Monday, October 24, 2016

Why Do We Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity?

Why Do We Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common complaint from many dental patients at Bertagnolli Dental. If you have ever experienced a sharp pain or discomfort upon taking a bite of ice-cream, very sweet foods, or acidic foods, you are not alone. Around one in four adults suffer from some degree of tooth sensitivity. So, why do we suffer from tooth sensitivity?

When your nerve endings are exposed, stimulation from high or low temperatures, sugar, and acid can turn eating into an uncomfortable process. Although some people are more prone to suffering from tooth sensitivity than others, there are some easy steps you can take to minimize the discomfort.
Before you combat tooth sensitivity, it is important to understand the causes. Our teeth are made up of different layers. On the very outer surface, there is a layer of enamel. This is the very hard mineral layer visible on the outside of your teeth.

Underneath the enamel, there is a layer of dentin which supports the enamel and surrounds the tooth pulp, where the nerves and blood vessels are located. If your tooth has a very thin layer of enamel, acid, sugar and hot or cold temperatures can stimulate the nerves easily and cause an uncomfortable sensation.

The thickness of the enamel layer can vary between different teeth and between people. Usually, the layer of enamel forms a substantial barrier between the contents of your mouth and the sensitive nerves within your teeth. If you naturally have a very thin layer of enamel on some surfaces of your teeth, you may be prone to tooth sensitivity.

Most people suffering from tooth sensitivity will develop it over time, and it is generally due to one or a few of the following causes.

Grinding your teeth will physically wear away at the enamel and can produce areas with high sensitivity. Often, tooth grinding occurs while sleeping but it can also develop as a reaction to stress. If you suspect that you may be grinding your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a mouth guard. It will prevent doing more damage to your teeth.

Acidic food and drinks cause demineralization of the enamel layer. Frequently exposing your teeth to acidic substances will chemically erode the enamel and can cause sensitivity. People who suffer from acid reflux at night can also inadvertently create an acidic environment in their mouth.

If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, try to minimize your acid exposure. If you are consuming acidic foods and beverages, it is better to consume everything within a shorter space of time, rather than to snack or sipping continuously throughout the day.

Your brushing habits and the type of toothbrush you use could be contributing to tooth sensitivity. Hard bristles and aggressive brushing can wear down the enamel layer by abrasion. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush and take your time when brushing, ensuring you clean all surfaces gently and thoroughly. Avoid toothpaste and mouthwash with a high chemical content that can damage the enamel of sensitive teeth.

Following these tips regarding why do we suffer from tooth sensitivity should minimize your pain and discomfort for the short and long run. If in doubt, always contact your dentist or Bertagnolli Dental for a professional check-up, so we can help determine the reasons behind your particular tooth sensitivity.

Thursday, October 6, 2016

7 Ways to Improve Your Baby's Dental Health

7 Ways to Improve Your Baby's Dental Health
Give your little one the best advantage by starting their dental care early, instilling healthy habits from the outset and avoiding these common mistakes. Here are Bertagnolli Dental’s top 7 ways to improve your baby's dental health.

1. Don't put off their first visit to the dentist
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that every child should see a dentist by the time they are a one-year-old. It is proven that early intervention by a professional will lower your child's risk of developing issues. Your dentist can demonstrate correct oral hygiene practices and analyze the potential for tooth decay.

2. Avoid bottles at bedtime
Putting a baby down to sleep with a bottle of milk may save you some time and hassle, but this is a dangerous habit to form. The sugars in milk will fuel bacteria in your babies mouth all night long, facilitating tooth decay. Clean your baby's teeth before bedtime, and then if necessary to sooth them, you can give a bottle with warm water.

3. Be aware of high sugar content in medicines
Medications designed for babies and children can have extremely high sugar levels. This is intended to make them more palatable for children and easier to take. This is not usually a cause for concern, however, if your infant has to take a daily oral medication with high sugar content, you should ask your dentist for specific advice.

4. Don't get too dependent on a sippy cup
Sippy cups or 'no-spill cups' are used by toddlers in the transition between bottles and drinking cups. The design of sippy cups means that the liquid is often ingested slowly and has ample time to sit within the mouth. For milk and juice, this means a high exposure to sugar and an increased risk of tooth rot. Try to give your child the sippy cup at mealtimes only and avoid them using it continuously throughout the day.

5. Ditch the pacifier
Children over the age of 2 and 3 should not be using a pacifier. Prolonged pacifier use can affect the growth of your child's milk teeth, permanently altering their arrangement and the shape of their mouth. Help your child to become independent of pacifiers at a young age and avoid the risk of dental malformation.

6. Reduce the juice
After milk, fruit juice is the go-to beverage of choice for young children. What many parents don't realize is that juices often contain added sugar, and can be as harmful as soda to their child's developing teeth. Look for pure fruit juices with no added sugar and limit the consumption of sweet drinks to mealtimes. Accustom your child to drinking water throughout the day.

7. Cultivate healthy dental hygiene habits
Taking the time to practice good oral hygiene with your baby from the very beginning will set them up for a healthy future. You can start by cleaning their gums with a soft cloth and water twice a day. Once their milk teeth start to appear, use a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste to clean all surfaces gently. This is the most impactful way to improve your baby's dental health.

Contact Bertagnolli Dental today for further questions about the 7 ways to improve your baby’s dental health. Now is a great time to make the changes that will positively impact the way your children grow and following these simple guidelines will make your life easier too! We are always available to help make your dental visits and home dental care a better experience at Bertagnolli Dental.