Tips to Enjoy Your Ice Cream this Summer

While some people can confidently bite into cold items without concern, others may face a sharp stabbing pain when they do so. You might also experience this when drinking cold drinks, and the sensation can also be triggered by very hot items.

This condition is known as sensitive teeth, and it occurs when there are small gaps in the enamel which leave sensitive parts of the tooth exposed. Thankfully, there are treatments available and most people can overcome sensitive teeth.

In this blog we look at ways you can enjoy your summer ice cream without worrying about sensitive teeth.

Sensitive teeth explained

Sensitive teeth can vary from a mild twinge to having severe discomfort. Most people will suffer from sensitive teeth at some point in their life and it can start at any time. It is most common in people aged between 20 and 40 and women are more likely to be affected than men.

Our teeth are covered with a strong layer of enamel which protects the softer dentine below. If the enamel becomes damaged or wears away the dentine can become exposed and this can lead the tooth to be sensitive.

When this happens, eating or drinking very hot or very cold items can lead to pain in your teeth. This is different to an ice cream headache, which is triggered when the blood vessels in the roof of your mouth get too cold and trigger a temporary headache.

Common causes of sensitivity include:

Tooth sensitivity is very common, with around one in three people in the UK experiencing this unpleasant sensation. There are lots of reasons your teeth might be sensitive, including:

Toothbrush abrasion – brushing too hard can cause the enamel to be worn away, exposing the sensitive dentine. Alongside aggressive brushing, it can also be the timing of your brushing that impacts your oral health. Brushing your teeth soon after consuming acidic foods can lead to excessive enamel loss, as the enamel is weakened by the acidity.

Dental erosion – the acid in our diet can attack teeth over time and cause the enamel to be lost, exposing the sensitive dentine. Poor oral hygiene and snacking between meals can accelerate enamel loss in this situation.

Gum Recession – gums may naturally shrink back, exposing the roots of the teeth. Root surfaces do not have a layer of enamel to protect them so can be sensitive.

Gum Disease – a buildup of plaque or tartar can cause the gums to recede and pockets to form around the roots of teeth, exposing sensitive roots

Tooth Grinding – Over time tooth grinding can wear away the enamel making teeth sensitive

Cracked Tooth or Filling - Any damage to a tooth that exposes the dentine or the roots can lead to sensitivity. If you had a filling when you were younger and this has fallen out, you might experience sensitivity.

Tooth Whitening – Tooth Whitening can cause sensitivity but it should resolve within 3-4 days of finishing treatment. If you opt for home whitening without support from a dental professional, you run the risk of damaging your gums and your enamel, which could lead to permanent sensitivity. Excessive whitening can also make your sensitivity a permanent condition.

Common triggers for sensitivity

You may notice sensitivity when you eat or drink something cold or from cold air catching your teeth. For example, being outside in the winter can trigger your sensitivity, making it difficult to smile.

You might also notice that hot items trigger your sensitivity. This is because the hot and cold sensations are both triggering for sensitivity.

If you have tried treating your sensitive teeth for a few weeks and have no improvements, you should visit your dentist who will be able to find the source of the sensitivity and offer treatment.

Dental treatments for sensitivity

Prior to any treatment the dentist will perform a full assessment of your teeth and gums to determine the best way of treating any sensitivity. It may be possible to apply fluoride gels, rinses and varnishes to the teeth to help build protection.

As well as building teeth up with white, composite fillings to help seal teeth and protect them from further enamel loss. Composite fillings can also be used to change the colour and shape of your teeth. Another option would be to use veneers to cover the teeth.

In serious cases it may be necessary to perform root canal treatment. This removes the nerve from the tooth ensuring you will not feel any sensitivity. This would only be required if the sensitivity is accompanied by an infection to the tooth root.

Prior to treatment, the dentist may advise that you use a sensitive toothpaste to further help reduce the symptoms. Toothpaste designed for sensitivity will help to close the small gaps in your enamel through a process called remineralisation. This treatment will be effective for as long as you keep using the toothpaste, but you might find that the issue returns once you stop.

How to protect your teeth from sensitivity

Use a soft to medium bristle brush to clean your teeth twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth.

Change your toothbrush every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn

Don’t brush your teeth straight after eating – some foods and drinks can soften the enamel so leave it an hour before you brush.

Try to only have sugary foods and fizzy and acidic drinks at mealtimes to reduce the number of attacks your teeth must sustain. Stopping snacking and grazing between meals is one of the best ways to protect your oral health.

If you grind your teeth, consider wearing a mouth guard to help protect your teeth.

Visit your dental team as often as they recommend

Final thoughts on sensitive teeth

If you would like more help and advice call today on 01702 557766 to book your appointment at Benfleet Dental Centre and let our highly trained team of dentists help improve your sensitive teeth.

We can arrange a consultation to get to the bottom of the issue and offer treatment recommendations designed to deliver fast and effective relief.