That wince at the first sip of ice water might be erosion, or something else entirely. From Georgetown, book an assessment that looks past the sensitivity to the wear, its likely causes and what will protect your teeth.
Enamel works like insulation. When it thins, the softer layer underneath, called dentine, sits closer to the surface, and cold, sweet or sour things can reach the nerve more easily. One way enamel thins is erosion: acids from drinks, foods or the stomach slowly dissolving the tooth surface. Bacteria are not involved, which is what separates erosion from decay.
Sensitivity is a signal, though, not a diagnosis. Receding gums, a cracked tooth, a leaky filling, grinding or brushing too firmly can all produce the same jolt. And some quite worn teeth hardly complain at all. That is why an assessment looks at the surfaces themselves, rather than judging the problem by how much it hurts.
For anyone booking from Georgetown, the first visit sets out to answer two questions: what is causing the discomfort, and is erosion part of it? We ask about drinks, meals, reflux, medicines and health, explaining each question as we go. Private matters can be discussed one-on-one. Then we plan relief and protection, with repair only where it has a role.
Think back to when the discomfort or a visible change first appeared, and whether either is getting worse. Older dental notes or photographs can offer context, but only an examination can explain them.
Teeth may look smoother, slightly hollowed or thinner at the edges. The dentist checks where these signs appear and how they relate to other findings. Appearance on its own cannot reveal how long the change has taken or whether it continues.
Note the trigger, whether the feeling fades in seconds or lingers, and which tooth or side reacts. Sensitivity is not a reliable gauge of how much enamel is gone. A tooth with sharp, lasting or throbbing pain may have a different problem that needs prompt attention.
Frequent citrus, soft drinks, sports drinks, reflux or repeated vomiting can all be relevant. Share as much as you are comfortable with. We discuss dental protection and whether your doctor should look at an exposure dental treatment cannot fix by itself.
Please continue prescribed medication and avoid drastic diet changes until we have talked. Bring a current medication list and relevant health details so advice can be coordinated with your healthcare team.
Easing sensitivity matters, and it is often one of the first things we work on. But calming a tooth does not bring back lost enamel or stop the acid that caused the wear. A good plan does both jobs: it manages discomfort and reduces the exposures behind it, then decides whether a damaged surface needs rebuilding.
Not every sensitive, worn tooth needs a filling. The choice rests on the depth of wear, how the tooth feels, function, appearance and signs of progression. Ask what the dentist will look for at review and what would prompt a different approach. Agreed markers mean you are not left judging progress by sensitivity alone.
Patient information: American Dental Association — dental erosion
Linking the worn surfaces with your history can show why certain teeth react. Where erosion and another cause both seem involved, we explain how each contributes.
Recommendations should work with your meals, job and health needs. Let us know which steps feel difficult, so we can suggest alternatives that still help.
If a repair is advised, ask whether it will cover exposed dentine, reduce sensitivity, rebuild shape or support the bite. Each restoration should solve a specific problem rather than serve as a default.
There is no need to work out the cause beforehand. If we ask you to note when sensitivity strikes or what you eat and drink in a typical day, a brief, honest note is plenty.
We ask when discomfort happens, how long it lasts, and about health conditions and medicines. Expect a few questions on reflux, vomiting, saliva and diet as well. If you would like privacy for any part of this, just say so.
The dentist checks the teeth, existing fillings, gums and bite, and may test how specific teeth respond. Notes and photographs or other records capture the baseline. Extra investigations are arranged only to answer a particular question.
We discuss ways to ease sensitivity, which exposures can be reduced and whether any surface needs repair. Where medical input is relevant, advice can be coordinated. Ask for the stages involved and estimated costs before agreeing to restorative work.
At follow-up we compare symptoms, your experience with the plan and any change in the teeth. Timing depends on findings. If sensitivity persists or wear continues, further investigation or a revised plan may be needed.
Use the advice tailored to your own risks. Protecting enamel should fit with a balanced diet and good health, not stop you enjoying a cold drink altogether.
If a drink or habit appears to contribute, discuss having it less often and with meals. Avoid swishing acidic drinks around the mouth. Plain water is an easy choice between meals and will not provoke the teeth.
Keep brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, which may be a sensitivity formula if advised. Avoid abrasive products and heavy scrubbing. A desensitizing paste can ease symptoms, but it does not address the acid that is causing wear.
Mention frequent heartburn, reflux, vomiting or ongoing dry mouth to your doctor. Do not change medication on your own. If you are sick, a water rinse can help clear the mouth of acid; ask us for tailored advice if this is a recurring issue.
Patient information: UK oral health guidance — managing and monitoring tooth wear
Sensitive teeth prompt questions about products, causes and treatments. We answer with your examination and history in mind.
Visit our Bronte Street clinic for an assessment of teeth that sting with cold, sweet or sour foods, or look more worn than they once did. Bring your medication list and a note of when sensitivity happens. Our dentist will talk you through the findings and how to ease, protect and, if needed, restore your teeth.
Severe pain or swelling needs a phone call to the clinic. Use online requests for non-urgent appointments.
