Want to know about tooth whitening… 12 September 20205 April 2022Tooth whitening is all over social media at the moment. As your new dentist in Scarbrough, we felt it would be a good idea to provide a few tips on whitening, and what to look out for.What is tooth whitening?Boutique WhiteningTooth whitening can be a very effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It cannot make a complete colour change, but it may lighten the existing shade.Why would I need my teeth whitened?There are a number of reasons why you might get your teeth whitened. Everyone is different; and just as our hair and skin colour vary, so do our teeth. Very few people have brilliant-white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discoloured as we get older.Your teeth can also be stained on the surface by food and drinks such as tea, coffee, red wine and blackcurrant. Smoking can also stain teeth.‘Calculus’ or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth. Some people may have staining under the surface, which can be caused by certain antibiotics or by tiny cracks in the teeth which take up stains.What does tooth whitening involve?Professional bleaching is the most usual method of tooth whitening. We will be able to tell you if you are suitable for the treatment, and will supervise it if you are. Firstly, we will take an impression of your mouth in order to create specially made trays which fit your mouth exactly. We will then place the whitening gel inside these trays and insert them into your mouth. The ‘active ingredient’ in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth colour is made lighter.How long does this take?The total treatment can usually be done within two to four weeks. First, you will need two or three visits with us. We will need to make a mouthguard and will take impressions for this at the first appointment. Once your dental team has started the treatment, you will need to continue the treatment at home. This means regularly applying the whitening product over two to four weeks, for 30 minutes to overnight wear, depending on the the product used. Boutique whitening is a premium product, is one of the best available.How much does tooth whitening cost?We provide Boutique whitening from just £280 per month.How long will my teeth stay whiter?The effects of whitening are thought to last up to three years. However, this will vary from person to person. The effect is less likely to last as long if you smoke, or eat or drink products that can stain your teeth.What are the side effects?Some people may find that their teeth become sensitive to cold during or after the treatment. Others may have discomfort in the gums, a sore throat or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are usually temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment finishing.If any of these side effects continue you should let us know.What about home whitening kits?There are many home whitening kits available, including paint-on whiteners and strips. How effective these aredepends on the amount of whitening agent they contain.Home kits are cheaper but they are not always assessed for safety and tend to be more acidic. So there is a chance that these products could damage your teeth and gums. Because tooth whitening is a complicated procedure we advise that you always talk to your dentist before starting the treatment.Regulations covering home kits vary from country to country. Kits sold in Europe cannot legally contain more than 0.1% peroxide and this is too little to be effective. In other countries where stronger peroxide is allowed, home whitening is more common. But you need to be careful as some kits sold over the internet may contain mild acids and abrasives.Really these can be unsafe, it’s best to get a professional opinion first.How safe are beauty kiosks and beauticians? In Europe and in some other countries whitening can only legally be carried out by a dentist. So tooth whitening bybeauticians and in whitening kiosks is illegal. In Europe, it is illegal to supply bleaching material containing more than 0.1% peroxide (or the equivalent in carbamide peroxide) to anyone other than a dentist, or direct to the public.These regulations are to protect the public. They make sure that anyone carrying out whitening is properly trained and has the right skills and knowledge to carry out the procedure without risking permanent damage to the teeth or gums.What about whitening toothpastes?There are several whitening toothpastes on the market. Although they do not affect the natural colour of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining. Therefore, they may improve the overall appearance of your teeth. Whitening toothpastes may also help the effect to last, once your teeth have been professionally whitened.We recommend curaporx whitening, it’s the only one that really works well!bCan a single tooth which has been root filled be whitened?Yes. Sometimes dead teeth go discoloured after a root filling. If the tooth has been root treated, the canal (which contained the nerve) may be reopened. The whitening product is applied from the inside to whiten the tooth.When might tooth whitening not work?Tooth whitening can only lighten your existing tooth colour. Also it only works on natural teeth. It will not work on any types of ‘false’ teeth.If your dentures are stained or discoloured tell us, we can arranged for them to be cleaned.How can I look after my teeth once they have been whitened?You can help to keep your teeth white by cutting down on the amount of food and drinks you have that can stain teeth. Don’t forget, stopping smoking can also help prevent discolouration and staining.We recommend the following tips to take care of your teeth:Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with a fluoride toothpaste.Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks.Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.Call us now, as a new dentist in Scarborough, we love talking about teeth. We use Boutique whitening too, so we can give you a personal opinion too!
