Are Your Teeth Sensitive To Hot And Cold?

Why sensitive teeth can lead to significant discomfort

Most of us will occasionally feel a twinge as we bite into something really cold, like an ice cream. This usually lasts for a very short period of time and causes us no long term problems.

For some people though, this sensitivity is an ongoing issue that can cause quite a lot of discomfort and may discourage them from eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks.

With a rise in consumption of ‘sports drinks’ which are very high not only in sugar, but in acids too, we are seeing a growing number of patients at Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic who complain of this problem.

What causes sensitive teeth?

There are a number of possible reasons why people might have sensitive teeth. One of these is genetic as some people simply have a much thinner layer of enamel on their teeth than normal. This is unfortunate but there is nothing that you can do to prevent it. However, there are options to help you overcome this which we will discuss later.

Quite commonly, overly sensitive teeth are caused by damage to a tooth, or teeth. This can be due to a crack or chip in the tooth which has exposed the dentin layer beneath it. This is a problem, not only because of the discomfort, but the fact that the dentin is exposed means that there is a very real risk of tooth decay or even root canal infections not too far down the line. Even if you think that your tooth sensitivity is manageable, you should have it checked by one of our Canterbury dentists to make sure that there is no significant damage.

One of the most common reasons for sensitive teeth though is due to enamel erosion which wears away the outer protective part of the tooth and leads us to experience sensations of hot and cold in a more extreme manner. It can be caused by a number of things such as the drinking of highly acidic drinks. Teeth grinding (bruxism) or even excessive brushing can have the same effect too.

Pain management

Once your enamel has eroded, it won’t grow back and, unless you have treatment, this is something that will persist. The only real way to ‘manage’ any discomfort is either through avoiding very hot or very cold drinks and food or by using a tooth sensitivity toothpaste which blocks some of the sensation from reaching the nerve endings in the tooth that causes the discomfort. Some people do take painkillers but we would generally not recommend this as a long term solution.

Treating sensitive teeth

Any treatment for sensitive teeth will depend on the root cause of it. A crack or chip in the tooth might be restored using a filling or possibly dental bonding, but your dentist will advise the best course of treatment in these situations. One treatment for significant tooth sensitivity is to replace the worn enamel using dental veneers. This is a long term solution that offers patients a new lease of life, leaving them free to enjoy their food and drink without having to worry about whether it will be painful or not.

The procedure itself may require some dental surgery to remove a fine layer of enamel from the front of your teeth. Once this is done, we will then take impressions of the prepared teeth and these are sent to our laboratory where the veneers will be prepared for you. On their return from the laboratory, they will then be attached to your teeth using a strong clinical adhesive. Finally, we will trim and polish them so that they look and feel entirely natural.

Veneers offer a good level of protection against things that would otherwise cause you discomfort and are also long lasting. Patients should expect to wear their veneers for approximately ten years, as long as they look after them well. After this period of time, they can be replaced as required.

Where patients have multiple teeth that are sensitive, it isn’t uncommon for them to take advantage of one of the other benefits of dental veneers. By choosing this treatment, you are free to decide what shade of white you want your teeth to be. Many patients take this opportunity to whiten their smile by having veneers made in a shade or two whiter than their teeth were, offering an excellent way to a beautiful new smile! Of course you don’t have to have sensitive teeth to benefit from the latest teeth veneers.

The bottom line is that you don’t simply have to live with your sensitive teeth. Our Canterbury dentists are always happy to meet you to discuss the various options that are available to you, including veneers. If you would like to arrange to see a dentist to discuss this, you can make an appointment to do so by calling Bradley and Partners Dental & Implant Clinic on 01227 463529. Our team looks forward to meeting you!