We all feel a hot or cold sensation in our mouths when eating an ice cream or hot soup, but for people who suffer with teeth sensitivity, the pain can be uncomfortable enough to put them off eating ice cream for life – unthinkable!
Recent reports reveal that tooth sensitivity is on the rise, and this is something that Dr Jeremy Bywater, has seen first-hand: ‘Tooth sensitivity is definitely increasing within the population. There are several factors which can be blamed for this increase, including an upsurge in acidic food and drinks in diets, gum recession, reflux, or incorrect brushing wearing away the enamel.’
Sensitivity prevention
So how do we prevent and treat the uncomfortable and painful sensitivity many of us experience? Here, Dr Bywater shares some surprising information about the cause of sensitive teeth and how we can prevent it in our everyday lifestyle, without needing to book that emergency appointment at the dentist!
- Choose the right toothpaste –Tooth sensitivity is largely caused when enamel becomes thinner over time. Without the tooth’s protective enamel layer, microscopic pores within the dentine that lead straight to the tooth’s nerve become exposed, leading to pain and sensitivity. Once the dentine has become exposed, using specialist toothpastes that are formulated to treat the pain of sensitive teeth, can help minimise the symptoms. There are many sensitive toothpastes on the market that can provide daily protection against the pain of tooth sensitivity, while fluoride helps to strengthen and rebuild the enamel. Whitening toothpastes are more abrasive to remove stains but can also wear away mineral so should only be used occasionally and for short term.
- Restrict acidic food and drink to meal times –Anything which is fizzy or sour is acidic and will affect erode tooth making it more sensitive. This includes fizzy water, many fruit, & fruit juices – including wine! By restricting these foods to mealtimes, you will be chewing and producing saliva which will buffer the acid. If not at a meal time have a swish and swallow with water, or use mouthwash or sugard free gum afterwards. Don’t brush your teeth for at least 30 mins afterwards while the teeth are still weakened. If the sensitivity is severe it may be necessary to eliminate most acidic foods and beverages for up to two weeks. Also avoid any foods which cause heartburn as this is acid coming back up from the stomach. For many this is caused by greasy or spicy foods or eating late in the evening.
- Avoid brushing in a back and forth scrubbing motion –incorrect brushing can wear away enamel, causing our teeth to become more sensitive to temperature. When brushing your teeth, thoroughness is essential but make sure that this does not stray into aggressive scrubbing territory!
- Use a soft brush – preferably one designed for sensitive teeth
- Move the toothbrush in small circles gently massaging the gum line; do not ‘saw’ back and forth
- If you’re squashing the bristles it is a sign you’re brushing too hard.
- After brushingSPIT BUT DON’T RINSE, you’ll get more benefit from the mineral in the toothpaste if it is not rinsed off straight away.
- Don’t brush a sensitive tooth aside –Tooth decay, gum disease, and cracked teeth are all factors that can lead to sensitive teeth. Although it may seem obvious to visit the dentist as soon as you notice a slightly unusual tooth, it is easy enough to forget about the problem in the already busy day you had planned. However, it is important to remember that a small dental problem will turn into a bigger one if it isn’t sorted promptly and the longer the tooth is left untreated, the worse the problem will get! If severe you may get short term relief by painting a sensitive toothpaste of tooth mousse onto the sensitive tooth several times a day, and a small amount of oil or cloves dabbed onto the surface can also help, but be careful not to soak the soft tissues as essential oils can burn.
- Tell your dentist about your sensitivity when you have other treatments –It is important to establish the cause of tooth sensitivity prior to tooth whitening (or other treatments) but having sensitive teeth does not preclude you from whitening treatment. Sensitive teeth may benefit from pre-treatment with remineralising products or the in-house whitening procedure which incorporates nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) to reduce sensitivity.
If you have any questions or would like to book a consultation, please call us on 09 4861605, or email us here!
