Last updated 3 months ago
The pain of sensitive teeth can force you to avoid your favorite foods or drinks. There are a number of factors which contribute to sensitivity, so it’s important to visit your dentist to determine the reason for your discomfort. Your dentist can suggest dental treatment or lifestyle changes to ensure you are able to comfortably enjoy all the foods you love. Here is what you need to know about sensitive teeth:
What Sensitive Teeth Feel Like
Tooth sensitivity is often a sharp sensation felt when your teeth encounter certain foods or temperatures. Tooth sensitivity can come on suddenly and feel like a deep ache in the teeth. Sensitivity can be triggered by foods or drinks that are hot, cold, spicy, sweet, or sour. You may also experience pain when breathing in air that is cold or when brushing your teeth.
What Causes Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the tooth roots become exposed, often due to receding gums. The roots of your teeth are not protected by hard enamel, and stimuli are able to penetrate directly into the nerve through tiny tubules. Often, tooth sensitivity results from improper brushing habits such as brushing too often, too hard, or right after acidic meals. Sensitivity may also appear as a result of a cracked or damaged tooth, a tooth grinding habit, or even after the use of certain whitening products. Some dental procedures may induce temporary tooth sensitivity which disappears on its own.
What Treatments Exist for Sensitive Teeth
Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush and changing your brushing habits can reduce tooth sensitivity. Your dentist may also recommend dental products for sensitive teeth. He can also diagnose and treat tooth grinding to address sensitivity caused by this habit. Ultimately, it is essential to visit your dentist to determine the reason for your sensitivity and treat it accordingly for long-term pain relief.
Are you experiencing painful tooth sensitivity? Call West Chester Dental Arts at (484) 881-3501 to schedule an appointment and address your pain. Our dentists offer comfortable and personalized dental services including sedation dentistry options in West Chester, PA. You can find out more about our many dentistry services by clicking on our website.
Last updated 3 months ago
Age affects your oral health just as it affects your general health. Making a few easy changes to your lifestyle can help to keep your teeth healthy and looking their best.
This video explains the changes you may see in your teeth as you age. Your teeth may darken over time. Medications or medical conditions may cause dry mouth, while receding gums make your teeth more susceptible to cavities. You can talk to your dentist about rejuvenating and maintaining the look of your smile as you age to ensure good oral health with each passing year.
Visit West Chester Dental Arts for quality dental care at any age. We provide general and cosmetic dentistry services to ensure great dental health as well as a beautiful smile. Call us at (484) 881-3501 or click on our website to learn about dentures, veneers, sedation dentistry, and more.
Last updated 3 months ago
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry which corrects misalignments of the teeth and jaws, called malocclusions. Malocclusions manifest as crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth. If you are looking to improve your smile, ask your dentist about your orthodontic options during your next visit.
Malocclusions of the Teeth
Spacing and crowding problems occur when the teeth have too much or too little room, resulting in uneven spacing. A tooth may erupt rotated relative to its normal position or transposed into the space meant for a different tooth, causing crowding issues. Upper protrusion (or “overjet”) refers to cases in which the front teeth protrude outward, sometimes called buck teeth. An overbite occurs when the front upper teeth reach excessively far down over the lower teeth. The opposite case is called an underbite, in which the front lower teeth come farther forward than the upper teeth when the jaw is closed. In a person with an open bite, the upper and lower front teeth do not overlap at all. If any or all of the upper teeth on one side fit against the wrong side of the corresponding lower teeth, it is called a crossbite.
Malocclusions of the Jaws
Your dentist may determine that the bones of your jaw are not properly aligned relative to each other. A Class I jaw malocclusion occurs when the upper and lower molars line up, but other teeth are spaced or crowded. Class II jaw malocclusions result in a retracted chin, when the molars fit but are located farther back than normal. In the opposite case, a Class III malocclusion, the jaw juts forward and the molars do not align.
At West Chester Dental Arts, we will can identify and treat malocclusions for a straighter and healthier smile. We offer Invisalign for ease and comfort during orthodontic treatment. Call us today at (484) 881-3501 to schedule your appointment or click on our website to learn more about your dental and orthodontic treatment options in West Chester, PA.
Last updated 3 months ago
Good dental health relies upon daily care as well as regular visits to your dentist. You can find more information about establishing an effective oral care routine and the treatments available from your dentist by clicking through these resources:
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You can find helpful tips on choosing the right toothbrush when you visit Health24.com.
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In addition to choosing whether to use a manual or electric toothbrush, there are many types of electric toothbrushes available. Click over to OralB.com to find out more about the different options you have when it comes to choosing an electric toothbrush.
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Your dentist can help you address tooth sensitivity with a treatment tailored to the cause of your discomfort. The Mayo Clinic website lists some common treatments and suggestions for treating sensitive teeth.
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You can take a more in depth look at tooth sensitivity and how it occurs with this illustrated article on Colgate.com.
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In some cases, women develop small, harmless growths on the gums called “pregnancy tumors.” You can learn more about this condition by clicking over to SimpleStepsDental.com.
The dental team at West Chester Dental Arts provides general and cosmetic dentistry services in West Chester, PA. We also offer comfortable sedation dentistry solutions for patients who feel anxious receiving dental care. You can find out just how positive your dental experience can be by contacting us at (484) 881-3501 to schedule your appointment.
Last updated 3 months ago
Oral health plays an important role during any pregnancy. Because of the hormonal changes affecting the body, pregnant women are more susceptible to gingivitis and other dental conditions. By talking to your dentist and maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine, you can ensure you and your baby remain healthy throughout your pregnancy.
Continue to See Your Dentist
See your dentist at least once during your pregnancy and list any medications or supplements you are taking. Some medications can affect your oral health or even that of your baby. If X-rays are necessary, your dentist will take extra steps to protect your baby during imaging. Discuss any dental changes you have noticed with your dentist, especially changes in your gums. Your dentist will check your periodontal health and make suggestions to help you keep your gums, teeth, and mouth in top condition.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Because pregnancy raises your risk for developing gum disease, it’s more important than ever to brush and floss regularly. Maintain your regular routine of brushing twice a day and flossing once a day to remove plaque from the teeth and gum line. If you aren’t sure how to floss or brush correctly, your dentist will be happy to show you during your checkups.
Make Healthy Dietary Choices
Your diet can influence your dental health, especially as you begin to eat more. Choose healthy snacks, such as fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables. Avoid sugary or acidic foods, which can lead to tooth decay and erosion of the enamel on your teeth. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water. If you want a sweet treat, follow it with a glass of milk, which can neutralize the acids produced by bacteria and contains calcium to benefit your and your baby’s teeth.
West Chester Dental Arts in West Chester, PA is here to help you maintain a healthy smile throughout your pregnancy. Call us today at (484) 881-3501 to schedule your appointment and discuss your dental health with your dentist. You can find more information about our dentists and dental services by clicking through our website.
