Sensitive teeth cause pain or discomfort when you eat hot or cold food or experience hot or cold weather. It can be a temporary or chronic problem and affect just a couple of teeth or the whole mouth. Express.co.uk chatted to Megan Fairhall, dental expert and hygienist and one of REGENERATE’s third party dental experts to find out how to fix sensitive teeth.
Pain caused by hot or cold foods can be a sign of a cavity, but it’s also a huge sign of tooth sensitivity.
Dental expert and hygienist Megan Fairhall said: “Teeth sensitivity is due to loss of the tooth enamel exposing the underlying dentin layer of the teeth, which can lead to nerve pain aka hypersensitivity.
“The main causes of enamel loss that can lead to tooth sensitivity are enamel erosion, tooth grinding (bruxism) and toothbrushing abrasion (brushing too hard).”
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
One in three people in the UK suffers from sensitive teeth, especially people aged between 20 and 40.
However, something being common doesn’t mean it’s okay and you should put up with it.
Megan explained: “it may indicate a further issue so if you suffer from sensitive teeth it’s important to see a dental professional to establish the cause and any necessary treatment.”
How to fix sensitive teeth
Try to treat your sensitive teeth for a couple of weeks and then see your dentist if there’s no improvement.
Megan recommends trying the following four steps to treat your sensitive teeth:
Toothpaste
There are specific kinds of toothpaste for this problem and they really do work to desensitise your teeth.
Megan said: “Often sensitive teeth can be eradicated by using a sensitive toothpaste such as Regenerate hypersensitivity toothpaste with Nr5+ technology, as this can help to reduce or even prevent tooth sensitivity.”
Diet
Changing what you eat and drink can help to keep your teeth healthy and stop triggering sensitivity while your teeth are settling.
Megan instructed: “Avoid the overconsumption of acidic foods and drinks can help to reduce the risk of enamel erosion which may lead to sensitivity.”
You should also try to eat less sugary foods and fizzy drinks, as all of these foods eat away at tooth enamel and leave the dentine exposed causing sensitivity.
Mouthguard
Teeth grinding effects around eight to 10 percent of the UK population, mainly 25 to 44-year-olds.
Teeth grinding is a problem because it can loosen your teeth and cause cracks or fractures as well as further oral complications such as sensitivity.
Megan said: “If you’re a tooth grinder at night your dentist may recommend wearing a custom-made nightguard.”
Adjust technique
One of the main causes of tooth sensitivity is brushing your teeth too hard and causing abrasion.
This causes enamel to be worn away, especially where teeth meet the gums, and makes your teeth more sensitive.
Megan said: “If you have tooth sensitivity due to overzealous toothbrushing then you will need to adjust your technique and avoid the use of abrasive toothpaste.
“I would also advise using an electric toothbrush with a pressure sensor to make you aware if you are pressing too hard, and only ever using a medium bristle (not hard).”
Source: Read Full Article