If you feel a shooting pain through your teeth when you bite into something cold, that indicates a problem with your dental health. We’ve restored a lot of teeth at the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group in Austin, so we know the warning signs of deteriorating enamel. If you want to protect your teeth and their function, read on.
Natural teeth contain a nerve in their pulp. Dentin, a yellow-grey porous substance, surrounds the pulp, and heat can easily be transferred through it out of the nerve. The crown of the tooth is mostly made up of enamel, a thick mineral substance that insulates dentin, while the tooth root is made of cementum, a thin substance that helps the root adhere to gum tissue. If enamel erodes or gum tissue recedes, the tooth will be more sensitive to sudden changes in temperature.
Although it is possible for enamel erosion to result from mechanical stress, most instances are caused by exposure to acid. Oral bacteria secrete acid as they metabolize sugar, and the acid becomes stuck in the gum pocket and in a natural tooth’s biofilm. Patients will have to improve their brushing to reduce sensitivity and switch to toothpaste with extra fluoridation. If they have a partial denture, they may also want to consult with us to ensure they are cleaning it correctly. (Oral appliances should not be cleaned with fluoridated toothpaste or they may get scratched.) Patients should also avoid drinks that are acidic, such as soda and citrus juice.
Frederick Shaw, DDS, operates the Shoal Creek Prosthodontic Group at 1500 W 38th Street, Suite 34, Austin, Texas, 78731. To schedule an appointment, call 512-451-7491 or visit Frederick Shaw DDS and fill out a contact form.
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