Xylitol: A Mouth’s Best Friend? 

added on: May 28, 2020

Having a serious sweet tooth can mean bad news for your dental health. But your dentist in Modesto has a little secret that can allow you to satisfy your desire for something sweet and benefit your oral health at the same time. It’s true! This special sugar substitute is called xylitol, and it’s pretty powerful.    

A Closer Look at Xylitol
While you may be familiar with the name xylitol, its benefits are far and plenty, and not many people know exactly what it can do for our bodies and oral health. First, xylitol is a sugar substitute, but unlike other sugar substitutes, xylitol is natural. It’s found in both vegetables and fruits as well as in our bodies. Second, xylitol tastes like sugar and looks like sugar, but it certainly doesn’t act like sugar. Xylitol has fewer calories than sugar, which can help maintain weight or assist in weight loss. Xylitol also has a low glycemic index, meaning it doesn’t cause spikes in blood glucose the way that sugar does. These two things alone make xylitol a pretty solid substitute for sugar. But your dentist in Modesto wants you to know that while xylitol can certainly help overall health, it can protect teeth, too.  

How Does It Work? 
In short, xylitol helps eliminate bad bacteria from the mouth, thus decreasing the chances of the bacteria wreaking havoc and causing decay. Let’s take a closer look at how xylitol does this. 

One of the most common “bad bacteria” found in the mouth is something called Streptococcus mutans. Streptococcus mutans is the bacteria responsible for plaque buildup and decay. Now, these bacteria love to feed on sugar. In turn, sugar gives the bacteria energy and allows them to multiply. Basically, the more sugar we eat, the more powerful we make Streptococcus mutans, and the more likely it is that we’ll suffer from tooth decay. However, what makes xylitol so great is that while the bacteria will still eat it, it doesn’t fuel them. Instead, xylitol actually starves the bacteria. In fact, xylitol can effectively lower bacteria levels, sometimes up to 75%. 

Xylitol Gum
Perhaps the most common place to find xylitol is in certain chewing gums. This is great news for your oral health because not only does the act of chewing gum help stimulate saliva production (more on that in a bit), but chewing xylitol gum also provides all benefits offered by xylitol.  

As we mentioned, chewing gum produces more saliva. But is more spit actually a good thing? Yes! You see, saliva helps wash away bacteria and neutralize acids in the mouth. This further protects teeth from enamel erosion and decay. Additionally, saliva helps remineralize teeth with calcium and phosphate, making them stronger over time.

Now, even though xylitol is beneficial to oral health, it doesn’t replace good oral hygiene. It’s still (and forever will be) important to brush and floss your teeth every day. That, along with maintaining regular visits to your dentist in Modesto, is a recipe for a happy, healthy smile.  

Asthma & Oral Health

added on: May 15, 2020

May is Asthma Awareness Month, a time when both healthcare professionals and asthma patients come together to raise awareness of the common chronic disease, as well as share things that can improve asthma sufferers’ lives. Your dentist in Modesto may seem like an odd person to talk about asthma, but the truth is, there is a connection between asthma and oral health, and we’d like to do our part to help.

What’s Dentistry Got To Do With It? 

Asthma affects 1 in every 13 Americans, or close to 25 million people just in our part of the world. This life-long condition affects the respiratory system and can cause shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. It’s a very serious condition that can be treated, but if it’s not treated properly or quickly enough, it can lead to death. So how exactly does this relate to dentistry? 

  • Mouth Breathing

People with asthma tend to have a hard time breathing and feel as if they can’t get enough oxygen with each breath. Because of this, many asthma patients will breathe out of their mouths instead of their noses, since they can get more air into the lungs this way. However, your dentist in Modesto wants you to know that mouth breathing doesn’t come without risks. Mouth breathing can reduce saliva amounts, as well as the body’s ability to produce more saliva, resulting in dry mouth. Dry mouth is an oral health condition that may seem like only a minor, uncomfortable nuisance, but the truth is dry mouth can increase the risk of decay, cavities, bad breath, and gum disease. Usually, saliva will rinse away bacteria and neutralize acids in the mouth, protecting teeth against their damaging effects. However, when a mouth is too dry to do this, bacteria and acids can attack teeth, resulting in decay. Additionally, when bacteria are left to linger around, it can lead to bad breath. 

