1 IN EVERY 8 Americans (including kids) has sensitive teeth. To understand why, we'll need to take a look at dental anatomy.
Erosion and the Layers of a Tooth Every tooth has nerves at the center. When the tooth is healthy, the nerve is protected by the outer layers. If the tooth enamel erodes enough, it can expose the porous dentin layer and subject the nerves to much more input than they're supposed to get. That tends to make temperature changes or even a sudden burst of sour or sweet flavor very uncomfortable or even painful.
Other Causes of Tooth Sensitivity Erosion is the main cause of tooth sensitivity but not the only one. Exposed roots can be very sensitive because roots rely on gum tissue to protect them, not enamel. Gum recession (which is most often caused by brushing too hard) can leave roots exposed and vulnerable. Damage to a tooth, whether through an accident or cavities, also leads to sensitivity.
Ways to Minimize Sensitivity There are several things to do for sensitive teeth. First, throw out the hard-bristled toothbrush and get a soft-bristled one. It doesn't take much pressure to clean away plaque when we brush, but too much can scrape away enamel and gum tissue. Switching to a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth should also help, and cut back on sugar intake and very acidic foods and drinks.
The Dentist Can Help! If you're experiencing tooth sensitivity, make sure to bring it up with the dentist. Dentist can determine the cause of the problem and recommend or prescribe a toothpaste that could help or schedule any necessary treatment. Every bite of food or swallow of drink you enjoy shouldn't come at the price of a nasty jolt!
Disclaimer:the content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
WE'VE ALL HEARD of the active ingredient in toothpaste: fluoride. It supplies tooth enamel with important minerals to keep it strong and it protects against tooth decay. It's the one ingredient toothpaste must contain to earn the American Dental Association's Seal of Acceptance. But what else is in toothpaste?
Other Active Ingredients 1. Mild abrasive ingredients help scrub the surfaces of our teeth clean as we brush (and it doesn't take more than a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle brushing to get the job done). 2. Foaming detergents help the toothpaste reach every tooth. (Fun fact: the foam is why actors rarely use toothpaste when they brush their teeth onscreen. It's too messy for TV!)
Inactive Ingredients 1. Humectants keep toothpaste from drying out, so that it can come out of the tube in a smooth piece. 2. Flavoring and sweeteners make toothpaste taste good, but they can't include actual sugar and still get the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Toothpaste for adults is usually a strong, minty flavor, but that can be overpowering for kids, which is why theirs often tastes like fruit or candy.
Which Ingredients Have Whitening Effects? A lot of toothpaste contains bleaching agents, but anyone with braces should avoid those until Braces Off Day. Using whitening toothpaste could result in a slight difference between the color of the spot where the bracket was and the rest of the tooth, so save that for after the orthodontic treatment ends!
Disclaimer:the content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
IF BRACES-WEARERS want to keep the results of their treatment long term, they should be carefully following the orthodontist's instructions on how to use their retainers. Part of that isn't just about wearing the retainers but about keeping them clean.
Why Do Retainers Need Cleaning? Retainers are just as susceptible to plaque and tartar buildup as our teeth are, so they need to be cleaned just as diligently. If we don't, they will quickly become filmy, smelly, foul-tasting, and covered in crusty white spots. Gross!
Removable Versus Permanent Retainer Care For those with removable retainers, rinse them with cool water and soak your removable retainer daily for the best results with Retainer Brite Tablets. Permanent retainers can make flossing trickier but it's important to persevere and floss around them even if it's difficult because tartar can build up around them otherwise. Floss threaders can help with that!
Never use hot water or harsh chemicals on a retainer!
Disclaimer:the content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
OUR GOAL IS FOR all of our orthodontic patients to make it to Braces Off Day without any worries of their results being marred by tooth decay and stains. However, a lot of that depends on the daily habits of our patients when they’re away from our practice. Follow theses tips to ensure the best possible result at the end of treatment:
1. Brush after every meal. Twice a day doesn’t cut it quite so well when it means waiting from lunch until bedtime with food stuck between brackets. It’s a good idea to bring a toothbrush and toothpaste along to lunch to deal with stuck food. Just make sure to find a place to store the toothbrush where it can dry out between uses!
2. Don’t skip flossing. We know it’s trickier with braces, but persevere! Use floss threaders, floss picks, or water flossers if regular floss is too frustrating to work with. Daily flossing is actually more important than brushing, and it’s essential for preventing post-braces stains.
3. Whitening products and braces don’t mix. Wait until the braces come off so that the entire surface of each tooth can get the same amount of whitening treatment. Trying to do it with braces on can leave uneven patches where the brackets were!
Disclaimer:The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
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