Monday - Wednesday 7am-4pm | Thursday 7am-12pm   18323 98th Ave NE #2, Bothell, WA 98011
   425​-​354​-​3138

All Posts in Category: Healthy Living

The Science Behind Cold Sensitivity and Tips on How to Reduce and Relieve It

Baby It’s Cold Outside! As winter approaches and temperatures decrease, I hear from patients more often that the cold air outside makes their teeth hurt. Cold sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, is very common in patients. In fact, 67% of people experience pain when eating cold food or drinking cold drinks, and 51% of people experience pain when breathing in cold air*. Instead of enduring the occasional wince, it is better that you understand why your teeth are sensitive and what you can do to relieve the sensitivity!

What exactly causes cold sensitivity? There are several possible causes of tooth sensitivity including the following:

  • Tooth decay (cavities)
  • Fractured/broken teeth
  • Worn fillings
  • Gum disease
  • Worn tooth enamel
  • Exposed roots

Percentage image

Healthy teeth have a layer of enamel that protects tooth structure above your gum line. It is the hard outermost surface of a tooth. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects your tooth root. Below the enamel and cementum layers is a tooth layer called dentin. Dentin is porous and contains microscopic canals with nerve endings in them. When dentin loses its protective covering, the nerve endings are exposed to the external environment, allowing cold to reach the nerves inside the tooth. This results in a short, sharp nerve pain in the tooth. All of the causes of sensitivity listed above damage the protective layer of enamel or cementum in different ways, exposing the underlying dentin layer and making you occasionally wince!

Your dentist can examine your teeth and recommend possible treatments. A variety of treatments could be suggested based on the underlying cause, including the following:

  • Desensitizing toothpaste.Toothpastes like Sensodyne have potassium nitrate in them which help block the transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. It usually requires two weeks (14 days) of daily use before the sensitivity is reduced.
  • Fluoride trays. Your dentist can make you take home trays that you can use to bathe your teeth in prescription fluoride gel. The fluoride will strengthen your tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.
  • A filling, inlay, or crown. These can be used to restore cavities, worn fillings, or fractured/broken teeth, correcting the flaw that has been causing your sensitivity.
  • Surgical gum graft. If you have gum recession and exposed root surfaces, your dentist may recommend a gum graft to protect your root and reduce sensitivity.
  • Root canal. If cold sensitivity is prolonged and/or constant, you may require a root canal to eliminate the problem.

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Be proactive and protect your enamel so that your sensitivity does not worsen! Here are some ways to be proactive in protecting your teeth:

  • Don’t brush too hard. Use a soft toothbrush and brush in tiny circles (not sideways which can expose root surfaces). Brushing vigorously can eventually wear down tooth enamel.
  • Avoid grinding or clenching your teeth. Grinding wears away your protective enamel. Ask your dentist about a mouth guard for nighttime or daytime use!
  • Practice good oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice a day properly to prevent periodontal (gum) disease. Periodontal disease can cause recession in your gums and expose your root surface.
  • Schedule your professional teeth cleaning. Your dentist will provide recommendations and advice on reducing your dentin hypersensitivity.

To schedule an appointment, call our office at (425) 354-3138 or visit our website https://mccauleydentistry.com.

Amanda McCauley, DDS

*Source: http://us.sensodyne.com/sensitive-teeth-and-gums/sensitivity-triggers.aspx

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Avoiding Acid Erosion During the Holidays

Thanksgiving is right around in the corner!  In preparation for the start of the holiday season, we’re sharing information on acid and alkaline content in many holiday foods and providing tips to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Enamel is the protective armor of our teeth. Preventing damage to the underlying dentin and nerve layers, our enamel acts as a first line of defense from hazards including trauma, bacteria, habits like nail or pen biting, and acid erosion. Acid erosion is caused by frequent consumption of foods and drinks with a pH below 5.0-5.7. Although holidays are a time of eating, drinking, and general merriment, it is important to not overwhelm our teeth with an acidic challenge during these feasts. Aside from dental erosion, acidic foods can also trigger heartburn. Where’s the merriment when you are suffering from heartburn?!