  • Asthma Treatments

Similar to mouth breathing, many asthma treatments, such as inhalers, also cause dry mouth. As we know, a dry mouth is a perfect environment for bacteria and acids to cause damage. If patients do notice a dry mouth after taking their medication, they should talk with their doctor and dentist in Modesto to find ways to relieve dry mouth. Never stop taking a medication without first consulting with your physician. 

What You Can Do

There is some good news for asthma patients who are dealing with dry mouth as a result of either medication or mouth breathing. There are things you can do decrease your risk of oral health problems such as: 

  • Staying Hydrated. Water is one of the most important things for everyone, whether they’re an asthma patient or not. Drinking enough water throughout the day helps keep the mouth moist and helps to wash away bacteria and food particles as well as neutralize damaging acids. 
  • Rinsing With Water. A quick rinse of water after taking asthma medication will help get rid of any ingredients that contribute to dry mouth so they aren’t left lingering around all day. The more remnants of medication you can remove, the lower the chance of dry mouth. 
  • Talking to Your Dentist. Your dentist is a part of your healthcare team and needs to know about any health conditions you have, including asthma. Knowing your health history helps your dental team customize treatment for you and notifies them to be on the lookout for any oral health concerns that may result from other health problems in the rest of the body.

As always, the best ways to protect oral health against decay, bad breath, and gum disease are to brush and floss every day and to see your dentist in Modesto every six months for checkups and professional cleanings, whether you’re an asthma patient or not. 

Oral Health Dos & Don’ts

added on: April 17, 2020

young woman brushing teethWith all of the uncertainty in the world today, we understand that your oral health may not be the first thing on your mind. But even though we’re temporarily postponing all elective dental procedures, your dentist in Modesto wants you to know that we’re still thinking about you and your oral health. We’re here for you during this tough time and want to help any way we can, which is why we’ve compiled a guide of oral health dos and don’ts that can help keep your teeth, gums, and entire mouth healthy until we can see you again. 

Up First: The Dos

We like leading with the positive so let’s first focus on what you should do to protect your teeth during your at-home oral hygiene routine. 

  • Brush & Floss – The benefits of regularly brushing and flossing your teeth are undeniable, and you should continue to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day (even if you’re not leaving the house). Cleaning your teeth and removing debris from between them goes a long way in keeping your breath fresh and eliminating bacteria. 
  • Replace Your Toothbrush – Your toothbrush needs to be in good condition to do its job effectively. For this reason, your dentist in Modesto recommends replacing your toothbrush at least every 3-4 months or as soon as you notice the bristles starting to fray. You should also get a new toothbrush if you get sick. 
  • Store Your Toothbrush Correctly – Believe it or not, there is a right way to store your toothbrush — upright and uncovered. 
  • Wash Your Hands – This advice is everywhere today and one that we wholeheartedly agree with. Washing your hands several times a day helps reduce the risk of getting sick. You should also wash your hands prior to brushing your teeth or flossing. 
  • Disinfect Your Toothbrush – A recent study found that 0.5% hydrogen peroxide effectively reduces coronavirus infectivity. To make this solution: 
  • Mix 1 fl oz of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 5 fl oz of water
  • Soak your toothbrush in the mixture for 10 minutes. Dump out the mixture. 
  • Rinse your toothbrush prior to brushing.

Now: The Don’ts

Just like there are things you should do to protect your oral health, there are also things that you should avoid if at all possible. 

