If you sometimes feel pain in your teeth whilst eating or drinking hot or cold foods or drinks, you probably have tooth sensitivity. Foods like cold crunchy apples or ice cream are enough to make any person with sensitive teeth wince. Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of things. If you feel you have sensitive teeth you should visit your dental clinic in W1 to find out why you have the pain and treat it.
What causes tooth sensitivity?
Sensitive teeth make some things like brushing, eating, or drinking cause temporary pain in your mouth. There is always a reason for pain in your teeth. Often the pain is a result of:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Exposed tooth roots
- Cavities
- Cracks
- Chips
- Failing dental restorations such as fillings or crowns
- Gum disease.
Tooth erosion
Enamel is the hard layer of your tooth that covers the soft core of your tooth called dentin. Your tooth enamel exists to protect the softer dentin layer of your tooth and allow you to chew your food. The dentin core is sensitive to pain but your hard enamel layer is not. If your enamel is worn down, the dentin layer of your tooth becomes exposed which usually leads to pain, sensitivity, and a trip to your dental clinic in W1.
How to prevent sensitive teeth
Here at Harley Street Dental Clinic in W1, we recommend brushing and flossing your teeth twice per day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a good quality toothpaste. Don’t brush your teeth too harshly or use abrasive toothpastes. These can cause sensitive teeth. If you grind your teeth, get a mouth guard to wear at night.
Take care with what you eat and drink
Avoid acidic or sweet drinks and food such as coke, orange juice, or wine. These drinks can wear down your tooth enamel. If you really want to have them, use a straw so that the liquid bypasses your teeth. Don’t hold the liquid of sweet or acidic drinks in your mouth for too long or swish them around your mouth. After eating or drinking something acidic, rinse your mouth with plain water to balance things out.