Cold food can make sensitive teeth distinctly uncomfortable. Here are some tips for keeping your mouth happy this summer. Whether a large glass of iced tea or your favourite ice cream cone, everyone has a favourite summer treat to cool down with. If your teeth are sensitive, that can be a real nuisance when you want to enjoy a snack.
When the protective layer of enamel on your teeth is worn or broken, the dentine is exposed. Dentine is hard like our bones, but porous. It consists of tiny tubules that act as conduits to the pulp and the nerve of the tooth. The tubules send signals to the nerve in the form of pain, to signal that the protective enamel is no longer there. The result is a sharp pain when you eat something too cold or too hot.
Sensitive teeth and damaged enamel have many causes. Some of the most common are:
- Clenching and grinding. Bruxism causes the thin layer of enamel at the gum line to shear off, exposing the dentine.
- An acidic diet. A diet high in acidic foods such as citrus fruit and fizzy drinks can wear the enamel away.
- Acid reflux. Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus. If this is chronic, the acids can wear down the enamel.
- Decay. A small hole in the enamel is usually easy to fix, but if ignored, decay eats through the enamel into the dentine and causes pain.
- Hard-bristled brushes or brushing too hard. Using a hard brush or too much force can abrade the enamel and expose the dentine.
- Chipped teeth or worn or missing fillings. A chipped tooth or worn or broken fillings let fluids, saliva and food particles into the crack or hole, which causes discomfort. Even a small fracture can cause considerable pain.
- Gum disease. Periodontal disease causes the gums to recede. The roots of our teeth are far softer than enamel and much more susceptible to decay. When gum disease is present, the gum pulls back and exposes this sensitive area, which can cause extreme sensitivity even when breathing in cold air.
About one person in eight suffers from periodic tooth sensitivity. Fortunately there are many treatments that are quick, painless and inexpensive. Depending on the degree and the cause, your dentist may recommend a desensitising toothpaste or a fluoride gel as a first step to ease the pain. Many different pastes with varying strengths are on the market today. If the cause is grinding or clenching, you may need to wear a guard at night to prevent further damage. Sometimes more elaborate procedures are needed: root canal treatment, a gum graft or a crown may be required.
In many cases sensitivity can be avoided by using the soft brush your dentist recommends, avoiding acidic foods, brushing gently rather than scrubbing, flossing regularly and going for a professional cleaning at least every six months. By working with your dentist you can enjoy your favourite summer treat — and that is a good reason to smile.
