6 Tips for People with Sensitive Teeth

Oct 13, 2023

Tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity is the heightened sensations in the teeth. It is caused by teeth or gum damage that exposes dentin that contains nerve endings. Below, we will discuss the signs, symptoms, and tips for alleviating dental sensitivity. 

Signs and Symptoms of Sensitive Teeth

You have sensitivity teeth if you are experiencing pain or heightened sensations when:

  • Consuming hot, and cold foods and drinks
  • Consuming sweet or very acidic foods and drinks
  • Breathing in cold air

Causes of Sensitive Teeth: Why is it so Painful? 

Sensitive teeth happen when the nerves in the teeth become exposed to elements. Exposure occurs when the teeth’ protective layerings are worn down or gums recede. The protective layers are enamel, which protects the tooth, and cementum, which covers the dentin. The dentin contains nerve endings in its microscopic tubules. 

The sensations experienced by the nerve endings are heightened to the point of discomfort. 

Before we can treat dental sensitivity, we must find out what is causing it. Here are some factors that can cause gum recession and tooth damage, leading to sensitivity.

Tartar Buildup, Tooth Decay and Cavities

Food particles cause an acidic environment for bacteria to thrive. This leads to form tartar buildup or dental plaque. Its bacteria can eat away the enamel and cause gums to recede. It also causes tooth decay that leads to cavities.

Highly Acidic Foods and Liquids

Highly acidic foods and drinks like coffee and tea can wear away tooth enamel. Frequent exposure to stomach acid from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or bulimia can also wear away the teeth’s protective layering. 

Aggressive Brushing

Enamel damage can be caused by using a hard-bristled toothbrush or aggressively brushing the teeth. Aggressive brushing, especially in a horizontal position, can cause gums to recede and lead to tooth sensitivity. 

Fractured Teeth, Teeth Grinding, and Worn Fillings

Fractured teeth and worn fillings cause tooth dentin and its nerve endings to be exposed to the elements even if the enamel isn’t worn down. Teeth grinding, or even grinding teeth while sleeping (bruxism), can also expose tooth nerve endings. 

Gum Disease

Bacterial infection in the gums can cause gum inflammation, tooth pain, and sensitivity. Gum disease can cause teeth to loosen. If left untreated, teeth can fall out. 

Dental Care Tips for Sensitive Teeth: How do You Stop Sensitive Teeth Pain Fast?

Oral care for sensitive teeth boils down to treating the cause. Here is a short list of quick remedies that you can do for mildly sensitive teeth:

  • Use sensitivity toothpaste
  • Use soft-bristle toothbrush
  • Use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash
  • Use saltwater mouthwash
  • Manage acidic food and drink intake
  • Address teeth grinding

Let’s delve into the essential dental care tips for dentin hypersensitivity, exploring remedies to alleviate the discomfort and maintain your dental health. 

Use Sensitivity Toothpaste for Worn Enamel

Sensitivity toothpaste works in two ways: 1.) It covers the exposed dentinal tubules, or 2.) It desensitizes the tooth’s nerve endings. It also contains fluoride which strengthens the tooth enamel.

Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush and Gentle Strokes to Address Aggressive Brushing

Soft-bristle toothbrushes exert less pressure on teeth and gums. The American Dental Association also encourages using angled or multi-layered bristles if people feel that soft-bristle brushes are too soft for them. Electric toothbrushes are also safe to use as they have soft bristles to balance the pressure they may exert on the teeth from their rotation and vibration.

Here is a video from Colgate on how to brush properly.

Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash to Reduce Bacterial Growth

Hydrogen peroxide mouthwash must be gargled with care. It has antibacterial properties that can disinfect the inside of your mouth. Gum redness or irritation can occur after gargling hydrogen peroxide mouthwash, which should disappear after a few hours.

  1. Combine one part of 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide with two parts of water.
  2. Gargle the mouthwash for 60 seconds (do not gargle for more than 90 seconds) and spit it out.

Saltwater Mouthwash to Reduce Bacterial Growth

Saltwater mouthwash is a safe alternative for children and people who can’t gargle without swallowing. It decreases the acidic environment in your mouth and lets bacteria thrive. Saltwater also draws out excess fluid in gum infection. 

Due to these reasons, saltwater soothes tooth pain long enough for you to be able to see your dentist. Gargle saltwater mouthwash consisting of a teaspoon of salt stirred in 8 ounces of warm water.