  • Don’t Share Your Toothbrush – Your toothbrush is yours and yours alone. Don’t share it with anyone, including other family members. Doing so can easily transfer bodily fluids from you to them or from them to you. 
  • Don’t Allow Family Brushes to Touch – Similarly to the above, you shouldn’t allow family members’ toothbrushes to touch while being stored. Make sure they’re kept a few inches away from each other. 
  • Don’t Bite Your Nails – Millions of Americans bite their nails, but now may be a good time to work on breaking that habit. Not only does nail biting easily spread bacteria from whatever may be lurking under our fingernails to our mouths, but it can also damage teeth. 

As of the publishing date, the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended the postponement of any preventive or routine dental care for three weeks. During this time, your dentist in Modesto wants to encourage you to do everything you can to take care of your smile, including following the tips above. Stay healthy, and we hope to see you soon. 

4 Ways to Avoid a Dental Emergency

added on: April 16, 2020

emergency room signNobody wants to experience a dental emergency but the truth is, they happen. While many times a dental emergency is unavoidable or is a result of an unexpected accident, your dentist in Modesto wants you to know that there are some ways you can reduce your risk of a dental emergency. 

  • Don’t Smoke. One of the best ways you can not only reduce your risk of a dental emergency but also bigger oral health and overall health problems down the road is to avoid smoking or using tobacco in any form. Both smoking cigarettes and using smokeless tobacco increases the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, tooth discoloration, and tooth loss. 
  • Practice Safe Snacking. We’re not here to tell you to completely avoid snacking on your favorite treats. But your dentist in Modesto does want to encourage you to practice safe snacking by limiting the number of times you snack throughout the day. Constant snacking exposes your teeth to food particles around the clock. This can continuously feed the bacteria in your mouth, which means the bacteria continuously releases acid. This acid can easily damage and weaken enamel and increases the risk of decay. You should also choose your snack foods carefully. Some snacks such as popcorn or nuts can increase the risk of an accidental cracked or chipped tooth thanks to hidden kernels or hard pieces. 
  • Don’t Chew on Things You Shouldn’t. Besides food, our teeth shouldn’t be used to chew on anything. This includes pens, pencils, fingernails, and even ice. These objects are hard and can easily cause teeth to chip, crack, or even break. If you find yourself chewing out of anxiousness or stress, try to chew away at a piece of Xylitol gum instead of your office supplies. 
  • Take it Easy on the Drinks. The best way to fuel your body and protect your teeth is to drink plenty of water throughout the day. On the other hand, beverages that are high in acid or sugar can expose your teeth to these damaging ingredients. Try to limit your intake of soft drinks, fruit juice, and even sports drinks. All of these beverages either contain a lot of sugar that can easily coat your teeth or are acidic and will wear away tooth enamel.

As always, brushing and flossing your teeth every day is a great way to remove bacteria that may have built up throughout the day. You can also rinse your mouth out with water after snacking to help get rid of food particles that would otherwise feed bacteria. But these preventive measures only go so far, and you should still see your dentist in Modesto for regular checkups and cleanings.* 

If you’re experiencing a dental emergency, call your dentist. 

*At the time of publishing, the ADA has recommended the postponement of all preventive dental appointments. Please check your local recommendations.

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

added on: March 30, 2020

Everyone knows that your bi-annual visits to the dentist help get your teeth squeaky clean. After all, they’re called hygiene visits for a reason. But your dentist in Modesto believes that these twice-a-year appointments are more important than the cleaning alone. In fact, your bi-annual dental appointments do so much more. 

Prevention is Key

Every six months, you head on over to your dentist’s office for your cleaning, and in between those appointments, you make sure to brush and floss your teeth every day. So why, exactly, does your dentist in Modesto need to see you two times a year (at least)? Isn’t that a little much? Quite the opposite. Your dental checkups and cleanings serve a bigger purpose and can help identify and treat any lingering problems related to your oral health as well as keep your overall health protected. How? We’re glad you asked. 

