Spring is here — and with it the braais, ice creams, crunchy snacks and sparkling drinks that make South African life taste so good. For millions of people, though, those pleasures come with a wince: tooth sensitivity. Sensodyne’s new Clinical Repair toothpaste, launched at the recent DStv Delicious Festival, aims to change that — and dentists say a few smart habits will help you keep enjoying flavours without the sting.
This is the piece you need before your next braai, sundowner or weekend dessert run: short, science-backed, and full of practical moves to protect your smile.
Why sensitivity isn’t just annoying — it’s common
Sensodyne’s festival activation highlighted an uncomfortable truth: sensitivity is widespread. A recent Sensodyne survey quoted at the DStv Delicious launch found many South Africans avoid cold or crunchy foods because of sensitivity — a reality that affects social moments, not just dental health. Sensodyne’s Clinical Repair uses 5% NovaMin™ technology, a bioactive mineral formulation that starts to form a protective layer over dentine within two minutes of brushing. Clinical studies show NovaMin-containing formulations reduce hypersensitivity in as little as two weeks, and the product is positioned as a fast-acting, continuing-repair daily toothpaste.
Short version: the science works, and the lifestyle payoff is real — fewer twinges, more bites.
5 practical tips — so you can taste without the sting
1) Be mindful of trigger foods (don’t panic — pair, don’t purge).
Citrus, fizzy drinks and sour sweets are classic enamel eroders and sensitivity triggers. You don’t have to ban them: enjoy them at mealtimes and pair them with water or a dairy item (yoghurt, milk) to help neutralise acids and reduce exposure.
2) Don’t rush to brush after acid.
After an acidic meal or drink, your enamel is briefly softened. Wait at least one hour before brushing so the surface can reharden — otherwise you risk polishing away more enamel. Rinsing with water immediately after the meal helps in the meantime. (This is standard dental guidance supported by clinicians.) Haleon Health Partner
3) Go easy on temperature extremes.
Very cold milkshakes, hot coffee or frozen desserts trigger pain when dentine is exposed. If your teeth are sensitive, temper your exposures: smaller sips, slower bites, or try buffered pairings (a sip of milk after the ice cream) to reduce shock to the tooth. Sensodyne Clinical Repair is formulated to form a durable layer over teeth, helping you face cold and heat with more confidence. Sensodyne
4) Make smart swaps and smart sips.
When sipping carbonated drinks, use a straw and swallow rather than swish. Choose whole fruit over fruit juices (more fibre, less free acid) and snack on cheese or nuts between sweet courses — they buffer acid and stimulate saliva, your mouth’s natural defence.
5) Upgrade your daily routine: use a repairing toothpaste.
A toothpaste formulated for sensitivity — like Sensodyne Clinical Repair with 5% NovaMin™ — helps rebuild protection. The brand’s clinical data and SEM images show NovaMin forming a mineral layer that occludes dentine tubules (the microscopic channels that transmit sensations), and users see measurable relief over days and strengthening over weeks with continued use. Replace whitening-only pastes with a targeted repair formula if sensitivity is a problem.
Quick Q&A — expert voice from Sensodyne (local spokesperson)
We spoke with Mamabua Molepo, Sensodyne spokesperson, who framed the issue simply: “Food is about joy, connection, and culture. Too many people let sensitivity steal those moments. With Clinical Repair, we’re showing that oral health isn’t just medical — it’s about freedom, confidence, and lifestyle.” Sensodyne’s festival activation included hands-on demos — the “Face the Freeze” ice-cream challenge and a Clinical Repair Lab — to show festivalgoers how fast the toothpaste starts working.
The tech explained — what NovaMin actually does
NovaMin is a bioactive glass (calcium sodium phosphosilicate) originally developed for bone repair. In toothpaste form it releases calcium and phosphate ions on contact with saliva and forms a mineral layer similar to natural tooth mineral. Sensodyne’s Clinical Repair uses a 5% NovaMin concentration and fluoride to both occlude exposed dentine tubules (reducing pain transmission) and to strengthen enamel over time. Multiple clinical trials report reduced sensitivity with continued NovaMin use over weeks.
When to see your dentist
If sensitivity is new, severe, or accompanied by swelling, persistent pain, or visible chips and wear, book a dental check-up. Sensitivity can signal enamel erosion, gum recession, cracks or cavities — all of which benefit from professional assessment and targeted treatment beyond toothpaste alone.
Where to find Clinical Repair in South Africa
Sensodyne Clinical Repair is now available in major South African retailers and pharmacies. At the DStv Delicious Festival Sensodyne invited attendees to try the product and join the #14DayClinicalRepairChallenge to document reduced sensitivity with regular use. Check major pharmacy listings or Sensodyne ZA social channels for local availability and promotions.
Final bite: enjoy the season — and protect the smile that enjoys it
Spring in South Africa is a social feast — from braais to beachfront ice creams. With a small set of habit changes and a repairing toothpaste in your daily routine, you don’t have to choose between indulgence and dental health. Start by swapping your paste for one with NovaMin, wait an hour before brushing after acidic treats, and use the five tips above to keep your smile fearless. After all, food is culture — and you deserve to taste it without the sting.