Fizzy drinks…..why they inflict a double hit on teeth! 12 September 20205 April 2022Fizzy drinks have both sugar and acid. These cause catastrophic damage to dental enamel, the hard protective surface of your teeth.AcidAcid is a problem for our teeth as it weakens the enamel of our teeth, leaving them vulnerable to damage. Every time we eat or drink anything acidic, the enamel on our teeth becomes softer for a short while and it loses some of its mineral content.Our saliva will slowly cancel out this acidity and get our mouth back to its natural balance. However, if this acid attack happens too often, our mouth does not get the chance to recover. This could result in slowly losing our enamel.Enamel is the hard, protective coating of our tooth, which protects the sensitive dentine underneath. When the enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed, which may lead to pain and sensitivity.The most common types of acid in our food and drink are carbonic acids, citric acids and phosphoric acids. These are the acids that weaken our enamel, leading to dental erosion..Fizz‘Fizziness’ is often a tell-tale sign of an acidic drink. The most common of these are fizzy drinks, sodas, pops and carbonated drinks. It is important to remember that even the ‘diet’ brands are still harmful. Even flavoured fizzy waters can have an effect if drunk in large amounts, as they contain weak acids which can harm our teeth.Some alcohol is also acidic. Beer, cider, prosecco, white wine and alcopops are all example of alcoholic drinks that are highly erosive for our teeth.Dr Nigel Carter OBE, Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation says: “The best way for us to avoid the damage caused by fizzy drinks is to simply limit our exposure to them. Only having acidic drinks at mealtimes is a great way to reduce the amount to which our mouth is under an acid attack.“Another tip is to swallow our drink quickly, without holding it in our mouth or ‘swishing’ it around. Again, it’s all about reducing the amount of time our teeth are being exposed to acid. An alternative is to use a straw. This helps drinks go to the back of our mouth and avoids long contact with our teeth.”“Plain, still water is the best drink for our teeth. Milk is also good because it helps to neutralise acids in our mouth.”SugarSugar in your diet, even from drinks, causes dental decay. Decay is the leading cause for tooth loss in young people in the UK.Dental de ay is completely preventable, but just being aware of what sugar in present in what you eat and drink.In fizzy drinks, there is upto 11g of sugar in each portion. This is a whopping amount for your teeth to cope with. If you are having these drinks everyday, or even worse more than once a day, your teeth will exceed thier capacity for repair and cavities will from from decayKeep fizzy drinks as a treat, and only have them at mealtimes, to reduce the impact they have. Switch to sugar free alternatives, or better still, invest in a reusable water bottle, and make water your drink choice from now on!!Oral health educatorWhy not make an appointment with our oral health educator, Beth or one of our experienced dentists, who will discuss with you how your sugar and acid intake can be changed to improve your oral health. As a new dentist in Scarbrough, we are pasionate about improving the oral health of you and your family.We’re here to help, and to make you smile.
Stoptober….. 12 September 20205 April 2022Stoptober…….Stopping smoking is the one of the best decisions you and make for your health, and the health of your family.We know it’s not as easy as the picture suggests though. So we’re here to help.Why not make an appointment with Beth, our Oral Health Educator, who can offer lots of hints and tips of things that will help you succeed.We can help you try alterntivaes, maange your craving, get face to face support from people that understand how hard it is.It’s not just your oral health that will benefit, your general health, and not to mention your financial health will also thank you!As the new dentist in Scarborough, we’re here to make you smile! Why not book your visit now.