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High Acid Content: Fruit juices (especially orange and apple juice), sports drinks, wine, beer, carbonated sodas, dried fruit, beef, chicken, eggs, pork, shellfish, cheese, artificial sweeteners.

Moderate Acid Content: Ketchup, mayo, butter, apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, grapes, mango, orange, peach, papaya, pineapple, strawberry, brown rice, oats, rye bread, wheat, wild rice, ocean fish.

Mild Acid Content: Black beans, chickpeas/garbonzos, kidney beans, cantaloupe, fresh dates, nectarine, plum, sweet cherry, watermelon, soybeans, freshwater wild fish, rice and soy milk, brazil nuts, pecan nuts, hazel nuts.

Mild Alkaline Content: Artichokes, asparagus, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, carrot, chives, zucchini, leeks, new baby potatoes, peas, rhubarb, watercress, grapefruit, coconut, buckwheat, quinoa, lentils, tofu, goat and almond milk, most herbs and spices.

Moderate Alkaline Content: Avocado, pepper, cabbage, celery, collard/spring greens, endive, garlic, ginger, green beans, lettuce, mustard greens, okra, onion, radish, red onion, rocket/arugula, tomato, butter beans, soy beans.

High Alkaline Content: Himalayan salt, grasses, cucumber, kale, kelp, spinach, parsley, broccoli, sprouts (soy, alfalfa, etc.), sea vegetables (kelp), all sprouted beans.

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Don’t worry! You can follow these rules to help prevent acid erosion:

  • Don’t swish or swirl your acidic holiday beverage in your mouth.
  • After consuming highly acidic foods or drinks, rinse thoroughly with water.
  • If you can, bring a soft toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste to your feast so that you can brush 30 minutes after eating! You may even end up eating less at the party, also saving you from heartburn.
  • If you cannot brush during the party, chew sugar-free gum to help dislodge food particles and produce saliva to naturally neutralize acids in your mouth.
  • If you drink soda, use a straw to prevent direct contact of carbonated soda with your teeth.
  • Remineralize your teeth with a fluoride mouthwash or paste.
  • Acid erosion yellows, dulls, thins, and weakens teeth. When your protective enamel layer is slowly dissolved over time by a highly acidic diet, you may begin to notice visible changes. Once the underlying dentin layer is exposed, you may also notice sensitivity. Being proactive at reducing your acid-rich diet can save your armor and ultimately your beautiful, strong, pearly white smile!

Our team at McCauley Family and Cosmetic Dentistry wishes everyone a great start to the holiday season!  Still looking for recipes for Thanksgiving?  Check out our Facebook page as we’ll be sharing our favorite recipes between now and Thanksgiving.

 

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Choosing the Right Halloween Treats

Halloween is just around the corner!  It’s estimated that 90 million pounds of chocolate will be sold this week as Americans prepare for Trick-or-Treaters.  We know this means both adults and children will be enjoying treats this weekend.  Here are some tips for choosing the right Halloween candy to help reduce the chance of tooth decay and future cavities.

  • Choose Chocolate: Chocolate is better for your teeth than hard or sticky candies.  It is easier to rinse from your teeth with a quick glass of water providing shorter contact time with your teeth.  Chocolate also contains tannins, which can inhibit cavity-causing bacteria.
  • Hand Out Miniature Size: Mini candy bars can be eaten quickly which means teeth have less contact with harmful sugars.
  • Pitch the Tough Stuff: When sorting through Halloween candy, avoid or discard hard and sticky candy.  Not only do these candies surround your teeth with sugar as they dissolve but some can be so strong that they can cause damage to fillings.
  • Brush after Treats:  It’s always a good idea to brush your teeth after enjoying candy or sugary snacks.  If that’s not an option while you’re out Trick-or-Treating or dancing to the Monster Mash, pack a water bottle or grab a glass of water to help wash away some of the sugar from your teeth.  

Our team at McCauley Family and Cosmetic Dentistry wishes everyone a fun-filled and Happy Halloween!  We’re open this Halloween from 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.  Please stop in and say hello – we would love to see your costumes.  Click the link for directions 18323 98th Ave NE #2, Bothell, WA 98011.

Halloween Statistic Source: Nielsen Newswire Report

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18323 98th Ave NE #2, Bothell, WA