Tooth Sensitivity
March 29, 2010
Among the most common problems in USA, tooth sensitivity is a commonly heard complaint from people. According to our study, almost one in five adults is a victim of dental problem on account of tooth sensitivity and improper dental care.When you take a hot/cold or sweet/sour food item, a sharp pain is felt in the tooth which shows that you are suffering from tooth sensitivity. Moreover, people having extreme tooth sensitivity feel the pain even when the tooth is open to air only.The reason behind the occurrence of tooth sensitivity is the damaging of the tooth enamel that covers the dentin and protects the tooth from exposing to sharp taste foods or drinks.Causes of tooth sensitivity
- The most common causes of tooth sensitivity are:
- Bruxism: when you grind the teeth it scratches out the enamel from the surface of the tooth.
- Missing artificial fillings or lose prosthetic crown may also result in the tooth enamel being worn out.
- Periodontal gum diseases such as gingivitis (swelled gums).
- Plaque (a soft sticky substance collected over the surface of teeth containing bacteria when leftover food particles are not properly removed).
- Breakage or cracking of tooth or a part of it.
- Rough and careless brushing damages the tooth enamel.
- Artificial whitening of teeth fades away the original enamel of tooth and when the whitening is scratched out over the period of time it exposes the tooth surface.
- Improper hygiene like acidic foods.
Ways and Means to Treat Tooth Sensitivity
- There are many ways and means by which the tooth sensitivity can be handled easily:
- Fluoride mouthwash should be used
- Intake of low acidic foods
- Soft toothbrush should be used
- Gentle teeth brushing and flossing. Use of electronic tooth brush can help in managing the pressure over teeth.
- If you have a habit of grinding or crushing your teeth, prefer wearing a night guard if possible.
- Use of good quality tooth paste which does not affect the enamel of teeth.
If the problem of tooth sensitivity persists even after taking the aforesaid preventing measures, visiting a professional dentist is recommended so that he can treat the teeth by means of surgery or any other medications.
The Basics Of Good Dental Hygiene
March 8, 2010
THE BASICS OF GOOD DENTAL HYGIENEFor the healthy being of our teeth and gums, routine tooth-brushing and periodic tooth flossing is not adequate. Proper dental hygiene is also essential to keep our teeth healthy and bacteria free.The fact of being prone to dental diseases inherently cannot be denied, but it is also true that if proper care is taken of teeth ever since they first appear in your mouth, it is not difficult to fight the genetically inherent tooth diseases, provided that following measures must have been taken.
- Brushing. Brush your teeth properly after every meal, or at least twice-daily.If you don’t get the chance to brush teeth after every meal, wash you mouth thoroughly to remove the food particles that stay over the teeth after eating.Prefer using fluoride toothpaste over any other toothpaste as fluoride helps in protecting the teeth from decay.Periodic replacement of tooth brush will also be better as some of the bacteria stay inside the bristle of brush and consequently get in contact with the teeth and gums, and the bristles can transfer those particles into them.Brush your teeth softly and properly reaching adjacent area of the gums. Avoid hustle and vigorous brushing that can cause the gums to bleed as well as the tooth enamel may get worn out.
- Flossing. In order to maintain good dental health, dental flossing should not be avoided as it is the most integral part of tooth care. Brush can only reach the surface of the teeth or the areas adjacent to the gums, while flossing ensures that the area between the teeth is also clean and particle free.At minimum, once a day flossing is normally recommended by professional dentists.Flossing is not necessary for young children as brushing is enough for keeping their teeth clean. But if child’s teeth are being flossed daily, it will ensure long-term strength and good health of their teeth.
- Diet. Professional dentists strictly prohibit the use of acidic products like tobacco, alcohol etc. as these items leave adverse effects on dental health.Food items which contain large amount of sugar or starch become the sole cause of plaque (a colourless acid that accumulates the leftover food particles and bacteria and let them grow over time resulting in dental cavities (caries), gingivitis, or other periodontal problems).