The Truth is in The X-Rays

You’re probably familiar with getting dental x-rays taken at least once a year, and these images can tell your dental team a lot about what’s going on below the surface. Your dental hygienist and dentist will review your x-rays in detail will be able to see things such as decay that is not yet visible to the naked eye, the overall health of your gums, as well as identify an abscess before you may even know you have it. As a result, your dental team will be able to treat any problems early, before they have a bigger effect on your oral health or even your overall health. 

Gum Disease

Let’s say that your dental x-rays show some concern with your gums. Perhaps your gum pockets are too deep or your gums bleed when you brush or floss. Usually, those are the top signs that gum disease is lurking. Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissue and can be treated if caught early. However, if it’s left untreated, gum disease can cause problems in the mouth as well as the rest of the body. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of: 

  • Tooth loss
  • Heart disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke 

Seeing your dentist in Modesto twice a year can help diagnose and treat gum disease before it has a chance to affect the rest of your body. 

It’s About Than Just Teeth

There’s a very clear connection between oral health and whole-body health. Besides the risks of gum disease discussed above, many other health problems may first show signs in the mouth. Some of the things that can be identified at your bi-annual dental visits include, but are not limited to, diabetes, kidney disease, certain cancers, and heart disease. So while your dental team is certainly focused on getting your teeth clean during your appointments, they are also keeping an eye out for other possible problems that can affect your overall health. As with many health problems, the earlier these conditions are properly diagnosed and treated, the more successful treatment tends to be. That’s why we want to see you every six months, so we can proactively protect both your oral health and overall health. 

The truth is, your dental team is an extension of your healthcare team, and your dental cleanings are the best way to prevent any serious problems from affecting your body. Besides maintaining a good at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year. 

National Nutrition Month

added on: March 13, 2020

Every March is recognized as National Nutrition Month and is sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Its purpose is to raise awareness of just how important it is to eat healthily. But good nutrition doesn’t only benefit our bodies, it can also help protect your oral health. Join your dentist in Modesto as we do our part in promoting good dietary habits for your oral health and whole-body health. 

Simplifying Nutrition

The truth is, eating right doesn’t sound too difficult. But fully understanding nutrition and those crazy nutrition labels can be confusing. The basics are, well, basic — don’t eat too much sugar, avoid indulging in fast food, eat more vegetables, etc. However, truly fueling your body with what it needs to perform at its best is complicated. In fact, even the Food Guide Pyramid from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has changed twice since it was created in 1992. And the current MyPlate dietary guidelines are individualized based on age, gender, height, weight, and daily activity level. Essentially, what’s right for one person may not be right for another. No wonder we’re all confused! The best way to find out the best dietary recommendations for you is to check out the MyPlate checklist to find your ideal combination of: 

  • Fruits
  • Vegetables
  • Whole Grains
  • Lean Proteins
  • Dairy

Nutrition & Oral Health

We know that eating a healthy, well-balanced diet can certainly benefit our bodies and help keep us healthy. The same is true for your oral health. Sugary foods, carbs, and acidic foods and drinks can definitely put teeth at risk for decreased enamel protection and, as a result, more susceptible to decay and cavities. Try your best to avoid those foods in high quantities. Instead, choose some of the best foods for your smile (and your body) including: 

  • Cheese
  • Fatty Fish
  • Eggs
  • Raw Veggies – especially the crunchy ones!
  • Water

More on Sugar 

It’s no secret that your dentist in Modesto really, really doesn’t like sugar. This is because sugar is one of the top contributors to decay. When we eat sugary foods, the bacteria in our mouths feed on the sugar and release an acidic byproduct. This acid attacks tooth enamel, weakening it, which makes it easier for bacteria to find its way into teeth’s tiny nooks and crannies. The result? Decay, cavities, and the need for dental treatment such as fillings or even a root canal. Reduced tooth enamel can also make teeth very sensitive to hot or cold or change the color from bright white to a dull, darker appearance. 

