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).”
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Mouthguard
Teeth grinding effects around eight to 10 percent of the UK population, mainly 25 to 44-year-olds.
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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: Daily Express