The work continues….. 15 August 20205 April 2022It’s been all go at Newby! As the plastering has been completed upstairs, we’ve made a start getting some colour on the walls, and tidying up those original beamsAccent colour against the wood beams….As further electrical work is completed, and the plastering downstairs is all finished, were hoping to be all painted up by the end of the month. Then we can make a start getting the flooring in.We’ve gone with a grey theme for the walls, with just a splash of an accent colour for that little “pop”.Excited to see what the finished result is going to look like…..More pictures coming soon!
More wrinkles than you would like…… 23 July 20205 April 2022Fresh new look. You, only better!We all need a little pick me up from time to time, and now more so than ever. As we all start to venture out the house a little bit more, have you thought about treating yourself to that fresh new look?At Newby Dental Practice, we offer a wide range of non surgical facial aesthetic treatments, to tweak those imperfectionsWith a combinations of anti-wrinkle injections, and dermal fillers, the results can range from subtle enhancements, to drastic changes.We can smooth those unwanted lines, replace lost volume from the face and neck, make tired eyes pop and sparkle, and plump up those lips for the perfect pout!Why not book a consultation for an assessment, see what we can do for youEmma has been providing facial aesthetic treatments now for nearly 8 years, so has a lot of experience in judging what treatments work best for people.The procedures are all carried out in the clinical dental setting, which is CQC registered, so you can rest assured everything is completed with your health and safety in mind.Check out our page, by clicking here, to find out more……
Do You Suffer From Mouth Ulcers? 5 July 20205 April 2022Emergency Dental Care at Newby Dental PracticeWhat are mouth ulcers?Ulcers are painful sores that appear inside the mouth. They are usually red or yellow. They are different from cold sores, which appear on the outer lips and are caused by a virus.What are the common causes of mouth ulcers?Usually a single mouth ulcer is due to damage caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or by sharp teeth, brushing or poorly fitting dentures. These ulcers are called ‘traumatic’ ulcers. If you have a number of mouth ulcers, and they keep coming back, this is called ‘recurrent aphthous stomatitis’.How do I know if I have a traumatic ulcer?Traumatic ulcers are usually on their own, are next to the cause of the damage and go away once the source of the problem is removed.What are the signs of recurrent aphthous stomatitis?Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common problem, and is the repeated appearance of mouth ulcers in otherwise healthy children and young people. The cause is not known, but it is not infectious and is unlikely to be inherited.We can help manage your symptoms, and provide advise of how to reduce the frequency of these ulcers.Are there different types of recurrent mouth ulcers?Yes.Minor ulcers are the most common. They can appear inside the cheeks, and on the lips, tongue and gums and, more rarely, on the roof of the mouth. Most of these ulcers are the size of the top of a pencil and can sometimes come in clusters. You can get four to six at any one time.Large ulcers are more severe and can take longer to heal. Any ulcer that lasts longer than 3 weeks should be checked by your dentist. Large ulcers may appear near the tonsils and can be very painful, especially when you swallow. You usually only get one at a time.It is also possible to have up to 100 very small, painful ulcers which last for one to two weeks. However, these last two varieties are very rare.You may get ulcers in other parts of the body such as your eyes or genital area. It is important to tell your dental team about this.What are the less common causes of mouth ulcers?Infections can cause mouth ulcers. Herpes simplex often causes mouth ulcers in children and some adults. Other less common viral and bacterial infections may cause mouth ulcers, but this is rare. Mouth ulcers can be caused by anaemia and occasionally by other blood disorders, and some skin or gastrointestinal diseases. Sometimes the mouth ulcers are the only sign of an underlying disease.Can cancer cause mouth ulcers?Cancer of the mouth can first appear as a mouth ulcer. The ulcers caused by oral cancer are usually single and last a long time without any obvious nearby cause (for example a sharp tooth). Any ulcer that lasts longer than three weeks should be looked at by your dentist. Ulcers caused by cancer usually appear on or under