If you’ve ever munched on a spoonful of ice cream or a piece of chewy chocolate and felt like your teeth were on fire, you know what we’re talking about. That stinging, tingling feeling results from sensitivity to sweets, also called tooth sensitivity.
It’s not uncommon, and it affects millions of people. In fact, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), about one in five adults is experiencing teeth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth, even mild stimuli like hot or cold drinks, spicy foods, or sweets can cause pain and lead to chewing problems.
This article explains why we get sensitive teeth, their symptoms, and how to ease them naturally without spending money on unique solutions.
Tooth sensitivity is the sensation or feeling that something is brushing against your teeth, even when there is nothing. This can be caused by various factors, including acid erosion and damage to tooth enamel, plaque buildup, or a change in the pH of your saliva.
The most common cause of sensitivity is the formation of dental cavities, also called cavities or tooth decay. Cavities are caused by the bacterial breakdown of sugars in food and drinks, which produces acids that damage tooth enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
Sugar sensitivity occurs when bacteria in your mouth break down the sugar in your diet, producing acid that can irritate the gums and teeth. Even sugar-free chewing gums and sugarless candies can cause tooth sensitivity.
Sugar sensitivity occurs when your saliva cannot lessen the acid produced by the bacteria that break down sugars in food. The bacteria that cause tooth decay are naturally present in all mouths, so sensitivity may occur once you eat sugary food and it comes in contact with your damaged enamel or gums.
As mentioned above, tooth sensitivity is often caused by dental cavities or tooth decay. When you eat sugary foods, the bacteria in your mouth use sugar as an energy source, and the waste product of this process is acid.
When this acid comes in contact with your teeth, it lowers its pH from the natural pH of around 7 to a lower pH of 5. This lower pH can dissolve minerals in your teeth, including calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
If the process continues long enough, it can dissolve the tooth itself, creating a hole visible as a white spot or discoloration. When this happens, it can cause tooth sensitivity.
If your gums are inflamed and irritated, they can cause your teeth to feel sensitive when food comes in contact with them.
If you have an underlying medical condition like a digestive disorder or are taking certain medications, you might be more susceptible to experiencing tooth sensitivity.
If tooth sensitivity results from low pH, then the easiest way to prevent and treat the sensitivity would be to increase the pH. Your saliva naturally has a pH above seven and can help to neutralize acids and prevent tooth decay.
However, people with low saliva production or those who regularly consume sugary foods or drinks may experience tooth sensitivity. That’s because regular consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks will affect your saliva from neutralizing the acid.
This leads to the acid damaging your teeth and causing tooth sensitivity.
There are a few ways that you can deal with tooth sensitivity. If you think it’s caused by excess sugar in your diet, try cutting back on sugary or starchy foods like bread, rice, and pasta.
You can also try to increase your salivary production. Salivary flow naturally slows down as we age, as does the rate at which our bodies break down sugars. You can help your mouth make more saliva by chewing gum, drinking water, or sucking on a lemon.
Lastly, you can choose toothpaste and dental products that help protect your teeth from sensitivity by increasing your mouth's pH.
Regular dental visits and cleanings are essential for preventing tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can advise you on brushing and flossing correctly, well-timed dental sealants for children, and regular fluoride treatments for adults.
You can’t control what happens inside your mouth, but you can control what goes into it. Consuming fewer sugary foods and drinks can help reduce your dental cavities and tooth sensitivity risk.
Choosing a sensitivity-friendly toothpaste or dental product can protect your teeth from tooth sensitivity. A few options are available to protect against tooth sensitivity, such as baking soda toothpaste.
If you’re regularly dealing with tooth sensitivity, you may want to consult your dentist to see if they recommend a different oral hygiene routine.
Sugar is edible and essential to our health, but it can wreak havoc on your teeth. For some people, eating sugar causes their teeth to be susceptible to damage and pain. If you’re one of these people, it’s a good idea to be more mindful of your sugar intake.
People with teeth sensitive to sugar may have damaged enamel. When tooth enamel erodes, teeth become more sensitive to temperatures and sweets. Your tooth may also feel jagged and rough. Therefore, it's easier for the nerves around your teeth to be irritated, which causes sharp and dull pain when eating or drinking.
Al Care Dental is a friendly, joy-filled general and cosmetic dental practice in Leduc, Alberta. We provide a full range of services and offer evening and weekend hours.
When you visit a dentist, you should try to relax. You can take a bath or a shower before going in. That way, you will be more comfortable when dentists work on your teeth.