Manage Intake of Acidic Foods and Drinks

As acidic content causes enamel damage, one can reduce intake of acidic foods and drinks. While people may not let go of their morning coffee that easily, they can use straws to lessen contact with acidic drinks from their teeth. They can also drink water to balance out the pH level in their mouth after eating acidic foods like sugary products. 

Address Teeth Grinding

When a person is anxious or stressed, they can grind their teeth without realizing it and also in their sleep. Getting active, relaxing the jaw, and investing in a mouthguard can help address teeth grinding. 

When to Visit a Dentist for Teeth Sensitivity

American Association of Endodontists (AAE) states that you must consult your dental professional if your tooth sensitivity lasts more than 30 seconds after consuming hot or cold food or drink. 

Another indicator that you must visit your dental professional is if your tooth pain is ongoing or severe. These symptoms can indicate that you may have a tooth cavity, exposed tooth nerve endings, or gum condition.

Your dental professional may do the following:

  • Strengthen the tooth enamel with in-office application of fluoride gel.
  • Repairing fractured teeth with crown, inlay, or bonding.
  • Surgical gum grafting to protect the root and reduce sensitivity
  • If sensitivity is severe or persistent and cannot be treated by other means, they may recommend a root canal to eliminate the problem.

Sensitive Teeth and Your Dental Health 

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by enamel damage and gum problems. Mildly sensitive teeth can be managed with the tips provided above. With long-term management, people with sensitive teeth can maintain their oral health. However, if your symptoms are severe, please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us.

Your Guide to Great Flossing

Sep 12, 2023

Flossing is a frequently overlooked necessity for good dental health, much like keeping weeds from growing in between a beautiful fence, flossing keeps the teeth looking good and in pristine condition. While regular flossing is something most of us are taught, it’s usually the most neglected, like a chore we can’t wait to move past. On top of that, flossing incorrectly won’t do much in preventing tooth decay or gum disease.

To make sure you’re flossing and flossing the right way, let’s go over how to perfect your flossing technique and find the right kind of floss for you. 

Why Flossing is a Must 

Regular teeth brushing is usually the first thing people think of as at-home dental care, but flossing is just as essential to maintaining strong and healthy teeth. Let’s go over some of the benefits that come with a good flossing regularly done:

  • Preventing bad breath: Cavities and gum disease come from plaque build-up in the mouth, which creates a foul smell. By removing plaque from between the teeth with floss, you’re minimizing the bacteria that cause the smell and making for fresher breath. 
  • Reducing gum disease risk: Speaking of prevention, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems. Flossing removes the food and bacteria from between the teeth that brushes can’t reach, reducing gum inflammation and the risk of developing gum disease.
  • Cavity prevention: Cavities are caused by acid-producing bacteria that eat away at tooth enamel. Brushing doesn’t remove all the food particles or plaque that creates the bacteria, which flossing would get rid of.

Many people may find flossing inconvenient or uncomfortable, which is fair, but the benefits are far better than the consequences of not regularly flossing, and less uncomfortable or inconvenient. 

Flossing Techniques

Flossing properly seems like a simple thing to do, but improper cleaning can both damage the gums and do less for removing food or bacteria from between the teeth. Also, it surprises a lot of people to know that there are various flossing techniques to use in your oral hygiene routine:

  • C-shape flossing method: Curving the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and gently gliding it up and down. This method both cleans the tooth surface and the gum line.
  • Sawing Method: Moving the floss back and forth in between the teeth to remove food particles that may be stuck.

As this is a guide to good flossing, there are some parts of using floss that many people are unaware of, including a proper flossing method:

  • Reusing floss: Make sure the floss length is enough so no part is reused. Reusing part of the floss can redistribute the bacteria or even damage the gums.
  • Proper flossing: Use 18 inches, or arm’s length, of floss so as to not reuse, wrap it around the fingers and pull it taut to leave only a few inches for cleaning. You can start with the upper or lower teeth, whichever you want to clean first, and continue moving forward from back to front. Remember to not use the same part of floss over and over. Fresh floss for a fresh space.

Different Types of Floss

Traditional string floss isn’t for everyone and now there are many types available:

  • Floss picks: the most common flossing alternative, they’re small plastic sticks with a single strand of floss attached to one end and a pointed pick on the other. It’s a good option for people who find wrapping traditional floss difficult or for people with braces.
  • Interdental brushes: tiny brushes designed to clean deeper between the teeth and gums than traditional dental floss. They’re a good option for those who have larger gaps between the teeth or who have orthodontic appliances. 
  • Waterpiks: These mechanisms use a concentrated stream of water to remove plaque and food debris from in between the teeth, and are very effective when used correctly. Just remember, they do not replace brushing.