the tongue, but may occasionally appear somewhere else in the mouth. Cancer of the mouth is usually linked to heavy smoking and drinking. Doing both together greatly increases the risk.Can I catch mouth ulcers?Mouth ulcers cannot be caught by kissing, or by sharing drinks and utensils.What types of treatment are there for mouth ulcers?The treatment depends on the cause of the ulcers. Sometimes all that is needed is for a sharp tooth to be smoothed down or a denture adjusted, although some patients may need mouthwashes or tablets.What should I do if I think I have mouth ulcers?If an ulcer lasts more than 3 weeks you should always ask us for advice. We may be able to tell you the cause and provide treatment, or we may arrange more tests or refer you to a specialist if needed.How can I prevent mouth ulcers?You may be able to reduce the risk of mouth ulcers by:Keeping your mouth as clean and healthy as possible.Using high-quality toothbrushes (to reduce the risk of damage to your mouth).Eating a good diet which is rich in vitamins A, C and E, and includes foods such as fresh fruit and vegetables (to lessen the risk of mouth cancer).Regularly visiting your dentist.Should I worry about my ulcers?Most ulcers heal up on their own. However, if they don’t heal within three weeks you should visit us. We will be able to examine your mouth to check that the problem is an ulcer and not something more serious such as mouth cancer. If you suffer from ulcers that come and go often, you should make an appointment, check that there is not an underlying medical cause.At Every examinaitonAlways see come to see us or doctor if:The ulcer lasts for more than 3 weeks.You are unwell.The ulcers keep coming back https://www.newbydentalpractice.co.uk/oral-cancer-screening/
Dry Mouth. Is it affecting you? 5 July 20205 April 2022We can help. Talk to us if you’re struggling with dry mouth.What is dry mouth?Your mouth needs saliva to be able to work properly. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, and it helps to break down your food and helps you to swallow. It also acts as a cleanser. It is constantly washing around your mouth and teeth, fighting tooth decay and helping to keep your teeth clean. Dry mouth or ‘xerostomia’ is a condition which affects the flow of saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry.How can I tell I have dry mouth?There are several symptoms to look out for. The most obvious one is, of course, a dry mouth. Some people feel that their saliva has become thick and sticky, making it difficult to speak or swallow. Some people also have a ‘prickly’ or burning sensation in their mouth and become sensitive to certain foods. The mouth can become sore and there is a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In some cases, the mouth can also become red and shiny. If you have any of these symptoms it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have dry mouth. But it may be best to talk to your dental team or doctor about it.What can cause dry mouth?Dry mouth can be a symptom of many different problems and can happen as you get older. Quite often it is a side effect of medication – especially heart, blood pressure and depression tablets. Your doctor, pharmacist or dental team should be able to tell you whether your medication can cause problems. Dry mouth can also be caused by medical treatments such as radiotherapy, or surgery to the head or neck.In some cases, dry mouth can be a direct result of a medical condition (for example diabetes, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome and blocked salivary glands).Are women more likely to get dry mouth?Women who are going through the menopause (often called ‘the change’ or ‘the change of life’) may suffer from dry mouth. Women who have had their menopause and are taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also find they suffer from dry mouth. If you are taking medication and have any of the symptoms of dry mouth, talk to your doctor to see whether it could be changed.Can I prevent dry mouth?Unfortunately there seems to be no way of actually preventing the problem, although there are products to ease the symptoms.What problems can it cause?Saliva helps to cancel out the acid that attacks your teeth, and is a very important part of your dental health. Saliva helps to break down food while you are chewing, allowing you to swallow more easily. Some people find that they have problems with swallowing when their saliva flow is affected.Saliva is also very important in fighting tooth decay. It helps to fight the bacteria that form dental plaque and cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque is the thin, sticky film