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BlogsDental Hygiene
May 17, 2023 by Bryce 0 Comments

Sensitive teeth: What’s normal and what’s not?

Most people have experienced tooth sensitivity at least once in their life. Eating ice cream, drinking hot liquids, breathing in cold fresh air or eating lollies is enough to trigger pain or discomfort at the root of your teeth. But what causes sensitive teeth and when should you do something about it?

Tooth sensitivity is a common problem. There are many reasons a person might have sensitive teeth and the symptoms might range from mild discomfort to a more intense pain.

What causes teeth sensitivity?

Lots of things can trigger the feeling of sensitive teeth but the underlying cause is when the nerve of the tooth is exposed to stimulation. There are a few reasons this can happen.

Thinner tooth enamel

Enamel is the outer protective covering that surrounds our teeth. Enamel is incredibly strong and shields our teeth from cavities and other types of damage. Tooth enamel can wear down over time thanks to plaque, acids and bacteria building up in our mouth. Eating and drinking acidic foods can also wear down enamel as can grinding your teeth. Tooth enamel loss can make our teeth more sensitive to heat, cold and sugar.

Gum recession

Gum recession is when the gums pull away from the teeth. Many people with gum recession experience sensitivity. This is because the tooth root which is now exposed isn’t protected with enamel. Instead, it’s covered with cementum, which isn’t as strong and offers less protection against hot or cold temperatures and sweet foods.

Cavities and chipped teeth

Cavities, tooth decay, chipped or broken teeth can all leave the interior of our teeth – the dentin – exposed, causing sensitivity. In the case of a decayed or damaged tooth, you’ll only feel pain in one tooth or area of your mouth rather than in across all of your teeth.

Tooth bleaching

Tooth whitening kits and whitening strips may leave you with whiter teeth, but they can also increase teeth sensitivity. This is because a lot of at home products are overly acidic which wears down tooth enamel and can irritate your gums. If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity after using whitening strips or gels your teeth stop using them for a while and your teeth should feel less sensitive. If you have sensitive teeth but want to explore teeth whitening talk to your dentist about professional teeth whitening.

Brushing too hard

Our teeth and gums are more sensitive to brushing than you might think. If you have sensitive teeth and gums, particularly after brushing, it could be because you’re brushing too hard. There’s no need to use a lot of force when you brush your teeth. Grip your toothbrush firmly and brush in gentle circular motions. You can also change your hard bristled toothbrush for a soft bristled brush. Better yet, use an electric toothbrush and let it do the hard work for you.

When is tooth sensitivity not normal?

There are lots of reasons a person might experience sensitive teeth but how do you know when it’s a problem?

If tooth sensitivity is affecting your daily life and is causing you pain, you need to see a dentist. The sharper and longer the pain lasts, the more likely your tooth sensitivity is caused by an underlying problem.

If you feel like you’ve always had sensitive teeth and the discomfort is mild, it’s still a good idea to come in for a checkup. Taking early action can help prevent cavities from forming and reduce enamel loss which is important for preventing tooth sensitivity.

When to see a dentist for sensitive teeth

You should book a dentist appointment if you have:

  • Tooth pain that is sharp and feels isolated to one area
  • Sensitivity that lasts longer than a day or two
  • Reoccurring sensitivity after eating or drinking
  • Staining on the surface enamel of your teeth
  • Pain when biting or chewing

How is tooth sensitivity treated?

After a dental checkup, your dentist will recommend treatment based on the underlying cause of your sensitivity.

If your tooth sensitivity is mild and caused by thinning enamel, they may apply a flouride gel or desensitising agent during your appointment. These help to protect tooth enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity.

Your dentist might also recommend cutting back on acidic and sugary foods and drinks to help prevent further tooth enamel erosion.

If the sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin, you may need a filling to treat a cavity or broken tooth.

If you have receding gums your dentist may apply a desensitising agent to reduce sensitivity on the tooth root. In more pronounced cases a gum graft could be an option.

In all cases, your dentist will talk through their recommendations for treatment with you and make sure you’re comfortable with the right treatment.

Time to book an appointment?

Whether your discomfort is mild or more severe, new or something you’ve been dealing with for a while, you don’t have to live with it. Book an appointment now at Gentle Dental and let our dentists take care of you.

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Blogs
February 14, 2022 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

8 Health Issues Linked With Bad Oral Health

Oral health is more important than many people realize. Your oral health can offer clues about your overall health and oral health problems can affect your entire body. Taking care of your oral health will result in better general health and wellbeing.

How are oral health and overall health connected?

The mouth is naturally full of bacteria – most of which is harmless. Your mouth also leads to your digestive and respiratory systems, and some bacteria can cause problems in other parts of the body. Good oral health keeps your body’s defenses up and bacteria under control. Flossing and brushing daily keeps bacteria at a minimum and protects you from tooth decay and gum disease.

