Sensitivity and Enamel

It seemed to take forever for warm weather to arrive this year, but now that it has, ice cream parlors are doing brisk business. Unfortunately, many people suffer from tooth sensitivity and try to avoid things that are too cold (or too hot). Patients at Bayberry Dental Care can count on us to restore their teeth’s integrity, but there are some things they need to understand to maintain their oral health.

The blood vessels in each tooth surround a nerve. Although the outside of dental crowns is made up of hard enamel, between enamel and pulp is a layer called dentin that is made up of small tubes. Heat easily transfers through dentin, so if the enamel is compromised, a person’s dental pulp will be extremely sensitive to heat changes. The roots of teeth, which are normally insulated by gum tissue and an adhesive called cementum, have less enamel.

Enamel may crack, but sensitivity is usually due to changes in its chemical structure. Acid, whether produced by oral bacteria or regurgitated from the stomach, dissolves the calcium phosphate that comprises enamel. A patient can reinforce their enamel by using fluoridated toothpaste and by getting treatments at our office such as sealants and fluoride therapies. But if enamel has lost mass, the cavity will have to be repaired with a filling. Deep cleanings are essential to preventing gum recession and protecting tooth roots.

Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171^st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit Bayberry Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Tooth Sensitivity and What it Could Mean

Sensitive teeth can really cause some uncomfortable brushing and even eating. Summer is coming up and many of us want to enjoy refreshing drinks and frozen treats. If tooth sensitivity is bothering you, read on to find out why it could be happening. In addition, schedule an appointment with us at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, IL so we can make sure you do not have a cavity or an infection.

When a tooth does not have a cavity or an infection, sensitivity is often caused by worn down enamel. Worn down enamel exposes the dentin (the center) of the tooth. The dentin contains tiny tubes that lead to the center of the tooth where all the nerves are, so when these nerves are exposed, you can feel them.

To avoid wearing down your enamel, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, plaque comes off your teeth with a light touch, so do not brush very hard. Second, if you grind or clench your teeth, you may want to consider wearing a night guard. We can create a custom night guard for you.

In addition to brushing too hard, you can also be brushing too soon. The acid in our foods softens our enamel, so you should wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything but water to brush. Also, try to keep unnecessary acidic foods to a minimum and rinse after eating them.

If you have sensitive teeth, you may just need to change some habits. In other cases, it could be a sign of decay. To schedule an examination at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, IL, call our office at (708) 802-8300 or visit our website, www.bayberrydentalcare.com.