Teeth Wearing Away?

Your teeth are built to last. They can even last a lifetime with regular teeth cleanings and dental care. However, the daily grind of chewing, brushing, and grinding, along with accidental injuries, can take a toll.

Reasons for tooth erosion:

• Chipped, fractured or broken teeth - Things such as chewing ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels and opening nuts with your teeth can lead to chipping and breakage of natural teeth and restorations. Teeth that have fillings or root canals are at highest risk, because they aren't as strong as intact teeth. Most frequently, teeth are damaged as a result of an accident or sports-related injury. Although a chipped tooth can be repaired, a fracture is more difficult to fix especially if the crack extends below your gum line.
• Teeth grinding - Unconscious grinding or clenching of teeth, over time, can damage the chewing surfaces. In many cases, people don't realize they have a problem until a dentist notices signs on their tooth surfaces.
• Acid and tooth enamel erosion - Teeth become vulnerable when acid levels in the mouth are too high. Acid erodes enamel, making teeth more susceptible to decay. Acidic foods and drinks, and acid-producing bacteria in the mouth are prime culprits.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol - Alcoholics and binge drinkers can have the same wear on their teeth because of too much alcohol. Not only do teeth become thin and almost transparent in these extremes, but the body also loses needed vitamins and minerals, depriving teeth of some needed nutrients, too.
• Other physical conditions – Conditions such as cancer or even pregnancy show their presence on teeth, and individuals are advised to combine medical care with regular preventative dental care and maintenance.
• Medications - Many medications cause dry mouth. Saliva is necessary for keeping the mouth clean. Keeping a wash of saliva around the teeth keeps decay from forming as rapidly and provides needed moisture for gum tissue. Certain medications suck the saliva out of your mouth. Syrupy medicines also harm teeth by coating them with sticky sugar. Rinsing after taking cough, cold or allergy syrups, or having children rinse after taking them, will help keep residue from building up and attacking enamel.
• Brushing right after meals - If you have the habit of brushing right after dinner, stop doing so. Acids weaken tooth enamel and leave it more prone to erosion during brushing. Wait about 20 to 30 minutes before brushing your teeth.
• Brushing hard - Some people like to brush very hard. They want to keep their teeth very clean so they will scrub very hard, but that will traumatize the gums. Over time, it will cause the gums to recede. Brush gently and spend at least three minutes brushing and flossing your teeth each time. Always use a soft or ultrasoft toothbrush.

Fluoride: Importance of Fluoride For Dental Health

www.expressionsdental.ca

Dental Hygienist Mel Nelson explains Fluoride and its importance in oral health through this video. 

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Emergency Dental Care In Calgary
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Call: +1 (403) 252 7733

Do Dental Crowns Need Special Care?

Dentists are able to design and create your customized crown. Then, the crown will be permanently cemented to the tooth.
When you go home, you can treat your crown as though it were your natural tooth. Continue to follow good oral hygiene practices. Simply flossing and brushing with toothpaste will help to keep crowns clean and the gums around the crowns healthy, thus preventing gum disease. Your dentist will show you how to correctly floss around your new crown.  Antibacterial mouth rinse can also help. Also, you don’t need to worry about adhering to special diet restrictions, but you should be careful about chewing extremely sticky foods, such as caramels, which can accidentally dislodge your crown. Crowns 
may not be as strong as your natural teeth. So like your natural teeth, remember not to bite down on hard objects or use your teeth to open or cut things.Get in touch with Expressions Dental  to find out how we can restore your teeth and your smile with a dental crown. With regular care, a dental crown will keep you eating comfortably and smiling brightly for years to come.

Bad Habits That Destroy Smile

Maintenance of your teeth is a lifelong process. And if you add some bad habits into this equation, it can make the whole process even more difficult. You should eliminate the following habits if you want to maintain a healthy smile.

• Consumption of soda – Too much consumption of soda leaves a constant coating of sugar and acids on your teeth throughout the day. This then slowly build up over time and starts eating away at your teeth. Regardless of whether it is regular or diet soda, it is best to stay away from these fizzy drinks if you want to prevent cavities. 
• Chewing ice - Chewing ice is considered to be one of the biggest causes of chipped or cracked teeth in people.
• Teeth grinding - Teeth grinding will eventually wear down your teeth. If you have the habit of grinding your teeth at night, try putting on a mouth guard and then going to sleep.
• Hard candy - These sugary substances tend to coat your teeth. It then combines with the plaque to form an acid which then slowly eats away your teeth.
• Not flossing - Not flossing your teeth is also considered to be a bad oral habit. Daily flossing helps to clear the plaque in between your teeth which can then prevent gum diseases.
• Sports drinks - Sports drinks tend to have as much sugar as sodas. So just like sodas, try to limit your consumption of sports drinks.  
• Opening things with your teeth - If you open things like bottle caps with your teeth, they will eventually lead to your teeth being chipped or cracked.
• Brushing too soon after eating – Brushing your teeth too soon after eating or drinking beverages such as soda or wine, can cause damage, because you are essentially rubbing softened enamel away. Instead, you should rinse your mouth with water after consuming acidic beverages and then brush after 30 minutes.
•  Failure to replace toothbrush in time - Older toothbrushes lose the majority of their effectiveness, and tend to harbor infectious bacterial growth over time. It’s recommended that toothbrushes be replaced at every 3 months. It’s also important to dispose and replace your toothbrush after any sickness or cold.
• Use of hard-bristled toothbrush - A stiff or hard-bristled toothbrush may cause damage to your gums, especially when paired with aggressive brushing habits.

