Sensitive Teeth & Common Causes

Posted on Nov 07, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Ice-cream, hot coffee, steamy cocoa, or chilly chocolate pudding. If any of these send a shiver down your back from anticipating a jolt of pain in your mouth, then you likely have tooth sensitivity.

Some sensitivity is caused by exposed tooth roots. This often occurs from over-zealous brushing or using a toothpaste that is too abrasive (such as baking soda – NEVER use this on teeth!). If you use a whitening toothpaste, a key ingredient – sodium pyrophosphate – can increase tooth sensitivity. Sensitivity can also occur from receded gums caused by periodontal disease.

Another cause of sensitive teeth is the development of tiny fractures. When hot or cold seeps through these fractures to a tooth’s interior, nerves in the inner pulp react, painfully.

To lessen or halt tooth sensitivity, use a toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. You should also use a soft bristle toothbrush to avoid the wearing away of tender gum tissues around teeth.

It’s time to seek treatment when a tooth is sensitive for 3 – 4 days. Because sensitivity can occur for different reasons, it is important to have a tooth (or teeth) checked to determine the true cause.

If you have questions about tooth pain, call (828) 274-9440. Because EVERYONE should be able to enjoy ice-cream!

Measure Your Risk For Dental Problems

Posted on Oct 22, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You’d rather avoid a cavity altogether than have it repaired – right? Although daily home care and regular dental cleanings help prevent problems from occurring, some people are more susceptible to decay than others. The following can place you at higher risk:
High Levels Of Bacteria – All people have bacteria in their bodies; however, two kinds (abbreviated as SM and LB) are especially harmful to teeth. Those who have higher levels of these bacteria are naturally at greater risk for tooth decay. These bacteria are also contagious.
Poor Saliva – Saliva helps to move bacteria out of the mouth. Certain medications, age, or particular foods and beverages can contribute to dry mouth.
Deep Pits & Grooves – Back teeth, especially, have pits and grooves which can harbor bacteria. Some people have very deep pits and grooves, creating a warm, moist, dark hideout that is ideal for bacteria growth.
High Sugar Diet – Bacteria in your mouth thrive on refined sugar. From this, an acid is produced which attacks tooth enamel.
Exposed Tooth Roots – Aging, overzealous brushing, or an improper bite can cause gums to pull away from teeth, exposing tooth roots. While this distracts from the appearance of your smile, it also increases the potential for decay to occur in this susceptible area of the tooth.

Now that you know what “ups” your risk for cavities, here are some tips to help you prevent them in the first place!
• Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water. If you are taking medications that are drying, ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are alternative medications that are less drying to your mouth. Decrease your intake of alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods. If you smoke, give it up!
• Bacteria levels can be kept under control with the help of antibacterial rinses. Those that contain chlorhexidine are best for tackling harmful bacteria in the mouth.
• Teeth with deep grooves and pits can be protected in several ways. Sealants can cover these areas on a temporary basis. For extended protection, replacing fillings with inlays, onlays or crowns help to shield the tooth.
• Watch what you eat and how often you eat. Eat healthy. Anytime you consume a food or beverage (other than water), your mouth responds by producing acid. This acid attacks tooth enamel. The acid from refined sugar is most harmful.
• Be committed to your daily oral care regimen. Twice daily brushing and flossing will improve your odds for maintaining healthy teeth and gums.

Why Gum Disease Can Be Surprise Diagnosis

Posted on Sep 24, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

Some patients are shocked to learn they’ve developed periodontal (gum) disease. However, the regularity of dental visits, condition of physical health, oral hygiene at home, and other factors can leave one individual more susceptible than other.

For example, if you only have once-a-year hygiene visits, rather than every six months, your dentist may surprise you with a diagnosis of periodontal disease. Keep in mind that it only takes 36 hours for oral bacteria to begin plaque formation.

Many factors can play a part in the rate of how one develops gum disease. Additionally, occasional mild changes in the condition of gum tissues are not always aggressively responded to depending on the individual and the judgement call by the examining dentist. Some females, for example, can have tender and red gums during their menstrual cycle. The ‘normal’ gum condition of patients who smoke can vary from one to another.

Periodontal disease doesn’t just affect your oral health. Research has shown that the inflammation of gum disease can have adverse reactions elsewhere in the body. It has been linked to coronary artery disease, diabetes, and other serious health problems. Like many diseases that form in our bodies, periodontal disease begins silently and without obvious warning signs in earliest stages.

If your family physician gave you a clean bill of health at an annual check-up one year, but told you a tumor had developed the next, you would likely understand it had developed between the two visits. The same can happen with periodontal disease.

This is why those six-month check-ups are so important. They catch problems at early stages so they don’t become bigger ones. Too, your home care between visits plays a major role in the condition of your oral health at each visit.

Should you learn that you have developed gum disease, the most important thing is for you to be treated promptly to restore good oral health. Gum disease will only worsen without treatment.

Terms You Need To Know!

Posted on Sep 20, 2012 by William J. Claiborne, DDS MS

You may occasionally hear unfamiliar dental terms that relate to periodontal (gum) disease. I felt it would be helpful to provide explanations of various terms along with their sequence in the development of periodontal disease.

Dental Plaque – is a sticky film that forms on the teeth. Dental plaque is an accumulation of bacteria and what causes periodontal disease. If plaque is not removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into calculus.

Calculus – is dental plaque that hardens and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing, only by a dental professional using specific tools. Also referred to as tartar, calculus is typically rough and porous.

Gingivitis – is the initial stage of periodontal disease. When the bacteria in dental plaque is not removed on a daily basis, gingivitis will cause the gum tissue to turn red, sore and bleed easily.

Periodontal Pockets – are created by toxins in plaque that attack the gum tissues below the gum line. As the gums pull away from the teeth, a pocket forms, which fills with plaque and infection. Eventually, the bone and connecting tissues around the tooth can become so damaged that the tooth will loosen and require extraction.

Root Scaling & Planing – is a non-surgical procedure that removes plaque and calculus from periodontal pockets and around tooth roots to promote healing.

Periodontitis – is the stage of periodontal disease that causes inflammation in supporting tissues of teeth as well as bone loss. Periodontitis is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Research has shown this bacteria can contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body, resulting in severe health risks.

When caught early, time and expense in treatment is far less than trying to combat periodontal disease in latter stages. If you suspect you have gum disease, please contact us (828) 274-9440 promptly for an examination.