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Managing Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is incredibly common, and it’s something we see in a lot of our patients and Leeds City Dentalcare. It can be temporary or permanent, and many people find exposing their teeth to hot or cold foods or specific types of foods increases sensitivity, and may even cause pain. If you do suffer from tooth sensitivity and haven’t been to the dentist Leeds for a while, then it’s worth booking appointment at our Leeds dental surgery as it could be due to an underlying oral health condition. In addition we may be able to suggest ways of lessening the sensitivity.

Reasons for Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can be due to a number of different reasons, and we’ve listed the most common below.

• Brushing your teeth too hard. While it’s important to brush your teeth regularly, it’s also important not to brush them too hard or to use a toothbrush with very hard bristles. If you use too much pressure then you could damage your gums, causing them to recede, and you could brush away the tooth enamel.
• Receding gums are another common reason for tooth sensitivity as they expose the tooth roots. The tooth roots aren’t covered in enamel, but in a substance called cementum which is much softer and easier to wear away. This increases sensitivity and leaves the tooth vulnerable to decay. Although receding gums can occur due to over brushing, they frequently pull back from the teeth due to gum disease.
• Teeth grinding can place great stress on the teeth, wearing away or chipping the enamel, or causing small cracks to form in the teeth. Anything that damages the tooth enamel will increase sensitivity, and small cracks can open up every time you bite down allowing foods and drink to penetrate the tooth more easily.
• Eating acidic foods can increase to sensitivity as the acid helps to wear away the protective layer of tooth enamel. The average diet has become far more acidic in recent years, increasing the likelihood of this occurring.

Methods for Preventing and Controlling Tooth Sensitivity

Having a great daily oral hygiene Leeds routine will help reduce the risk of tooth sensitivity. This is because it will help ensure the gums are healthy, and that tooth enamel is protected as much as possible against the risk of erosion and damage. An important part of this routine is to make sure you have the right tools, including a soft toothbrush with rounded bristles that won’t damage your teeth and gums. Brushing gently around the gum line will help ensure plaque and food particles are removed while not damaging this sensitive tissue.

It’s worth asking the staff at our Leeds surgery for advice on the best products to use. Many of our patients find it helpful to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. These help keep the tooth enamel strong, and contain ingredients designed to block up the tiny tubules in any exposed areas of dentine. These tubules lead directly to the central pulp area, allowing hot and cold foods to be transmitted directly to the pulp, potentially causing pain and discomfort. These toothpastes have to be used consistently for several weeks as the effects slowly build up. If Dr David Brown or another of our dentists thinks your teeth are sensitive due to a highly acidic diet, then we may recommend you modify your eating habits to help counteract tooth sensitivity.

Visiting Leeds City Dentalcare for regular check-ups and cleanings is an important part of helping to prevent and control tooth sensitivity. We’ll be able to identify any potential problems so they can be treated quickly, minimising sensitivity.

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