Tooth Sensitivity

If you drink hot and cold beverages with caution to avoid tooth pain, you may be a victim of dentin hypersensitivity. Also known as tooth sensitivity, this occurs when the enamel that protects our teeth grows thinner, or because gum recession has begun, exposing the underlying dentin. When the dentin is exposed, enamel no longer has a layer of protection. When this happens, our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry will need to address the problem.

Tooth sensitivity can range from mild to severe. It’s one thing to wince at a hot cup of coffee, but it’s another to breathe in cold air and feel the chill in your tooth root. Causes of tooth sensitivity include, but are not limited to, overzealous brushing, lack of oral care, or tooth erosion from a diet that is highly acidic. Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing tooth pain. It’s important to visit our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry to get your sensitivity under control.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.

Acid Reflux and Oral Health

At Garrison Family Dentistry, we treat the causes of toothaches as well as their symptoms. One of the most common reasons for enamel erosion is acid reflux, which is formally known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD. Besides damaging the surfaces of teeth, it also weakens the gums and impedes the production of saliva.

Hydrochloric acid is highly useful for digestion when in the stomach, which has mucus lining to protect it. But other body parts are not similarly protected, creating problems when the sphincter separating the stomach from the esophagus fails and acid escapes. The corrosion of tooth enamel is painful and cosmetically unpleasing, and the absence of saliva puts the mouth at risk of infection and makes it difficult for the patient to sleep or swallow.

Remineralization therapies such as fluoride treatments can undo some of the harm, and patients can stimulate new saliva production by chewing gum. (We recommend sugar-free, of course.)But to prevent acid reflux, patients will have to avoid eating large meals before bed and reduce their intake of tomatoes, citrus juice, garlic, alcohol, and other highly acidic foods and drinks. They may also need to ask their primary care provider if they can switch medications which may contribute to acid reflux.

Drs. Matthew Garrison and Anna Jones operate at Garrison Family Dentistry, 14790 N. 169 Highway, Smithville, Missouri, 64089. To schedule an appointment, call 816-532-8778 or visit GarrisonDentistry.com and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Bad Habits that Cause Tender Teeth

Tooth sensitivity – also known as dentin hypersensitivity – affects the tooth or exposed root surfaces. If you experience discomfort when eating hot or cold beverages, you may be a victim of this condition. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. Sometimes the solution to relief is simply breaking bad habits. If you catch yourself performing any of the following tasks, our doctors at Garrison Family Dentistry suggest you do your best to break them or stop yourself in your tracks.

• You’re brushing too hard – over time, if you brush with too much force, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubules are exposed, tooth sensitivity is a result.


• You’re eating too many acidic foods – If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods will cause you pain.


• You have tooth decay – If you have tooth decay, it’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid build-up and enamel breakdown.


• You’re a tooth grinder – Grinding your teeth can wear down your enamel. This exposes the dentin and causes sensitive teeth.

If you have questions about tooth sensitivity, don’t hesitate to contact us. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.garrisondentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Garrison Family Dentistry here in Smithville, MO, call 816-532-8778.