that keeps forming on your teeth.Having less saliva can also affect the taste of food and makes it harder to eat drier foods. Sometimes it can affect your speech and it makes people more likely to have bad breath.What products are there to help with dry mouth?There are a number of products designed to help your mouth stay moist and comfortable. These are usually gels or sprays. Some have extra ingredients which may help prevent tooth and gum problems. There are also special products to help with your day-to-day oral hygiene (for example toothpastes and mouth rinses).How often should I visit my dentist if I have dry mouth?You have a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease with dry mouth, and these can get worse more quickly than usual. So it is important to visit your dental team regularly. Your dental team will tell you how often you should visit.What can I do to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth?There are different ways of relieving the symptoms of dry mouth. Some people find that sipping water, or sucking sugar-free sweets, helps in the short term. It is very important to use sugar-free products, as dry mouth can make you more likely to have tooth decay. Chewing sugar-free gum can also help as it encourages your mouth to make saliva. Your dental team might recommend products such as rinses, gels, pastes and lozenges which you can get from the pharmacist.What toothpaste should I use?It is important to use a fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350 to 1500ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. A ‘total care’ toothpaste may be best as these contain antibacterial agents and other ingredients to control the build-up of plaque.Some products contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), and some people with dry mouth find this can irritate the mouth and make the condition worse.What can my dental team do to help prevent the problems caused by dry mouth?We can’t always help with the cause of dry mouth. But by helping you keep your mouth clean and by using fluoride we can, in many cases, help to delay the start of tooth decay. We will be able to give you advice about your diet and tell you how to care for your teeth and gums properlyWhy not talk to Beth, our Oral Health Educator. See how she can help you. https://www.newbydentalpractice.co.uk/oral-health-education/
Returning to dental visits after lockdown 22 June 20205 April 2022One of the many knock-on effects caused by COVID-19 has been the impact on oral health. Specifically, visiting the dentist.On 24 March, the coronavirus pandemic forced all dental practices in the UK to close, except for a number of emergency treatment stations or dental Hubs. This had a big impact on how our patients could access their dental care.We’re here to make you smileWe were oncall everyday however, so although we could not necessarily do the same things we would have been able to, we were there for advice, pain relief , prescriptions and of course emergency care via our local Hub.This changed on 8 June, when we were able to start opening our doors again- at our current location of Peasholm Dental Practice.Just like everyone else, we have needed to adapt our previously ‘normal’ day-to-day routine. We have been keeping up to date with all the guidance, and following all the advice, to make sure we keep our patients and staff happy and healthy.Here’s a summary of what you might expect at your next visit:Changes on arrivalBefore you visit, we will be contacting you to check whether you feel well. We will be asking you a few questions about your health and the health of the people you live with. Nobody with any signs of COVID-19 will be able to visit the dental practice.Appointments can only be made by telephone and we ask that you do not visit us without an appointment. As a precaution, you will find our doors will be locked. Reception are looking out for you though, so don’t worry!It is best to arrive alone and on time (rather than early). This will minimise your time waiting. Try not to bring too many things with you too.While you are waitingWhen you arrive at reception, a few things will be different. The first might be that a member of staff is waiting for you to check you in. They will be wearing PPE that you might normally only see them in once in surgery.The next noticeable change on arrival might be that you will be asked to sanitise your hands. This will be provided for you. There will also be a protective barrier at reception – much like what you now see when shopping. You may be asked to wear a protective face mask. This is for your safety.When you enter the waiting room you will notice that it has been