Tooth Sensitivity and Veneers: Can Oil Pulling Help?
While veneers can improve the cosmetic appearance of your teeth, they may also come with some side effects such as an increase in tooth sensitivity. When you had your veneers fitted, your dentist may have removed some of the enamel from the front of your teeth to make room for the veneer shells to fit snugly. Losing some of this protective enamel may make your teeth more sensitive than usual.
Sensitivity after veneers often disappears over time; however, some people's teeth remain sensitive on a more permanent basis. If your sensitivity bothers you, you may be looking for a way to reduce your discomfort. Can oil pulling help and is it safe to use on veneered teeth?
How Oil Pulling Affects Tooth Sensitivity
Oil pulling helps keep all things oral in a healthier state. For example, if you swish a spoonful of oil around your teeth and gums every morning, the oil cleans your mouth, has a detoxifying effect and attracts bacteria that will be removed from your mouth when you spit the oil out. Typically recommended as a way of dealing with the bacteria that can lead to dental decay and gum disease, oil pulling may also have effects that help with other oral issues.
For example, some people find that the soothing effects of rolling oil around their mouths helps reduce problems with gum and tooth sensitivity. It isn't clear how this effect of oil pulling works scientifically; people often simply notice reduced sensitivity as a side effect when they try oil pulling to improve the health of their teeth and gums. However, if you can't sort out your sensitivity problems, oil pulling may be worth a try.
Tip: You may not see an immediate reduction in sensitivity with oil pulling; the process may even make your teeth feel a little worse to start with. It's worth persevering for a few days if you can to give pulling the best chances of working on your sensitivity.
How Oil Pulling Affects Veneers
If you're considering oil pulling as a way of dealing with veneer sensitivity, you may be a bit worried about the effects that pulling will have on your veneer shells. While typically considered to be a safe practice, there are some people who believe that the switching and sucking actions you use when you pull can ultimately detach dental work such as fillings, crowns and veneers.
Oil pulling isn't considered to be a problem if the teeth under your dental work are in a good condition and the work itself is stable. The only time you might encounter problems is if your veneer itself has stability issues or if the tooth under a veneer is damaged.
Tip: If you're worried about the condition of your teeth or veneers, ask your dentist for advice about oil pulling and any possible effects it may on your dental work.
Oil pulling may well help make your sensitivity more manageable. If it doesn't, it's worth talking to your dentist about alternative solutions.
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