Worried about Knocking
Out a Tooth?
Just
in the United States alone, each year more teeth are knocked
out due to sports injuries than other accidental injuries.
Approximately 5 million teeth are lost while participating
in athletic events. There are over-the-counter mouthguards,
which come in one size and do not fit well. A poor fit may
result in obstructing breathing during exertion and will not
protect at the level it should.
The American Dental Association recommends a custom-made
mouthguard, which our practice can provide, for all athletes
in the following sports: basketball, boxing, field hockey,
acrobatics, football, gymnastics, handball, lacrosse, ice
hockey, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey,
shotputting, rugby, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving,
soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, weight lifting,
wrestling, and water polo.
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.
Is Tooth Sensitivity Common?
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.
Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen?
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.
When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed. Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease ñ these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.
What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.
However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.
In Office Procedures:
- Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
- Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
- Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity
At Home:
- Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
- Brush correctly and do not over brush
- Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
- Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface
There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.
To read the entire article visit Colgate.com
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about overcoming dental anxiety.
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Learn more about tooth sensitivity by watching this video from Colgate.com.
Understanding Tooth Sensitivity: Discover the causes, prevention and treatment of sensitivity.
Do You Find Yourself Falling
Asleep on the Job?
Perhaps
you wonder why you easily fall asleep during the day, or
snore loudly at night. Maybe you have been told that your
breathing is temporarily halted during the night. Have you
already been diagnosed with sleep apnea and been given a
CPAP device to alleviate the problem? The CPAP device is
given to patients with these symptoms to keep breathing
continual without any type of obstructive symptoms
throughout the night. It provides a mask for patients to
wear while sleeping, connected to a machine that pumps air
into the nose and mouth. Although CPAP relieves the problem
of interrupted airflow into the lungs, many patients
discontinue wearing the mask, as it is bulky and
uncomfortable.
We provide an easy to use alternative that is effective and
so small it can fit in your pocket. It looks like an
orthodontic retainer, a small acrylic device that fits over
upper and lower teeth. It works by gently aligning your
tongue and jaw to their proper positions to keep your air
passage open for continual breathing. It has a success rate
of 90% for users, and they continue to use it, because it is
comfortable, easy to clean, and packs lightly when
traveling. Give us a call, so you can get your first good
night’s rest!
Russell E. Graham, DMD
2935 N Country Club Road
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 327-1205
RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Emergency Dentistry!