reorganised for social distancing. Be reassured that it is cleaned frequently and anything that isn’t easy to disinfect has already been removed.Changes to how dental teams workThe most important thing to know in the wake of coronavirus, is how dental teams are making sure you are safe during treatment. Firstly, the treatment room will be well ventilated. This means creating an airflow which does not recirculate, and that old air can leave the room as quickly as possible.You will see that the dental team is wearing extra protective equipment, even more than normal! As always, their equipment is fully sterilised.The little sink next to the chair is out of action. This means no rinsing. Instead, your mouth will be cleared with suction. Like all dentists, we will be using equipment and techniques with a lower risk of spray. Emergency procedures, which produce high levels of spray, will be done in different manner, but will still be as efficient and effective.Non-urgent procedures may be delayed, and we are allowing more time between patients. This allows for socisl distancing.The surgeries are of course cleaned between patients, but this has always been the case- we have always had pride in our cleanliness.When you are leavingThe final changes during your experience, is when you leave.Firstly, it is safer to pay with a contactless card if you can, and use your own pen to sign any paperwork. We will ask if it is ok for us to sign on your behalf, if you would prefer, this means you do not have to touch anything.Usually, you might be handed a piece of paper or leaflet with advice or instructions about your treatment. In the short term, this will no longer happen. Instead, this information will be provided verbally, at a social distance.Finally, if you need any further visits, these will be made over the phone for you, once you have returned home.In summaryIt’s important that you, as a patient, are comforted by the measures that are being taken. All changes that have been made for the safety of staff and patients alike.If in doubt, give the practice a call on 01723 500 340, and ask to speak to Emma. She will ensure everything is explained to you, and help put your mind at ease.We’re here to make you smile, even during these unprecedented times! We look forward to welcoming you all back soon.
Top tips to prevent dental erosion.. 17 June 20205 April 2022The enamel on your teeth is the hardest and most mineralised part of your whole body. It covers the outer layer of each tooth, shielding the sensitive dentine underneath and protecting it from tooth decay.Not all healthy food is good for teeth!Dental erosion is the loss of your tooth enamel and is caused by acid attack. When the enamel is worn away, dentine becomes exposed and it could lead to pain and sensitivity.Unlike other parts of your body (such as bones or muscles), tooth enamel is not made up of living cells. This means that once enamel is destroyed, your body cannot rebuild it. Because of this, it is important to prevent your enamel from eroding. That’s why we want to raise awareness about dental erosion.Here are our top 8 tips for helping you to reduce the erosion of enamel.1 – Have acidic food and drinks, and fizzy drinks, sodas and pops, just at mealtimes. This will reduce the number of acid attacks on your teeth. Don’t forget healthy options such as fizzy water and smoothies can be very acidic too.2 – Drink quickly, without holding the drink in your mouth or ‘swishing’ it around your mouth. Or use a straw to help drinks go to the back of your mouth and avoid long contact with your teeth.3 – Finish a meal with cheese or milk as this will help cancel out the acid4 – Chew sugar-free gum after eating. This will help produce more saliva to help cancel out the acids which form in your mouth after eating.5 – Wait for at least one hour after eating or drinking anything acidic before brushing your teeth. This gives your teeth time to build up their mineral content again. Some fruits, which are healthy, can be really acidic for your teeth, such as oranges and grapefruit. Try not to eat these fruits in excess.6 – Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste. Use a small-headed brush with medium to soft bristles7 – Children up to three-years-old should use a toothpaste with a fluoride level of at least 1000ppm (parts per million). After three-years-old, you should use a toothpaste that contains 1350ppm-to-1500ppm.8 – Spit out after brushing and do not rinse, so that the fluoride stays on your teeth longer.Why not book an appointment to have a chat about how we can help you make sure you’re eating the right foods, and have the right oral hygiene regime for your teeth!