However, sweet treats aren’t the only snacks that are packed with sugars. In fact, there are foods out there that don’t even taste sweet but have the same effect. Carbohydrates have something called the hidden sugar effect. As we eat them, carbs break down into simple sugars, and we know what happens in our mouth when we give the bacteria sugar. So even if you don’t have a traditional sweet tooth, check out the nutrition labels and try to limit not only foods with high sugar content but also those with a lot of carbs. 

Choosing healthier meals and snacks for you and your family can help you all live a healthy life. Eating foods that are good for your body can also protect your teeth from the damaging effects of sugar and acid. Try to pick foods that are good for you overall. Your body, your smile, your dentist in Modesto will thank you for it.

Don’t Forget to Brush Your Tongue!

added on: February 17, 2020

boy and dad brushing teethWhen we talk about a proper oral hygiene routine (and we sure do talk about it a lot!), we often put most of the focus on caring for your teeth. While brushing and flossing your teeth are important parts of maintaining a healthy mouth, there’s one part of your hygiene routine your dentist in Modesto doesn’t want you to forget about — your tongue. 

All About The Tongue

You may not pay too much attention to your tongue, but the truth is, this part of your body helps you perform everyday tasks such as talk, chew, and swallow. Of course, we can’t forget about taste! Our tongues are packed with over 10,000 taste buds that help us taste and enjoy our favorite foods. One of the strongest muscles in our bodies, our tongues have a bumpy and almost spongy texture, which makes them an ideal place for bacteria to hide, which is a concern for your dentist in Modesto. In fact, if you don’t take good care of your tongue, it could lead to some dental concerns. 

Decay & Gum Disease

One of the most concerning ways an un-cared for tongue can affect oral health is by increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Since our teeth and gums are in contact with our tongues every second of every day, it’s incredibly easy for any bacteria lurking in our tongue grooves to transfer on to our teeth or gums. When this bacteria isn’t removed promptly or when the exposure happens constantly, it can lead to decay and gum disease. Decay may require a filling, and gum disease can lead to more complicated problems and even tooth loss.  

Bad Breath

Many things can cause bad breath, but an unbrushed tongue is one of the most common explanations. When bacteria aren’t removed from the tongue, it can easily build-up, and if this buildup isn’t removed, it will give off an unpleasant odor. Getting into a tongue brushing routine can help remedy bad breath, but if it doesn’t go away, see your dentist. 

Decreased Taste

Bacteria buildup on the tongue doesn’t only cause bad breath, it can actually affect our ability to taste. Think of it this way, the buildup essentially covers up your taste buds in a film. Without full access to the foods we eat, our taste buds can’t absorb and taste all of our favorite foods. 

Black Tongue

If a tongue isn’t cared for over a long period, it may begin to look black and hairy. That’s correct, not brushing your tongue could lead to a black, hairy tongue! How? When food and drink particles are allowed to settle into the tiny little tongue bumps (called papillae), it can result in staining, hence the black tongue. While this can be scary, it’s usually fixable by properly brushing your tongue regularly. 

Proper Tongue Brushing

Brushing your tongue is an easy addition to your at-home hygiene routine and should be done every time you brush your teeth. All you need to do is gently scrub your tongue from back to front then from side to side with your regular toothbrush. If this is uncomfortable for you or if you have a sensitive gag reflex, you may find using a tongue scraper to be easier. Tongue scrapers are also effective at removing bacteria buildup and can help protect your oral health. 

Make sure to brush and floss your teeth every day and to give your tongue some attention every time to keep your whole mouth healthy. Also, see your dentist in Modesto at least twice a year for professional cleanings and regular checkups. 

