Eating Confidently – Your Teeth Are Important

Some of us might be picky when it comes to what food we eat, and it isn’t always down to taste!

We all have our own taste in food, whether that be spicy, sweet or something somewhere in between. This isn’t an issue of course, as we all have personal taste preferences. Some people, however, choose what they eat based on other criteria including how difficult they are to eat due to their teeth and other oral health conditions. Not only does this remove some of the enjoyment of eating, but in some cases, can lead people to eat a quite limited diet. This is especially concerning when it comes to older people who may not get the nutrition that they need to remain healthy in their old age.

In today’s blog, your local Burton dentists examine some of the areas where eating might be a problem and also look at the options that can be taken to resolve this issue.

Dentures

Anyone that wears dentures is likely to eliminate some foods from their diet. As dentures can be a little unstable at times, harder foods may be avoided as this can cause them to move around in the mouth. This is particularly embarrassing if you are at a social gathering. Even at home, the inconvenience might cause people to eat softer foods that they might otherwise choose.

Although there are adhesives that can be used with dentures, these do not fully address the problem. Unfortunately, dentures do not provide an artificial tooth root and therefore some movement is almost inevitable at times. The only tooth replacement method that does replace this part of the tooth are dental implants. If you want a truly liberating eating experience, this popular treatment is the best way forward in many cases.

Dental braces

Braces can also cause problems when eating. Not only is it inconvenient and often unsightly when food gets trapped in the wiring, but can also lead to tooth decay as it can be very hard to remove with standard cleaning. If you have a ‘wire and bracket’ type of brace, you must take good care when cleaning your teeth to remove any food debris. If you have crooked teeth though and would like to have them corrected but are worried about this, SG Dental and Implant Centre offers a range of orthodontic treatments including non-wire ones that are designed to be removed when you are eating meals or cleaning your teeth. Not only will these help you have attractive, even teeth but also eliminate the risk of trapped food causing tooth decay as long as you maintain a good cleaning regimen.

Damaged or weakened teeth

Some teeth, such as those that have had root canal treatment, are by nature, weaker than a strong healthy tooth. In this instance, the best thing to do is to avoid using that tooth to eat anything hard with. If your teeth are weak or compromised because they are damaged though, you should see your dentist for advice. There are many treatments that can help to provide your tooth with more durability, whether that is a filling or a crown. Don’t put up with poor quality and weak teeth when you don’t need to.

Painful gums

If your gums hurt when you chew, you might be tempted simply to switch to softer foods. This might relieve the problem somewhat but it doesn’t address the underlying issue. You will need to be examined by one of our Burton dentists for a diagnosis, but in situations like this, it may well be that your gums are inflamed due to gum disease. Providing that this is detected early on, this is often fairly straightforward to correct with better cleaning and advice and treatment from our dental hygienist. Even if you think you can put up with the discomfort, you really shouldn’t. Gum disease can not only be uncomfortable but can eventually lead to wobbly teeth, or even tooth loss if not treated promptly.

Sensitive teeth

One common problem that can occur when you eat or drink, is the often quite painful sensation of sensitive teeth. This can range from a mild discomfort to a sharp pain that can cause you significant discomfort. This can be caused by a number of related issues, with similar results.

One of the main causes of this is where enamel erosion has occurred on the tooth surface. This thinner enamel doesn’t protect the tooth from heat sensations as well as healthy teeth. If the erosion is significant, or if the tooth is cracked or chipped, it may be that the dentin layer beneath has been exposed. Not only could this be the cause of the pain but could also lead to tooth decay if not treated. Finally, receding gums can expose the less well protected neck of the tooth which can have a similar result.

Although sensitive teeth toothpastes can help to reduce the pain, you should also make sure that you have your teeth checked by our dentists. Treatments such as the fitting of porcelain veneers can enable you to eat comfortably and happily once more.

If you are finding eating a little difficult and would like to correct this, please arrange a consultation to see one of our friendly team. You can do this by calling Mike Allen’s Dental Practice on 01283 845345 and we’ll be pleased to arrange your appointment.