Dentin Hypersensitivity: What You Can Do

September 15, 2017

Filed under: Blog — southlakedental @ 6:06 pm

Do you ever take a breath of fresh air and wince from the pain of cool air running over your teeth? What about biting into an ice cream cone or sipping a cup of hot coffee? If your teeth are sensitive to heat and cold, you might have dentin hypersensitivity. This is a frustrating condition and it can be very uncomfortable. Read on to find out more about what might be causing it as well as tips on how to make it go away.

Receding Gums

Whether due to age or gum disease, your gums might be receding. This means that more of the porous dentin is exposed, causing sensitivity to hot and cold stimulus. You might also develop some gum recession if you use a medium or hard toothbrush or if you are using too much of an abrasive toothpaste.

See your dentist to evaluate the cause of your gum recession. In some cases, changing your oral hygiene routine can help. Other times, periodontal work is needed; for that you’ll probably be referred to a gum specialist.

Dental Decay

If you are having sensitivity that seems to be focused on one area, it might be caused by dental decay. Particularly if you have decay under a metal filling, the heat or cold might transfer to the area around the nerve, causing pain. See your dentist promptly to find out if you have a cavity in the affected tooth.

Bruxism (Clenching and Grinding)

Are your molars sensitive? If you’re also waking up with headaches or jaw pain, you might be clenching or grinding your teeth in your sleep. This can cause hypersensitivity as you grind away the enamel. You can also create crazing, or tiny cracks, in your molars.

Some ways to reduce bruxism include reducing stress and using a nightguard. A nightguard is an appliance that your dentist can make for you. You wear it overnight and it, rather than your teeth, takes the brunt of your grinding.

Dentin hypersensitivity is an uncomfortable condition, but one that can often be remedied. There are toothpastes made specifically for sensitive teeth that you can ask your dentist about. Give us a call to talk about your options and to schedule an appointment.

Worst Foods for Dental Health

September 1, 2017

Filed under: Blog,Dental Health — Tags: , , — southlakedental @ 4:18 pm

You might already know what foods to eat for stronger teeth. Some examples are apples, strawberries, cheese, and foods high in calcium. While you might know that eating too much sugar is bad for teeth, you might not know other worst foods for dental health. Read on to find out which foods are the worst for your teeth.

Dried Fruit

Fruit is good for you, but if it’s dried, it can wreak havoc on your teeth. Dried fruit tends to be chewy and sticky. It’s also full of concentrated sugar. Chewing on raisins or sticky fruit leather can leave pieces of sticky, sugary fruit on your teeth. This gives bacteria something to feast on while they contribute to gum inflammation and tooth decay. If you do choose to eat dried fruit, be sure to brush very well afterward.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are exactly the type of starchy treat bacteria love. The starch tends to stick to and get in between your teeth, where it can cause tooth decay and gum inflammation. Keep in mind that starch turns to sugar, so avoid eating a lot of potato chips, white bread, and pasta for healthier teeth.

Unpopped Popcorn Kernels

You’ve probably had the experience of biting down on a handful of popcorn and crunching down on an unpopped kernel. This is painful and it can also cause damage to your teeth. Eat popcorn cautiously to avoid cracking a tooth or breaking a filling on kernels. Other foods that you should avoid biting down on include peppercorns, ice, and hard candies.

In general, if you stick to a diet of lean proteins, dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you should be able to improve your overall health as well as your dental health. If you have questions about what types of foods are best for your teeth, ask your hygienist the next time you are in for a cleaning.