If you suffer from sensitive teeth, you know from all the products on the shelves and adverts on TV that you are not alone. In fact, about 30% of UK adults suffer from some degree of tooth sensitivity. Perhaps you think you have to live with your tooth sensitivity because it’s really not that bad. But you don’t. At least, at Harley Street Dental Clinic in London, we don’t think you do.
At your dental clinic in W1, we want to be able to help you resolve the problem of sensitive teeth, so you’re free to eat and drink whatever you want without fear of discomfort.
What’s causing your sensitive teeth?
The main reason that your teeth have become sensitive is that something is exposing the dentin layer below your tooth enamel. The dentin layer contains tubes filled with fluid. The current thinking is that when exposure to heat or cold causes the fluid to move in the tubes, the nerves in the tooth root are affected, and you experience sudden flashes of pain.
Things that could be causing dentin exposure include:
Erosion of your tooth enamel. When your tooth enamel is worn away, the dentin is nearer the surface of your tooth and more easily affected by temperature. This could be caused by decay, brushing too strongly, or night time tooth grinding. At the dental clinic in W1, we can check for areas where the enamel is thin or worn through.
Receding gums. When your gums recede, the tooth root becomes exposed. There is no enamel covering the tooth root, so your dentin is exposed to the air and sensitivity becomes an issue. Receding gums can be caused by gum disease or too much brushing. We can find out the cause and offer advice and treatments to deal with receding gums.
Cracks and chips. You may have sustained some other damage to the surface of your teeth that is exposing the dentin. Such damage can sometimes be covered over with veneers or cosmetic bonding.
If your sensitive teeth are stopping you from enjoying life to the full, make an appointment at Harley Street Dental Clinic in W1 and let’s see if we can put an end to tooth sensitivity.