Sensitive Teeth
Do you experience pain in your teeth when biting into food? What about when eating something sweet? Mild tooth sensitivity is likely a result of porous dentine, and can be treated with a sensitive toothpaste, whereas severe sensitivity may be a sign of something more serious.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Your teeth are coated in an enamel shell which protects the nerves and blood vessels underneath. Unfortunately, prolonged exposure to acid can compromise this protective layer. If you eat a lot of acidic foods such as sour lollies, citric fruits, and fizzy drinks you may notice sharp pain when your teeth come into contact with cold temperatures.
You may also notice sensitivity when decay is present, as this can also expose the nerves under the dentine. With this type of exposure your teeth can react to sweetness as well as temperature, and the pain may linger for a while afterwards.
When to be concerned about sensitive teeth?
If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity it is best to have it checked out by a dentist. A dentist will be able to advise you if treatment is necessary or if there needs to be any adjustments to your lifestyle and home care. X-rays and visual inspection help to confirm whether the sensitivity is caused by erosion or decay. Sometimes, if the sensitivity to temperature is very severe, this can be a sign that decay has penetrated deep into the tooth, and it may now require root canal treatment. Not everyone experiences this symptom however, so regular visits with the dentist are crucial to protecting your oral health.
What can be done about sensitive teeth?
If your sensitivity is a result of erosion, your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of action. However, here are some handy tips that everyone should know:
- Reduce acidic food/drink intake
Erosion is caused by acid, so the less acid you consume the less erosion will occur. Citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, and coffee are some of the biggest culprits of acidity in our diets. You don’t need to cut these out completely, but it is a good idea to have acidic foods less frequently. If you are going have something acidic, make sure to drink plenty of water afterwards.
- Try a sensitive toothpaste
Sensitive toothpastes are available at supermarkets and are designed to help restore compromised enamel. It is best to use a sensitive toothpaste twice a day every day as the effect is not permanent. You can also use sensitive toothpaste like a topical ointment. Simply rub the toothpaste on the tooth for more effective relief.
- Try enamel building products
If you have compromised enamel, your dentist may recommend a product to use at home to help build it up again. These products contain the same minerals your enamel is built out of, and work with your saliva to help restore your dentine. These products can only be prescribed by a dentist, so if you have sensitive teeth make sure to discuss this with your dentist at your next visit.
If you are concerned about sensitive teeth, contact our team to find out how we can help.