When you meet with the dentist for the first time, it is always good to introduce yourself and tell them why you are there. Be honest about any concerns that you have about your teeth. This will help the dentist work on keeping your teeth healthy and strong.
If you are nervous about visiting a dentist, do not worry. When you are at Al Care Dental Clinic, we take care of your needs so that you can sit back and enjoy your treats.
We look forward to giving you the best smile in town, so book an appointment with us now! For more information about our office, click here.
If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at (780) 986-9857 or email us at [email protected]
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. It is usually caused by dental cavities and can be easily prevented and treated by reducing sugar intake and using sensitivity-friendly dental products.
Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth can help keep them clean and healthy. It would be best to visit the dentist for a cleaning at least twice a year to keep your whole mouth healthy and strong.
If you’ve ever had a toothache, you know firsthand how painful it is — not to mention the social implications when you can’t smile. Untreated toothaches can also lead to more severe and long-lasting implications.
Tooth decay and root exposure are two conditions that may arise with the failure of your teeth to be adequately cared for. If you’re worried about either or both of these problems, read on for more information about what they are and how you can avoid them.
A tooth is made up of three main parts: the crown, the root, and the root canal. The crown is the part of the tooth that can be seen when you smile or look in a mirror, while the root is the part that is buried in your gums.
Where do roots come from? Roots are formed in the early stages of tooth development in the womb when your baby teeth start to emerge. As your teeth grow, the roots push into your jawbone, forming a fibrous attachment.
This attachment is called the periodontal ligament, which keeps your teeth in place and helps to support your facial structure. However, a tooth can also have an inflammatory process in the jaw that can cause bone loss and tooth root exposure. This means that the bone around the tooth may have been eroded, and the root can be exposed.
If the root of a tooth is exposed, you may notice a few things, including:
This is usually due to nerve irritation that has occurred due to the exposure of the tooth root.
The teeth may appear darker in color than before, and the teeth may appear longer than usual due to the gums pulling away, exposing the tooth root.
Movement of the Teeth
The tooth may shift out of place and become misaligned. These are all signs that a tooth root may be exposed and treatment may be needed.
The tooth root can become exposed for a variety of reasons, including:
If a tooth gets infected, the root will probably come out, and the infection will spread to the gums and other mouth tissue.
If the gums become inflamed and the infection spreads, it is possible that the root will become exposed and the infection will continue to spread.
If a tooth is hit hard enough, the protective layers covering the tooth may crack. The root may be exposed due to this and may become infected.
If you have had orthodontic treatment, a tooth may become dislodged, and the root may be exposed. If the root is left untreated, it may become infected, and the tooth may need to be extracted entirely.
If you grind your teeth at night, the root of the tooth may become exposed and sore.
If a tooth root has become exposed, you must call your dentist as soon as possible. They will look at the root to see if it can be fixed at the dentist's office or if it needs to be taken out.
The dentist may cover the root with a sealant, usually made of metal wire or dental acrylic. The root cover will protect the tooth and the gum from further damage and allow the root to heal.
Another option is for the dentist to remove the exposed root and replace it with a dental implant.
Dental implant treatment can be the best option because it gives you tremendous long-term results and a reason to go to the dentist more often.
If the root has been exposed and treated, you must ensure you don’t reopen the area. Taking good care of the mouth and the affected tooth is crucial after the treatment of root exposure. Make sure you visit the dentist regularly and practice good oral hygiene.
You may also want to consider talking to your dentist about getting a fluoride treatment to strengthen the teeth and help prevent further damage. If the root has been removed, the missing tooth structure must be made up for with dental implants.
Otherwise, the gap in your mouth will cause the surrounding gums to collapse and the facial structure to change. This can make you look less attractive and make it hard to chew and speak properly.
If the root has been exposed and the dentist feels it is impossible to opt for an easy fix, then you may be advised to have the tooth removed entirely. This can be done with either a traditional extraction or an endodontic treatment that preserves the tooth.
Endodontic treatment may be recommended for teeth that are too damaged for a traditional extraction. The endodontic treatment is done in two steps. First, a flap is made in the gums to open up the tooth and expose the root.
Then, the nerve is carefully removed from the tooth root, and the tooth is removed. Finally, the tooth root can be treated, and a dental implant can be placed to replace the extracted tooth.
Once the roots are adequately covered, keeping the area clean and healthy is essential. This will prevent the infection from coming back and causing further damage to the healthy surrounding tissue. It’s also vital to ensure that the healing time is sufficient and that you take the necessary steps to avoid reopening the area. On average, root-treated tooth wounds take about two weeks to heal.
