Special Care for sensitive teeth

Posted on: March 9, 2011

If your teeth are troubling you everytime you eat anything hot or cold or sweet, you may be suffering from Dental Erosion.

The cause of senstivity in your teeth is dental erosion or the irreversible loss of dental enamel caused by acid. Tooth enamel covers and protects underlying sensitive dentine and when it wears away, it causes aches due to increased sensitivity and exposure of the dentine.

Spotting Dental erosion

The signs of dental erosion are small but easy to see in the general wearing away of the tooth surfaces. The edges have yellowish hallows in the teeth as the white enamel is eroded by acid. You may also see gaps between the teeth become larger as detal erosion sets in further.

Understand why dental erosion occurs

Every time you eat or drink something acidic, the pH level in your mouth drops. For a short time you enamel becomes soft and loses some of its mineral content. Your saliva slowly neutralizes this acidity and restores the healthy natural pH balance in your mouth. This whole balancing process usually takes about 20 minutes. However if your pH drops too often, then the enamel cannot repair itself and becomes thinner. Frequency of drinking soft drinks, fruit juices, tea and coffee rather than total intake plays a greater role in dental erosion.

Food intake and medical conditions behind dental erosion

Mainly any food types that are acidic and low in pH such as fruit juices, sports drinks and carbonated drinks (e.g. Coca-cola and diet brands) cause dental erosion. Similarly high sugar content - candy and sweets like peppermints, lollipops, toffees and gum or even salt content such as pickles are foods to watch out for.

However, it is not just what you eat but your overall health that affects your teeth. Gastric acid from the stomach can cause erosion. People who have bulimia or gastro esophageal reflux often suffer too.

7 ways you can prevent and manage dental erosion

1. Limit carbonated and acidic drinks, especially at meal times

2. Such drinks should be taken quickly and not sipped or swished around in your mouth.

3. Instead of drinking fruit juice, eat a piece of fruit.

4. Eat cheese and drink milk

5. Eat good quality dark chocolate, rather than candy

6. Wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth after eating or drinking something acidic.

7. Brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

The Remedy for sensitive teeth

Regular check-ups at your dentist can prevent the problem from getting worse. You can also look for composite restorations for your damaged teeth. Veneers (in severe cases) can be places to protect the tooth and sensitive underlying dentine.

Whichever option you choose, make a visit to your dentist and enjoy a pain free meal again.

 

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