Sensitive Teeth…? 22 April 20205 April 2022What are sensitive teeth?Having sensitive teeth can mean anything from getting a mild twinge to having severe discomfort that can continue for several hours. It can also be an early warning sign of more serious dental problems.Who suffers from sensitive teeth?Sensitivity can affect people of all agesMany people suffer from sensitive teeth and it can start at any time. It is more common in people aged between 20 and 40, although it can affect people in their early teens and when they are over 70. Women are more likely to be affected than men.What causes sensitive teeth?The part of the tooth we can see has a layer of enamel that protects the softer dentine underneath. If the dentine is exposed, a tooth can become sensitive. This usually happens where the tooth and the gum meet and the enamel layer is much thinner. Here are some causes of sensitivity:Brushing too hard (‘toothbrush abrasion’), and brushing from side to side, can cause enamel to be worn away – particularly where the teeth meet the gums. The freshly exposed dentine may then become sensitive.Dental erosion: this is loss of tooth enamel caused by attacks of acid from acidic food and drinks. If enamel is worn away, the dentine underneath is exposed which may lead to sensitivity.Gums may naturally recede (shrink back), and the roots of the teeth will become exposed and can be more sensitive. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them.Gums may naturally recede (shrink back ), and the roots of the teeth will become exposed and can be more sensitive. Root surfaces do not have an enamel layer to protect them.Gum disease: a build-up of plaque or tartar can cause the gum to recede down the tooth and even destroy the bony support of the tooth. Pockets can form in the gums around the tooth, making the area difficult to keep clean and the problem worse.Tooth grinding: this is a habit which involves clenching and grinding the teeth together. This can cause the enamel of the teeth to be worn away, making the teeth sensitive.A cracked tooth or filling: a cracked tooth is one that has become broken.Tooth bleaching: some patients have sensitivity for a short time during bleaching or afterwards. Talk to us about this before having treatment.When are teeth more likely to be sensitive?You are more likely to feel the sensitivity when drinking or eating something cold, from cold air catching your teeth, and sometimes with hot foods or drinks. Some people have sensitivity when they have sweet or acidic food and drinks. The pain can come and go, with some times being worse than others.Is there anything I should avoid if I have sensitive teeth?You may find that hot, cold, sweet or acidic drinks, or foods like ice cream, can bring on sensitivity, so you may want to avoid these. If you have sensitivity when brushing your teeth with cold water from the tap, you may need to use warm water instead. It is important to keep brushing your teeth regularly – if you don’t, this could make the problem worse.Do I need to come and see you?Yes, if you have tried treating your sensitive teeth for a few weeks and have had no improvement.What treatments can you offer?During an examination the dental team will talk to you about your symptoms. We will look at your teeth to find out what is causing the sensitivity and to find the best way of treating it. We may treat the affected teeth with special ‘de-sensitising’ products to help relieve the symptoms. Fluoride gels, rinses or varnishes can be applied to sensitive teeth. These can be painted onto the teeth at regular appointments one or two weeks apart, to build up some protection. Sensitivity can take some time to settle, and you may need to have several appointments. If this still does not help, your dental team may seal or fill around the neck of the tooth, where the tooth and gum meet, to cover exposed dentine. In very serious cases it may be necessary to root-fill the tooth.Is there anything I can do to treat sensitive teeth at home?There are many brands of toothpaste on the market made to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth. You should use the fluoride toothpaste twice a day to brush your teeth. You can also rub it onto the sensitive areas. These toothpastes can take anything from a few days to several weeks to take effect. Your dental team should be able to advise you on which type of toothpaste would be best for you.How can I prevent sensitive teeth?Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day, with fluoride toothpaste containing at least 1350ppm (parts per million) of fluoride. Consider using toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth. Use small, circular movements with a soft-to medium-bristled brush. Try to avoid brushing your teeth from side to side.Change your toothbrush every two to three months, or sooner if it becomes worn.Don’t brush straight after eating – some foods and drinks can soften the enamel of your teeth, so leave it for at least an hour before you brush.Have sugary foods, and fizzy and acidic drinks, less often. Try to have them just at mealtimes.If you grind your teeth, talk to your dental team about whether you should have a mouthguard made, to wear at night.If you are thinking about having your teeth bleached, discuss sensitivity with your dental team before starting treatment.Visit your dental team regularly, as often as they recommend.We’re here to help, if you have any questions! You can also book an appointment with Beth, our Oral Health Educator!