Medications can affect the health of your mouth and increase the risk of poor health. Decongestants, painkillers, antihistamines, and antidepressants can all reduce saliva flow which usually washes away food and neutralizes acids. Basically taking care of your mouth, teeth and gums is good for your overall health, and taking care of your overall health is good for your mouth.

What health issues are linked to poor oral health?

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is a serious heart condition where the inner lining of your heart’s chambers and valves are heavily inflamed. Endocarditis is usually caused by an infection where bacteria or germs from your body spread through the bloodstream. Bad bacteria in the mouth can end up spreading and attaching to damaged areas in your heart. If not treated endocarditis can damage or destroy these heart valves.

Cardiovascular disease

While the jury is still out on whether cardiovascular disease is caused by poor oral health, there have been some interesting studies connecting the two. Research suggested that patients with gum disease had a higher risk of developing heart disease, that poor dental health increases the risk of a bacterial infection in the blood (endocarditis), and that tooth loss patterns are connected to coronary artery disease.

Pregnancy complications

Pregnant woman are at an increased risk of periodontitis which can cause complications for mother and baby. Periodontitis has been linked to increased risk of tooth loss, preterm birth and low birth weight. This inflammatory condition is caused by bacteria that affects the tissues surrounding the teeth and can ultimately pull the teeth away from the gums.

Pneumonia

Older patients are at a higher risk of aspiration pneumonia. Dental plaque from the mouth can find its way into the lungs during sleep, and cause pneumonia. Studies have shown that the risk of pneumonia increased significantly in groups of people with higher dental caries and missing teeth and decreased significantly with frequent tooth brushing and regular dental cleaning.

Diabetes 

Reducing the bodies resistance to infection puts the gums at risk. Gum disease has been found to be higher in patients who suffer from diabetes and research shows that people with gum disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels. 

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disease and is linked to periodontal bone loss and tooth loss. Bone weakness can affect the mouth ridges that hold dentures in place while the disease also has an impact on the part of the jaw that supports the teeth.

Alzheimer’s disease

Poor oral hygiene is often seen in Alzheimer’s patients as the disease progresses. But gum disease is also linked to the faster cognitive decline in patients. One study found that patients with gum disease declined in memory ability six times faster than those who did not.

Liver cancer

Poor oral health has been linked to some cancers, including a 75% increase in the risk of liver cancer. The liver contributes to eliminating bacteria from the body and poor oral health could be contributing to oral bacteria living in the liver.

How can I protect my overall health?

Taking care of your oral health can lead to better overall health outcomes. Brushing twice a day, flossing, eating a healthy diet that includes firm vegetables and scheduling regular checkups with your dentist is key to staying healthy.

If you currently suffer from any of the mentioned diseases, take extra care with your oral health habits and book an appointment with a dentist to keep your mouth healthy.

Our gentle dentists can work with you to develop a good oral hygiene plan that takes care of your mouth and your long-term health. Book an appointment today.

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Blogs
January 25, 2022 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Why Bad Teeth May Cause Serious Health Problems?

Failing to look after your teeth can cause health problems other than just tooth pain. Poor oral health can make you sick, affect your overall wellbeing and exacerbate existing health conditions.

Going to the dentist only if you’re in pain can put you at risk. When you take care of your teeth, you are investing in your overall health. Here’s why tooth decay and other oral health problems can lead to more serious issues in your body.

How rotten teeth can cause health problems

A rotten or decaying tooth is a symptom of bacteria attacking your teeth. When bacteria builds up in the mouth it can spread to other places in the body, not to mention other teeth, and cause infections. 

An infection in the mouth can cause a tooth abscess, which can lead to the loss of your tooth. An abscess is a painful collection of pus and can occur at the tip of the root. They are often caused by cavities in the top or sides of your teeth. Symptoms include:

  • Throbbing and pain in your tooth
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Pain and tenderness when chewing
  • Swelling in the neck and jaw
  • Redness and swelling of the gums

How tooth decay can cause health problems

Tooth decay is the gradual breakdown of the enamel of your tooth. When plague form on the tooth they can produce harmful acids which eat away at this protective outer layer, especially when they come into contact with sugar from soft drink or starchy foods.

The decay from your enamel is what causes a tooth cavity. Tooth cavities can be painful, but they are also associated with other health risks.

Left untreated your cavity can turn into something more serious. You might start off experiencing sensitivity from hot or cold temperatures and tooth pain. Left untreated, tooth decay can affect the tooth nerve and require a root canal to remove the decay.

Tooth decay has been linked to a wide range of health issues as it worsens, such as:

  • Heart and lung disease
  • Stroke
  • Social anxiety and depression
  • Chronic pain
  • Loss of sleep
  • Diabetes

What happens if an abscess or tooth decay isn’t treated

Infection can spread from your tooth to other parts of the mouth, teeth, gums, jaw and even other places in the body. If an abscess isn’t treated it can cause the jaw and neck to become infected and cause difficulty breathing and swallowing.