Types of Cosmetic Dentistry

added on: February 5, 2020

smiling womanIf you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry. But as your dentist in Modesto knows, cosmetic dentistry is really just a broad term that actually describes a variety of dental treatments that can enhance the appearance of your smile. Knowing what options are available to you can help make deciding which cosmetic dentistry option is best for your individual situation… and will give you the smile you’ve always wanted.  

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

  • Whitening – The most common cosmetic dentistry treatment done in the United States is teeth whitening. Even though there are ways you can whiten your smile at home using over-the-counter products, we always recommend talking with your dentist in Modesto before starting any whitening treatment. Oftentimes, in-office professional whitening or a whitening product provided by your dentist with their supervision is the best way to ensure you’re getting the result you want, while also protecting your oral health.
  • Veneers – Another incredibly common form of cosmetic dentistry is veneers. These thin pieces of porcelain can quickly and easily update and transform a smile. Veneers can change the size, shape, and color of teeth and are custom-created for a flawless, natural look. They’re often the best solution to fix uneven teeth, chipped or broken teeth, or discolored teeth that can’t be whitened through traditional smile whitening treatment. 
  • BondingBonding is a simple procedure that can close gaps, fix chips or decay, and improve your smile’s overall look. The treatment involves taking a tooth-colored material and fixing it to the surface of teeth. The material is matched to existing, nearby teeth so nobody can even tell it’s there, but you’ll know because you’ll finally get your ideal smile. 

Oftentimes your dental team will be able to recommend one cosmetic dentistry treatment to get you the results you want. However, there are times when a combination of cosmetic dentistry treatments, and perhaps even restorative dentistry treatments, may be appropriate in order to give you the results you want. To find out, schedule a consultation with your dentist. 

How to Find the Best Cosmetic Dentist for You

Now that you know a little about the types of cosmetic dentistry available and what common problems they can solve, you’re ready to start looking for the best cosmetic dentist in Modesto for you. We recommend first talking with friends and family to see if they have any recommendations. Then, head online and do some research. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, you want to check out three things when picking a cosmetic dentist: 

  1. Before and after photos
  2. Education and certifications
  3. References and reviews

These three things can help narrow down your options so you can find the right dental office. 

The truth is, anyone can get the smile of their dreams through a little bit of cosmetic dentistry. But to get there you need to first know what you want to achieve and bring that list of desires to your cosmetic dentistry consultation. Isn’t it time you stopped wishing for a smile you’re happy with and finally get the look you want to show off to the world? We think so. Call to schedule an appointment today. 

Where Should I Rest My Tongue?

added on: January 27, 2020

Have you ever found yourself laying in bed, trying to get comfortable, and you randomly think, “where am I supposed to rest my tongue?” Surprisingly, this is a very real and very common thought many people have but may not share. If you’re one of those people, you’re in luck because your dentist in Modesto has the answer. 

Tongue Posture / Tongue Positioning
Whether or not you’ve ever thought about where your tongue was supposed to rest in your mouth, it is a thing that your dentist may talk to you about. You may have heard this described as tongue posture or tongue positioning, both of which refer to how and where you rest your tongue naturally while at rest. Why does this matter? We’re glad you asked. 

Why Is Proper Tongue Posture Important? 
Tongue posture may sound a little silly, but the truth is, positioning your tongue properly can help protect your overall health. The tongue is a strong muscle and can affect not only your teeth, but your sinuses, eyes, nose, head, neck, and shoulders. Those who don’t have proper tongue placement can suffer from: 

  • Sleep Apnea
  • TMJ
  • Problems with Vision
  • Bad Body Posture
  • Tooth Damage

How to Rest Your Tongue
There’s actually a right way and a wrong way to rest your tongue, and an estimated 50% of the population do it incorrectly. 

The Wrong Way – A common, yet wrong, way to hold your tongue in your mouth is to rest it on the bottom teeth or the at the bottom of the mouth. This can cause the tongue to put constant pressure on the teeth and make them shift, become crowded, or create a bad, sometimes painful, bite. 

