Tooth Enamel – Its Role in Avoiding Sensitive Teeth
More about this relatively common problem
Our teeth are made up of three basic parts; the outer protective enamel layer, the more porous dentin layer that lies beneath it and the root canals of the tooth, where the tiny blood vessels and the nerves of the tooth are located.
Although we may worry more about our root canals as we know this can be very painful if infection happens, more focus, perhaps, should be put on the enamel layer of our teeth.
The enamel layer is hard and not particularly sensitive and this is because it is designed to protect the internal parts of our teeth that are. Healthy tooth enamel is essential if you want to avoid other problems such as tooth decay, sensitive teeth and root canal infections. If the enamel becomes damaged or gets worn away, the potential for painful dental issues starts to increase significantly.
6 steps for healthy enamel
The most important thing that patients of Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic can do, of course, is to make sure that you have a good daily oral health regime with diligent brushing and the use of floss. One issue that can arise in the more overly enthusiastic is the overbrushing of the teeth. You simply need to brush gently for two minutes in the morning and last thing before going to bed at night. Brushing for longer and, even worse, brushing too hard or ‘scrubbing’ your teeth, is likely to wear down the enamel more quickly.
Avoid acidic high sugar drinks. Whilst we know that sugar is bad for our teeth, these drinks not only often contain high levels of this but also acidic ingredients. To make things worse, they pass directly over our teeth as we drink them. These types of drinks are best avoided if possible but if you must drink them, try to use a straw to avoid the tooth damaging liquids coming into contact with your teeth so much.
Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. In all likelihood, you are already doing this as most toothpastes contain this ingredient. Some ‘natural’ ones may not though and this can lead to problems as fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and a lack of it means that damage is more likely. Check the ingredients in your toothpaste to be on the safe side.
Stay hydrated. Not only will drinking water help to flush away sugars and bacteria from your teeth but if you don’t drink enough water, your mouth will become dry and can become a perfect breeding ground for potentially harmful oral bacteria. A dry mouth can also lead to periodontal problems, so make sure to drink enough water each day.
Try not to grind your teeth together – this is likely to cause premature wearing of the teeth or could even make them break. This problem is sometimes caused by stress so you may need to look at the root causes of the problem and perhaps seek professional guidance. Similarly, please don’t try to open bottles, crisp packets or even bite your fingernails with your teeth. These are common causes of teeth chipping and cracking.
See your dentist regularly. A six monthly check up at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic is a great way to allow us to monitor your oral health and where any problems do arise, treat them early. Our Canterbury patients should also see the hygienist at a similar interval to make sure that their gums remain healthy too.
What if it’s too late?
Some of you may be thinking that this is all very well, but for you, it is already too late and your teeth are already sensitive to extremes of heat. We know that this can be distressing but the good news is that there are options available for you.
You could, in theory at least, avoid food and drinks that are too hot or cold. This is rather limiting though and not an ideal long term solution. Teeth sensitivity toothpastes are also available and especially where the problem is not too severe, may be helpful. These work by either blocking the tubules that allow heat to send messages to the nerves or by providing a mild localised painkiller, minimising any discomfort you might feel. For those of you seeking a more permanent solution, a visit to see your dentist is the best way to proceed. There are a lot of ways in which your enamel might be damaged and it may not be obvious to you how it has happened.
There are a number of treatments available and these will depend on the nature of the problem. Small cracks and chips may be restored using dental bonding or a filling. Where chips and cracks have occurred or where the enamel is worn away though, porcelain dental veneers can be an excellent way to restore both the appearance and health of your teeth. These fine layers of porcelain are used to replace the damaged surface enamel on your teeth and protect the inner tooth once again. They can also be used for cosmetic purposes and are ideal for those with badly stained or discoloured teeth who would like to have a more attractive smile.
The bottom line then is that it is best to take care of your teeth and ensure that the enamel remains healthy. Where damage has already occurred or is unavoidable, such as through an accident, you can be reassured that our Canterbury dental team are here to help you. You can call our friendly reception team to make an appointment on 01227 463529.