In general, tooth decay and poor oral health can weaken your immune system and put you at risk of the infection spreading. An untreated abscess can also cause sepsis. This is the bodies response to an extreme infection and can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and serious long term side effects.

How can I prevent health problems from an abscess or tooth decay?

The good news is that tooth decay and poor oral health doesn’t just happen overnight. However, the majority of people don’t go to the dentist regularly. In fact, up to 50% of adults surveyed in New Zealand say they almost never go to a dentist, while thousands of children are hospitalised each year due to the health problems caused by rotten teeth.

One of the biggest culprits causing tooth decay in children is sugar. Removing soft drinks from your diet is one of the best steps you can take to better oral health. Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste is also important. Other factors to keep your mouth healthy are: 

  • Visiting the dentist twice a year regardless of whether you are experiencing pain
  • Brushing for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing every day
  • Eating hard, healthy foods like raw vegetables to strengthen your teeth and jaw
  • Drinking fluoridated water to keep teeth protected, healthy, and strong

If it’s been a while since you visited the dentist now is a good time to book an appointment. The team at Gentle Dental can work with you to develop good oral hygiene habits that look at your mouth and long-term health. Book an appointment today.

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BlogsPrevention
October 27, 2021 by Gentle Dental 0 Comments

Is Vaping Bad For Your Teeth?

Just when smoking cigarettes was going out of style, vaping has caused an increase in young people smoking.

While vaping isn’t as bad for your health as cigarettes, the only people who should vape are those looking to quit smoking all together. Vaping is often thought of as non-harmful. However, early research into vaping shows that it is harmful to oral health.

While the side effects of smoking cigarettes have been known for a long time, vaping is relatively new. As a result there are less long-term studies on the health effects of using e-cigarettes.

What is known is that young people are vaping at higher rates of taking up smoking in the future. All in all, it’s better to not vape at all than to pick up a habit that has no benefit to your physical or oral health and could emerge to be just as harmful as smoking tobacco.

How is vaping harmful to your teeth?

Vaping may contain less nicotine than cigarettes, but the nicotine found in vape juice still has a negative effect on gums. Nicotine restricts blood flow to the gums, which affects the mouth’s ability to naturally fight off infection. This puts smokers of all kinds at higher risk of gingivitis or gum disease.

Another ingredient found in vapes is propylene glycol (PG). Although this substance is safe to inhale, when used orally it breaks down into acids that attack the enamel on teeth and can irritate the soft tissue in the mouth.

PG also reduces the amount of saliva a person produces. Saliva actually helps your mouth to prevent bacteria from forming. A dry mouth can lead to plaque buildup and gum disease. Worse still, teens who drink soft drinks or energy drinks rather than water are putting themselves at even more risk of dry mouth. The sugar found in these drinks feeds bacteria and eats away at enamel.

Another ingredient that is harmful to oral health is vegetable glycerin (VG). Found in vaping products this liquid sweetener helps Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria commonly found in oral cavities to stick to the grooves on the surface of your teeth.

These ingredients all help to dry out the mouth, increase bacteria, and reduce saliva production causing an increased risk for tooth and gum decay.

If you must vape reduce the dental side effects

If you are vaping to quit smoking, there are some measures you can take that may help. However, the best way to avoid vaping-related health problems is to quit as soon as possible. Since e-cigarettes are still relatively new, there’s no promise that doing these actions will reduce the amount of harm vaping causes to teeth and gums

  • Limit your nicotine exposure. Since we know nicotine is bad for teeth and gums, choosing a low-nicotine or nicotine free juice will limit the negative effects on teeth and gums. If you are vaping to quit smoking, think about lowering the amount of nicotine you consume over time until you can smoke nicotine free.
  • Drink water after vaping. Rehydrating after you smoke may help the immediate feeling of a dry mouth. However, the best way to avoid disruption to your saliva production is to not smoke at all.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day. Brushing and flossing are important to prevent plaque buildup on teeth. Smokers are at higher risk of developing gum disease, so it is important to floss every day.
  • Visit your dentist regularly. Smoking can repress the signs of gum disease, which means even if you have good oral hygiene habits you may still have gingivitis or gum disease. Visit your dentist or dental hygienist every six months while also maintaining a regular and thorough cleaning schedule.
What are some side effects I may experience from vaping?

Whether caused directly from vaping or not, any of the following symptoms are a sign you should see a dentist. These symptoms may be a sign of an underlying oral health condition which smoking is known to contribute to.

  • bleeding or swollen gums
  • sensitivity of teeth and gums from hot/cold
  • dry mouth
  • bad breath
  • loose teeth
  • mouth ulcers or sores that won’t heal
  • toothache or mouth pain
  • receding gums

The best thing you can do for your oral health is to quit smoking or vaping. If you are a vaper and haven’t seen your dentist in a while, we recommend booking an appointment with one of our friendly dentists.

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