The Right Way – Your dentist in Modesto will recommend that you gently rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth and about a half an inch away from the back of your front teeth. At the same time, your lips should be closed, and your teeth held slightly apart to avoid placing unnecessary pressure on your teeth. Practicing proper tongue posture over time, and especially while we’re growing, can help expand the palate, leaving enough room for your teeth to develop properly without crowding.

Benefits of Proper Posture
We’ve already talked about how properly resting your tongue on the roof of your mouth can help teeth develop properly without overlapping, but there are other benefits to having good tongue posture, including: 

  • No neck, jaw, or head pain
  • Better breathing
  • Better sleep
  • Improved appearance 

Proper tongue posture can help people have a better overall posture and a natural appearance. Those who tend to rest tongues on the bottom of the mouth can accidentally create a longer, flatter face shape and a chin or forehead that juts forward. Go ahead, try it out. First, rest your tongue properly on the roof of your mouth then move the whole thing to the bottom of the mouth. You should feel a pretty obvious shift in your chin, neck, and head.  

If you think you may have bad tongue posture or you have questions about whether you hold your tongue properly or not, your dentist in Modesto can help. Schedule an appointment today.

What Can You Do For Sensitive Teeth?

added on: January 17, 2020

What Can You Do For Sensitive Teeth?

Having sensitive teeth is an all too common problem that’s not only annoying… but painful, too. The shooting zings of pain when you eat something hot or cold can be unbearable. So what exactly can you do to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth? Let’s check-in with your dentist in Modesto.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Before we dive into a few ways that you can relieve sensitive teeth, let’s take a look at a few things that can cause tooth sensitivity in the first place. 

First, it’s important to know that our teeth have an outer layer called enamel. This enamel surrounds and protects the inner workings of the teeth, including the nerves. When enamel is damaged or wears away it leaves nerves exposed and can cause tooth sensitivity. Some common things that damage enamel and contribute to sensitivity include:  

  • Brushing Too Hard 
  • Gum Disease
  • Damaged/Cracked Teeth
  • Acidic Food

How to Ease Sensitive Teeth

We always recommend talking with your dentist about any dental problems you may have, including sensitive teeth. However, there are some ways you can ease tooth pain at home before your appointment. 

Watch What You Eat – A diet that’s high in acid can easily wear away tooth enamel and leave you at increased risk for sensitivity or more sensitivity. Also, really hot or really cold foods can make sensitivity worse so try your best to limit these foods. 

Be Careful How You Brush – It’s a common belief that we need to really scrub our teeth in order to thoroughly clean them, but the opposite is true. When you brush your teeth, use gentle, soft circles to avoid causing damage or increasing pain.  

Use the Right Tools – How we brush isn’t the only thing that can cause or increase tooth sensitivity. Using the wrong tools can also play a role. Always select a soft-bristled toothbrush and if you’re dealing with sensitivity, a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth. 

Professional, long-term treatment of sensitive teeth depends on what’s causing it. Your dentist in Modesto will have solutions for your specific case and may include: 

  • Fluoride – Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to help combat tooth sensitivity is with a fluoride treatment. Your dental hygienist can easily apply fluoride at your regular dental checkups to areas that are sensitive.
  • Bonding – Bonding is also an easy dental treatment that can be completed in only one office visit. It’s best used in treating decay or a cracked tooth. Essentially, your dentist will fill your tooth with a composite resin that matches the rest of your teeth. This can help alleviate pain. 
  • Root Canal – If necessary, your dental team may recommend a root canal if other treatments haven’t been successful or aren’t appropriate. But don’t worry, root canals are not the scary and painful thing you might imagine. They actually get you out of pain!

If you’re one of the Academy of General Dentistry’s estimated 40 million Americans that suffer from tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment with your Modesto dentist to find the best way to treat your sensitive tooth pain. 

Next Page »
Top
Website developed by Golden Proportions Marketing | Log in