have gum diseases. These common dental concerns can be prevented through regular and proper tooth brushing and flossing[2].

• Don’t brush too hard or too often. Brushing overly aggressively or more frequently than what your dentist recommends can contribute to receding gums and wear of tooth enamel. Over time, this can lead to exposed dentine and tooth sensitivity.

• Use a softer toothbrush. The hardness of your toothbrush also has an impact on tooth wear. Although harder and firm bristles may slightly remove more plaque, it is recommended by the Philippine Dental Association to use toothbrush with soft bristles[3]. This can help reduce the effects of aggressive brushing and help protect your teeth’s enamel.    

• Use sensitivity toothpaste. Brushing twice daily with a specially formulated sensitivity toothpaste with fluoride, like those in the Sensodyne range, is one of the most effective ways to manage tooth sensitivity. Its latest Rapid Relief variant has been clinically proven to give relief on the first brush, when brushed for at least 1 minute.

Sensodyne Rapid Relief’s key ingredient is stannous fluoride, which blocks the exposed dentine tubules. It also builds a gel-like scaffold to keep the stannous fluoride in place to prevent it from being washed away in the mouth. Because of the technology, Sensodyne Rapid Relief can work fast and provide long-lasting protection.

• Visit the dentist regularly. Make an appointment with your dentist and talk about the best oral hygiene routine for you, which includes best tooth brushing technique, how frequent and how long.

Continue to experience the joys of eating and bonding with your friends and families, now equipped with the right knowledge on how to manage and treat your sensitive teeth.

Sensodyne Rapid Relief retails at P208 and is available at leading stores nationwide. For more information on how to care for your sensitive teeth, visit sensodyne.com.ph.

[1] West NX et al. J Dent 2013;41:841-851

[2] Department of Health

[3] SunStar; DOH 7 holds dental mission, lectures in public schools