This is an excellent time to talk to your dentist about any habits or lifestyle choices that might affect your healing (caffeine, alcohol, etc.). As with most things in life, prevention is the best cure. When it comes to tooth roots, the best way to prevent problems is to maintain good oral hygiene and practice safe dental habits.
Al Care Dental Clinic is a dental clinic in Leduc, Alberta. Visit our website to learn more about our professional dental services, like dental crowns, implants, oral surgery, etc.
We welcome new patients, and we offer dental care for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about all of our dental services.
Dental cleanings are an essential aspect of keeping your mouth healthy. Your dentist or hygienist will remove the tartar and plaque from your teeth during a dental cleaning. Plaque is a thick bacterial covering that forms on the surface of your teeth.
Tartar is the compacted plaque on your teeth. Plaque and tartar, if not eliminated, may cause tooth decay and gum disease. Dental cleanings are important because they remove such harmful debris and bacteria from your teeth, which can help prevent gum disease, bone loss, and tooth decay.
The American Dental Association recommends that people visit their dentist twice yearly for thorough teeth cleaning. They also recommend that people brush their teeth at least two times per day and floss daily to maintain their oral health.
Pregnant women should visit their dentist at least once per trimester. For people suffering from diabetes, you should visit your dentist as advised.
Many people do not realize that dental services are essential for their general wellness. Dental care can help keep you from getting diseases like heart disease and diabetes and lower your risk of having a stroke.
Dental services are essential for individuals of all ages, including children and the elderly. If you have diabetes, dental services are even more essential. Dental services can help to prevent or slow down the progression of some severe medical conditions.
Professional teeth cleaning benefits you by removing plaque and tartar from the surface of your teeth. Plaque is a bacterial coating that builds on your teeth. Tartar is crusted plaque on your teeth.
Plaque and tartar, if not eliminated, may cause tooth decay and gum disease. Cavities (tooth decay) and periodontal disease (gum disease) are disorders that can negatively influence your overall health. They are linked to increased heart disease, diabetes, and stroke risk.
Gum disease is also associated with a reduction in bone density. This can increase your risk of having fractures, particularly in your hips. Getting your teeth cleaned by a professional can help stop or slow the progress of these conditions.
Teeth cleaning visits provide a thorough cleaning of your teeth. During teeth cleaning, your hygienist will remove plaque and tartar from your teeth, which can help to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
Teeth cleaning visits are also crucial for pregnant women and people with diabetes. Keeping your dental health at its prime have direct effects on your overall health as a person.
At your next dental visit, you will sit in a dental chair. Your dentist or hygienist will use a dental microscope to examine your teeth and gums. Your dentist or hygienist will also look at your teeth while examining your mouth.
Your dentist or hygienist will also look at your teeth while examining your mouth. Next, your dentist or hygienist will use dental instruments to clean your teeth. X-rays may also be required to check for cavities and tooth decay further.
Your dentist or hygienist will then finish your teeth cleaning visit by applying fluoride to your teeth.
After your teeth cleaning visit, your dentist or hygienist will examine your mouth. They will also take x-rays of your teeth to further check for internal gum problems. A dental exam can help to check for any mild to severe problems with your teeth.
Dental exams can also detect any issues with your gum tissue. This procedure helps identify any issues that could lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Dental exams can also help identify risk factors for various diseases and prevent serious health concerns such as diabetes and heart disease.
Dental cleanings and exams can improve your overall wellness. They can help you avoid cavities and gum disease. They can also help prevent diabetes and heart disease. Exams and cleanings of the teeth can also help detect early signs of diseases and other health problem.
This can help to prevent severe conditions from getting worse. Dental cleanings and dental exams are essential for overall health as it has a direct impact to a person’s entire wellbeing.
The condition of your teeth can affect your entire body. If you do not maintain good oral health, you may experience severe health conditions. Bad oral health can increase your risk of developing life-threatening medical conditions.
It can also lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Bad oral health can also lead to other dental concerns, such as periodontal disease and tooth loss. By maintaining proper oral hygiene, you can reduce your risk of these conditions.
Al Care Dental Clinic is a dental clinic in Leduc, Alberta. Visit our website to learn more about our dental cleaning services. We also provide other dental services, such as dental crowns, implants, and oral surgery.
We welcome new patients, and we offer dental care for all ages. Contact us today to learn more about all of our dental services.
