Our dentists in Sheffield are here to help you with your wellbeing. We are here to support you with your dental concerns, and this includes tooth sensitivity.
What is it?
Often characterised by a sharp pain in your teeth, sensitivity often happens when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. Tooth sensitivity has been reported as the most common oral health problem in the UK, affecting more than 1 in 3 adults. Dentists often call it ‘dentine hypersensitivity’, as sensitivity is most often caused by the exposure of the dentine, which is the layer beneath your enamel. Your enamel is the outer layer, which protects the rest of your tooth.
What causes it?
Dentine hypersensitivity occurs when dentine is exposed. This may be due to:
- Acid erosion – the loss of enamel, the hard protective outer part of the tooth. Every time you eat or drink anything acidic the enamel becomes softer for a short while losing some of its mineral content. Your saliva has the ability to neutralise this acidity in your mouth and to restore it to its natural balance. However, if this acid attack happens too often your mouth won’t have a chance to repair itself and small parts of the enamel can be brushed away. Over time, you will start to lose the surface of your teeth. The tooth enamel can also be damaged by the high level of acid found in stomach fluid if you suffer from conditions such as acid reflux.
- Gum recession – the shrinkage of gums away from the tooth-root surface, which is not normally protected by enamel. This could be due to toothbrush abrasion (brushing too hard) or gum disease.
- Tooth decay – decay can break down the enamel and cause sensitivity when it reaches the dentine.
- Cracked teeth or fillings – cracks can expose the inner part of the tooth and lead to sensitivity
- Tooth whitening – some people experience sensitivity from whitening products, which can temporarily irritate the nerves of the teeth. Some whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes, can wear away the hard outer enamel layer of the tooth and cause irreversible damage.
What can our dentists in Sheffield can do?
They will discuss your oral hygiene routine and diet to help identify anything that may increase your risk of dental disease and how simple improvements can be made.
Our clinicians will examine your teeth and gums to identify any dental disease and recommend an appropriate preventive regime or treatments that may be advisable.
Sensitivite toothpastes can help to reduce tooth sensitivity and work well for a lot of people. Different brands work in different ways to block the exposed pores in your teeth that cause the sensitivity, or to help calm down the exposed nerves inside your teeth.
Sometimes fillings can be placed over exposed dentine to replace the lost hard enamel layer. This can be discussed with your dentist or dental hygiene therapist.
How can I prevent dental erosion?
- All fizzy drinks (including diet brands and fizzy mineral water), sports drinks, squashes and fruit juices are acidic to varying degrees. Avoid having these too often during the day. Try to have them at meal time
- Between meals you should only have “safe” drinks which are not sugary or acidic: plain milk, still water, tea and coffee. You can use non-sugar sweeteners if necessary. Be aware that ‘no added sugar’ items does not mean no sugar and there are still some risks from frequent intake of such items.
- Pickles and citrus fruits are examples of acidic types of food. Avoid snacking on them as much as possible
- Brushing of teeth should be before or one hour after eating or drinking acidic food or drinks as teeth exposed to acidic environments can be worn down more easily
- Chew sugar-free gum after eating to help produce more saliva to help cancel out the acids which form in your mouth after eating
- Brush twice daily for 2 minutes with an electric toothbrush that has a pressure sensor
- Clean in-between your teeth daily to help lower your risk of gum disease
- Consider wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
- If looking to whiten your teeth discuss it with our team so this can be undertaken safely
- Have regular check ups to identify problems early, and seek advice to prevent issues before they occur
Looking for some bespoke advice?
Book your next routine dental appointment to speak with your dentist about their tailored advice for your oral health. You can book by calling our reception team on 01142661265, or by clicking ‘book now’ on our website.
Learn More
You can learn more about tooth sensitivity, and other common dental questions, by visiting the Oral Health Foundation’s website: