What Is Tooth Sensitivity And How Can You Avoid Getting It?

… and what can be done to prevent or treat it?

Many people will experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their life. A mouthful of ice cream, for example, might produce a sudden sharp twinge, or a hot cup of tea could cause one or more teeth to react. Sometimes this may only happen occasionally, while for others it can become a regular inconvenience and discomfort.

The good news is that sensitive teeth can be prevented and, if already present, often be restored to normal. There are also several things you can do yourself to reduce the problem. However, if a tooth has quite suddenly become sensitive, or the sensitivity does not settle down, you should have it checked at our local Acton dental practice to hopefully resolve the problem and prevent more damage from potentially occurring.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Our teeth have a hard outer layer which is called enamel. Underneath this is a softer, and more porous, layer known as dentin. This layer contains tiny channels that lead towards the centre of the tooth where the nerves are located. Normally, the enamel and healthy gum tissue will protect the dentine. If the dentine does become exposed however, then hot, cold, sweet or acidic foods and drinks can reach these channels and cause the nerve inside the tooth to react and cause pain or at least, discomfort.

One common cause of this that we see at the Acton Vale Dental Centre is gum recession. As the gum moves away from the tooth, part of the root can become exposed. Unlike the crown of the tooth, the root does not have a protective layer of enamel, making it much more susceptible to sensitivity. Tooth wear can have a similar effect. Brushing too hard, grinding your teeth or regularly consuming acidic foods and drinks can gradually wear away the protective enamel surface of the teeth.

Can brushing actually damage our teeth?

Brushing your teeth is obviously essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but ‘scrubbing’ your teeth in an attempt to keep them clean or make them whiter can wear away the protective enamel layer and lead to sensitive teeth. In order to avoid this, a soft or medium toothbrush, combined with a gentle technique, is usually effective enough. If you are uncertain whether you are brushing too hard, our dentists or hygienists can have a look at how you are cleaning your teeth and give you some advice.

Acidic foods and drinks

Acid can gradually soften tooth enamel. This does not mean that you need to stop eating fruit or drinking anything acidic, but frequent exposure should be avoided where possible. Fizzy drinks, fruit juices, citrus fruits and some sports drinks can all be very acidic. Constantly sipping an acidic drink throughout the day can be particularly unhelpful because your teeth are repeatedly exposed to the acid. Try to keep acidic drinks to mealtimes where possible and give your mouth some time to recover afterwards. Drinking water can also help.

You should also avoid brushing your teeth immediately after consuming something acidic, as the enamel can temporarily be softer. Waiting for at least half an hour before brushing gives it time to harden again.

Can sensitive toothpaste help?

For relatively mild sensitivity, a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth can certainly be worth trying. These toothpastes contain ingredients that can help to reduce the response of the nerves within the tooth or block the pathways through exposed dentine. They generally need to be used regularly rather than just once or twice when sensitivity occurs though. It is also important to use a fluoride toothpaste as part of your normal brushing routine. Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel and helps protect against tooth decay, which is another possible cause of sensitivity.

When should sensitivity be checked?

Not every sensitive tooth is simply a ‘sensitive tooth’. A sharp reaction from one particular tooth could be caused by decay, a cracked or damaged tooth, a worn filling or another dental issue. If sensitivity has appeared suddenly, is getting worse, affects one particular tooth or continues for some time, we recommend that you make an appointment to see one of the dentists at the Acton Vale Dental Centre. It is always better to be safe than sorry and to avoid the problem from becoming worse.

How can our dentists help your sensitive teeth?

Treatment for this problem will usually depend on what is causing the sensitivity. If exposed roots are the problem, your dentist may recommend changes to your brushing technique or products to help protect the area. Fluoride treatments can sometimes be used to strengthen vulnerable tooth surfaces and reduce sensitivity. If there is decay or a damaged filling, restoring the tooth may solve the problem. Similarly, a cracked tooth needs to be assessed so that the appropriate treatment can be considered.

Sometimes a small area of exposed dentine can be covered with a filling material. This provides a physical barrier between the sensitive area and the things that are causing the reaction. Where teeth are badly worn, porcelain dental veneers may be applied to protect the teeth and restore their appearance.

Prevention

There are a number of things that you could, and should, do to help to avoid this often quite painful problem. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between your teeth regularly with floss or interdental brushes and avoid putting excessive pressure on your toothbrush. Try not to constantly snack or sip acidic drinks throughout the day and attend regular dental check-ups so that problems can be detected and treated before they become more serious. If you have experienced tooth sensitivity and are thinking of just ‘living with it’, please don’t. Make an appointment at our Acton dental practice by calling us on 0204 8749 3267 so that we can help you.