Most dental pain or discomfort is associated with tooth decay. As cavities form and bacteria enters the tooth, the nerves begin to send messages to our brain and a toothache soon follows. Often these start off relatively mildly, progressing as time goes on and the cavity becomes larger. In most cases, a filling can be used to restore a tooth affected in this way and naturally, the sooner we get to see a patient with this problem, the less extensive the treatment is likely to be.
A toothache isn’t the only type of pain or discomfort that patients can feel though. One common one which some might think is not too serious is when we feel a sharp sensation when we eat or drink hot or cold foods or drinks. This can be fairly minor or can cause the person to wince in sudden pain. Let us take a look at what causes sensitive teeth then and how we can help you at the 103 Dental and Implant Practice.
While some people have thinner tooth enamel than others, due to inherited genes, in the vast majority of cases, teeth sensitivity is caused by damage to the enamel in one way or another.
The first of these is when a crack appears in the enamel surface. Sometimes, these are largely cosmetic and don’t compromise the enamel at all, and, in some cases, are barely visible. If you do notice that your teeth are becoming sensitive do have them checked out. Not only could a small crack be causing this problem but also increases the likelihood of tooth decay in the future.
One of the most common causes of this problem though is enamel erosion; where the tooth enamel is worn away. This can happen for a number of reasons including a malocclusion where the teeth don’t meet together as they should and causes premature wearing. Over zealous brushing of the teeth can also wear the enamel down. Increasingly though, the main reason for enamel erosion these days is the consumption of foods and especially drinks that are high in acids. Soft fizzy drinks and sports, or energy, drinks are particular culprits for doing this. Water is by far the best drink both for your health and your teeth. Any consumption of sugary fizzy and acidic drinks should be kept to a minimum or at least, moderated.
The best way to avoid enamel erosion is to avoid consuming products such as those mentioned above that cause damage to it. Anything acidic will have an effect on the enamel, even healthy foods such as citrus fruits. Adding lemon juice to your water might be refreshing but it also makes the water acidic and is best avoided.
You should also see our Edinburgh New Town dentist regularly of course, to make sure that your tooth enamel stays healthy. You should also include a six monthly visit to the dental hygienist to have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove any tartar (calculus) from your teeth and gum line.
You should also wait for between 30 and 60 minutes after eating before you brush your teeth as the enamel temporarily softens during this period. Allowing it time to recover means that less damage is likely when you brush your teeth. Make sure too, that when you brush your teeth, you spit but don’t rinse afterwards. This allows the fluoride in your toothpaste to help strengthen the enamel.
If your teeth have become sensitive, whether you are experiencing mild discomfort or a sharper pain, we strongly recommend that you see a dentist for further advice. You can, of course, use desensitising toothpastes to make eating more comfortable and this is fine for pain relief, but it shouldn’t replace professional advice from your dentist. If, for example, the sensitivity is being caused by a crack in the tooth, this needs to be treated and not just the symptoms being masked.
Cracks can be treated in a number of ways including a filling, crowns or composite bonding. Your dentist will advise the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
Where enamel erosion has occurred, porcelain dental veneers are likely to be a solution that is considered. This is an ‘invasive’ treatment but also an effective one that has long lasting results. In order to fit veneers to the front of your teeth, a fine layer needs to be removed from the compromised natural enamel. Impressions are then taken of the treated teeth and your veneers will be produced from these at a special laboratory. This usually takes a week or so and temporary veneers will be fitted while you are waiting. Once your final veneers are back at the 103 Dental and Implant Practice, the temporary veneers will be removed and your new ones attached using a strong and secure clinical adhesive. Finally, the veneers will be trimmed and polished to give them a natural appearance. Veneers can also be used as part of a cosmetic smile makeover to provide you with a whiter smile.
If you experience any sensitivity with your teeth, perhaps when you are taking a hot or cold drink, please don’t ignore this and make an appointment to see one of our dentists as soon as possible for further investigation. To make an appointment at our Edinburgh dental clinic, please call us on 0131 608 3219 and speak to one of our friendly receptionists.
