My Teeth Don’t Hurt, Should I Still Go To The Dentist?

Patients often go to their dentist for a routine dental exam and cleaning and are surprised to hear that they need dental treatment. Dentists often hear “But I don’t have any pain. Nothing is bothering me. How can there be a problem?”. While people are accustomed to hearing that disease can be present in the body even when they do not experience symptoms, most people expect to feel discomfort if a problem arises with their teeth. When you think of your mouth as being the same as any other part of the body, it is easier to see that some diseases don’t immediately cause noticeable symptoms. Frequently, by the time your teeth alert you to the problem with pain, the disease or decay has advanced to a moderate to severe stage and more involved treatment may be required.

Why Preventive Dental Care is Important Even When Your Teeth Don’t Hurt
Coming to the dentist for regular exams and cleanings focuses on avoiding problems before they become more severe!
• Prevents More Involved and Expensive Treatment: Often cavities form in teeth without patients even being aware of it. A cavity is a hole that forms as a result of bacteria eating away at the outer layers of the tooth structure. Often this is not painful until the cavity reaches the nerve of the tooth. If the cavity can be treated with a filling in the early stages, it can prevent the cavity from reaching the nerve which would require a more involved treatment such as a root canal or extraction.
• Improves Overall Health and Can Identify Life Threatening Disease: Many medical conditions have been associated with gum disease and poor oral health. Some of these diseases include heart disease, lung infections, risks of certain cancers, and diabetes. Regular dental exams also provide screenings for oral cancer which can be treated if detected early. By maintaining regular dental care, you can keep your whole body healthier.

Preventative Care Starts at Home and Here are Some Tips
• The Rule of Twos: Brush twice daily for two minutes each. This ensures that food does not sit on your teeth allowing bacteria to attack.• Floss Every Day: Flossing not only cleans those hard-to-reach places between your teeth but it reduces your risk of gum disease!
• Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride is an important component for your oral health. Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and make them less susceptible to decay.
• Eat a Healthy Diet: Avoid foods high in processed sugars and highly acidic sugary beverages. Keep in mind that while amounts of sugar can affect tooth health, frequency of exposure can have a more drastic effect. It is best to avoid things that stay in contact with the teeth for a long time such as hard candies, sticky candies, or drinks that are sipped on throughout the day such as sodas and sweet tea. A well-balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and plenty of water can help prevent tooth decay.

Preventative dentistry will help you keep a healthy smile, a healthy body, and save you money down the road! Come see us at Magnolia Springs Dentistry and start 2023 with a happy and healthier smile! You can learn more about our office by visiting www.MagnoliaSpringsDentistry.com.

All About Tooth Sensitivity

Have you ever been enjoying a nice cold beverage or ice cream cone and suddenly… ouch! You feel a little twinge of sensitivity on your tooth.
For many people, cold air, cold or hot drinks, or sweets can trigger tooth sensitivity. In some cases, sensitivity when eating hot and cold foods or while brushing your teeth can be a warning sign that it’s time to see a dentist.

Tooth sensitivity is often one of the first indicators that something may be wrong with your teeth or gums. Let’s take a moment to learn a little about tooth sensitivity, what causes it, and how to treat it!

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Varying factors can cause tooth sensitivity. While some of these causes are less concerning and easily treatable, some reasons may require more involved dental solutions.

If you are someone who notices generalized sensitivity throughout your mouth, you may have thinning enamel or exposed roots. Enamel is the hard outer coating that protects the teeth. Over time, enamel can become thinner. This may result from aggressive brushing with hard bristled toothbrushes, abrasive toothpaste, acidic diets, or acid reflux. When the enamel becomes thin, the inner tooth is less protected and responds more strongly to hot and cold. Exposed roots are another cause of sensitivity and are often related to gum loss or periodontal disease. When the gums recede, whether due to disease or trauma, the tooth’s root surface is exposed and becomes sensitive. Excessive wear and grinding often occur at night without your knowledge and can lead to thinning enamel and gingival recession. In addition, some people have a genetic predisposition to tooth sensitivity which will usually need to be managed rather than specifically treated.

If you have sensitivity on only a few teeth, your body may be telling you that a cavity or a crack has started in your tooth. When cavities or cracks form, cold and hot substances can access areas closer to the tooth’s nerve, creating a twinge of sensitivity. Slight sensations can be an early warning sign of a small cavity or crack. However, lingering or pulsating sensitivity may indicate that the nerve is exposed, and you should see your dentist as soon as possible.

What should I do for sensitive teeth?
The best way to prevent tooth sensitivity is to develop excellent oral health habits and see your dentist at least twice a year. Sensitivity can be reduced by using a soft bristle toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and a gentle brushing technique. Fluoride treatments can also be provided by your dentist at your cleaning appointments and will help to strengthen your teeth, prevent cavities, and reduce sensitivity. If your tooth is cracked or has decay, your dentist can resolve your sensitivity with fillings, crowns, root canals, or other treatments as needed. Night guards are an excellent protection for clenching and grinding, that helps to decrease the risk of sensitivity. If gum recession and root exposure are the cause, be sure to use a gentle brushing technique to prevent trauma to the tissue and floss daily. In some cases, more advanced periodontal treatment may be recommended to treat gum loss.
If you experience tooth sensitivity, it is important to have the cause diagnosed to prevent future problems.

At Magnolia Springs Dentistry, we are happy to help treat any of your dental needs with care customized to your specific needs. We are conveniently located in Baxter Village! Call us at 803-456-2404!