Sunday, May 31, 2015

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

Tooth Sensitivity can affect one or more teeth. It’s most common when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. Sometimes a breath of cold air can set it off. The pain can be sharp and sudden and can shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.

See the Anatomy of a Tooth and How Enamel Is Damaged

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

You get sensitive teeth when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This soft layer makes up the inner part and roots, which have thousands of tiny tubes that lead to thetooth's nerve center (the pulp). These channels allow the trigger -- for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food -- to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.

Other things that can cause sensitive teeth are:
  • Wear and tear. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristledtoothbrush or grinding your teeth can wear down enamel and expose the dentin.
  • Tooth decay near the gum line.
  • Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gums pull back and expose the roots of your teeth.
  • Damage. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria. The bacteria can enter the pulp, causing inflammation.
  • Teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose the dentin.
  • Tooth-whitening products. These products may be major contributors to sensitive teeth.
  • Age. Teeth are most sensitive between ages 25 and 30.
  • Plaque buildup. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
  • Long-term mouthwash use. Some over-the-counter products contain acids that can make sensitivity worse if your dentin is already exposed. Ask your Dentist about a neutral fluoride solution.
  • Acidic foods. Food and drinks with a high acid content, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can wear down enamel.
  • Dental Work. Teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, andtooth restoration can make teeth sensitive. This should go away in 4 to 6 weeks.
Steps to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity
  • The good news is there are many ways to control sensitive teeth. You can:
  • Brush and floss regularly. Use proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
  • Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you don’t remove gum tissue.
  • Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Several brands are available. Regular use should make teeth less sensitive. You may need to try several brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip: Spread a thin layer on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Use a fluoridated toothpaste, not atartar control one.
  • Watch what you eat. Avoid lots of highly acidic foods and drinks.
  • Use fluoridated dental products. Using a fluoridated mouth rinse daily can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about products available for home use.
  • Don’t grind your teeth. Use a mouth guard at night.
  • See your dentist every 6 months (or sooner, depending on your condition).

If you still have discomfort, talk to your Dentist. There may be a procedure that can help. He might recommend:
  • White fillings(bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces
  • Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface
  • Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Preventing Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay is the destruction of tooth structure and can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin layer of the tooth.

Tooth decay occurs when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as breads, cereals, milk, soda, fruits, cakes, or candy are left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth digest these foods, turning them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. The acids in plaque dissolve the enamel surface of the teeth, creating holes in the teeth called cavities.

To prevent tooth decay:
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste. Preferably, brush after each meal and especially before going to bed.
  • Clean between your teeth daily with dental floss or interdental cleaners, such as the Oral-B Interdental Brush, Reach Stim-U-Dent, or Sulcabrush.
  • Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacks. Avoid carbohydrates such as candy, pretzels and chips, which can remain on the tooth surface. If sticky foods are eaten, brush your teeth soon afterwards.
  • Check with your dentist about use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth.
  • Ask your dentist about dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of your back teeth (molars) to protect them from decay.
  • Drink fluoridated water. At least a pint of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect children from tooth decay.
  • Visit your Dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exam.
A mouth rinse containing fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, according to the American Dental Association.

Researchers are developing new means to prevent tooth decay. One study found that a chewing gum that contains the sweetener xylitol temporarily retarded the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. In addition, several materials that slowly release fluoride over time, which will help prevent further decay, are being explored. These materials would be placed between teeth or in pits and fissures of teeth. Toothpastes and mouth rinses that can reverse and "heal" early cavities are also being studied.