Choosing the Right Floss for Your Teeth

To choose the best floss for you, there are a few things to consider:

  1. Do you have large gaps between your teeth? If so, tape floss would be a better option.
  2. Do you have tight spaces between your teeth? If so, thinner floss would be best to get between them.
  3. Do you have sensitive gums? Unwaxed floss would be best as they don’t fray like waxed ones do.
  4. Talk with your dentist about flossing concerns and see what they recommend.

Now that you understand how important flossing is to oral hygiene and proper flossing techniques, be sure to have regular dental appointments so you can catch any oral health issues early, including those that affect or come from a lack of or improper flossing.

If you are looking for a dentist, we have numerous payment options available and if you have dental benefits, we will submit your claims on your behalf. We also welcome cash, Visa, MasterCard, and e-Transfer payment methods to help make the dentist visit as pain-free as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about our dental services or would like to schedule an appointment, you can call us at 587-801-1939 or contact us here.

How Long Does a Teeth Cleaning Take?

Apr 19, 2022

Planning a teeth cleaning can add an extra hurdle to your day, especially if you’re unsure how long the teeth cleaning process will take. While dental cleanings can be a bit annoying to fit into your schedule, it’s extremely important to your health to prioritize regular teeth cleanings every six months. 

For those with anxiety around any dental treatment or dentist visits, the six-month teeth cleanings can be a stressful thing to hear. To help ease any discomfort about regularly having this important treatment, we’ll discuss what the average teeth cleaning time is, why, and what is involved.

 

The Average Dental Cleaning Time

There are a few things to consider when figuring out how long a teeth cleaning will take, mostly around the state of your oral health and dental routine at home. If you have a solid brushing and flossing routine twice a day, the teeth cleaning time should be 30 to 40 minutes or an hour to 90 minutes, depending on the condition of your teeth during that visit and the hygienists’ cleaning speed. 

Other factors that could increase your average teeth cleaning time are:

  • The condition of your teeth: Having teeth cleanings involves clearing away plaque, stains, and tartar from your teeth. The amount of buildup depends on how often you brush and floss – the more you do it, the less there will be. Of course, you don’t want to overdo it as over-brushing and over-flossing can cause problems too. 
  • Gum disease: This can greatly impact the time your teeth cleaning can take as the deep periodontal pockets need to be thoroughly cleaned out to cure the gum disease. The process involves scaling and root planing, which is a deeper cleaning than your average dental cleaning appointment. If it’s more severe, your dentist may recommend seeing a periodontist to fix the problem.
  • Fear of dentistry: Patients with anxiety around dental appointments tend to have longer teeth cleaning visits as your provider will work at a slower pace and prioritize your comfort. They’ll outline the process of what they’re doing, be patient while keeping you calm, or offer sedation to better help you through the treatment.

As you can see, there is some wiggle room in how long a teeth cleaning will take. The good news is that you have an idea of what to budget for time-wise in your schedule. 

If you’re in need of a preventative dentistry appointment, like a teeth cleaning, we encourage you to explore here: Preventative Dentistry With Ellerslie 66 Dental

 

What Does a Professional Teeth Cleaning Involve?

While many of us have had numerous teeth cleaning appointments, it’s always good to have a little refresher, especially if you have some anxiety around dental appointments. Here is what you can expect during your teeth cleaning:

  • Examining your teeth and gums with a concave mirror to check for signs of oral health problems.
  • Using a small hooked tool called a peridontal scaler to remove plaque and tartar from the surface of a tooth, in between your teeth, and near the gum line.
  • Polishing and flossing to remove any stains, usually used with a handheld electric tool with a rubber cup attached. The hygienist will also use a gritty toothpaste during this process before finishing with flossing.
  • Fluoride is very often used during teeth cleaning appointments and usually near the end. You usually get to choose the flavor of gel you like and for a minute you sit and wear it in a mouthpiece.

And that’s the teeth cleaning appointment in a nutshell! As mentioned earlier, for patients with a lot of anxiety around the dentist, you can request sedation. 

 

Edmonton Dental Cleaning

Having regular teeth cleaning is extremely important to the health of your teeth, not only to keep your teeth healthy but also to catch any problems before they become serious. If you’re in need of an appointment, we have numerous payment options available and if you have dental benefits, we will submit your claims on your behalf. We also welcome cash, Visa, MasterCard, and e-Transfer payment methods to help make the dentist visit as pain-free as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about our dental services or would like to schedule an appointment, you can call us at 587-801-1939 or contact us here.