Get in touch with a dental hygienist to know more about dental care.

Life Span of Dental Veneers

It is difficult to put a number of years for a lifespan for porcelain veneers. Everyone's mouth is different.

If you are using veneers you should avoid certain things such as:

• Biting pins or other metal objects, which may chip an edge of veneers
• Power polishing of veneers. By doing this, the surface can become rough and porous and the porcelain veneers will then stain very easily
• Frequent snacking, which can lead to cavities on the edges
• Clenching and grinding your teeth

The chances of longer life span depends on your oral habits, your occlusion and how well you maintain oral hygiene. 

If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, contact Expressions Dental™. Our entire team looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you achieve optimal dental health.

What Is Tartar?

Tartar, sometimes called calculus, is plaque that has hardened on your teeth. Tartar can also form at and underneath the gum line and can irritate gum tissues. Bad oral hygiene habits cause dental plaque to build up and dental tartar to eventually collect above your gum line, which provides more sticky surfaces for dental plaque to grow on that again collect dental tartar. It's a vicious cycle. This leads to more serious conditions, such as cavities and gum disease.

• Having your teeth cleaned professionally every 6 months, or more frequently as recommended by your dentist or hygienist
• Proper brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar buildup.
• Preventive debridement or dental scaling at least twice a year is recommended if your teeth tend to accumulate tartar.
• Using tartar control toothpastes
• Using non-alcoholic anti-bacterial mouthwashes
• Munching fruits and vegetables like apples, carrot or celery sticks is recommended. They help remove food particles, plaque or tartar on your teeth.
• Avoid smoking.
• Drink sufficient amount of water after each meal to wash out any food particles in the mouth.

Once tartar has formed, only your dentist or hygienist can remove it. The process for removing tartar is called scaling. During a scaling, the dentist or hygienist uses special instruments to remove tartar from your teeth above and below the gum line.

If you have been affected by tartar, Visit Expressions Dental™ Clinic in Calgary and seek dental help.

Dental Hygiene during Pregnancy

Reasons Why Oral Care Is Important During Pregnancy

Good oral health during pregnancy is important because it is important to your fetus. Some researchers have suggested that the serious stage of gum disease, periodontitis, could cause premature birth and low birth weight.  
Reference:

McGaw T. Periodontal Disease and Preterm Delivery of Low Birth Weight Infants. J Can Dent Assoc 2002;68(3):165-9.

There are several other reasons such as:

Frequent Eating
During pregnancy, women are likely to eat and drink more frequently throughout the day. And with the more frequent sugar intake comes an increased risk for cavities, so it’s especially important to stick with a sound tooth brushing and flossing routine.

Hormonal Changes
Some women may be more likely to develop red, puffy gums during pregnancy because the additional amount of the hormones in the body causes a strong reaction to normal amounts of plaque. If your gums are especially sensitive, try soft floss that slides easily and comfortably between teeth or a specialty interdental cleaning tool.

One of the most common dental problems associated with pregnancy is a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis, which usually occurs during the first trimester. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are usually bleeding, swollen, red and tender gums.

Radiation Avoidance
Although some pregnant women may have a dental emergency that requires a dental x-ray, taking good care of your teeth during pregnancy reduces the odds that you will need dental x-rays, and you can avoid exposing your baby to radiation. But if you do need x-rays, don’t panic. Your dental professional will minimize your exposure by having you wear a leaded apron and thyroid collar.

Of course, proper nutrition is part of good dental hygiene, and pregnant women in particular should be sure to eat a variety of healthy foods and get plenty of calcium, phosphorous, protein, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin C.

Contrary to a popular myth, you won’t lose calcium from your teeth during pregnancy if you aren’t getting enough calcium in your diet. A growing baby will take calcium from a mother’s bones, not her teeth. But that’s all the more reason to eat healthy while following a strict routine of good oral care.

If you’re pregnant and would like a consultation with one of our general dentists, call the clinic and request an appointment!

Smoking and Oral Health

In addition to several other chronic diseases, tobacco use is a primary cause of many oral diseases and adverse oral conditions. For example, tobacco is a risk factor for oral cancer and periodontal disease. It can also cause stained yellow or brown teeth, bad breath, and loss of teeth. Smoking is thought to alter bacteria in dental plaque, making it more harmful.

In general, smokers can expect to develop some combination of the following, depending on the amount and length of time they have smoked: (Ref: J.periodontology 2000 May:71(5):743-51)

• Persistent bad breath
• Discolored teeth
• An increase in calculus (tartar) build-up
• Periodontal (gum and bone) disease that may progress more quickly and be more severe than in non-smokers
• Jaw bone loss
• Shifting teeth
• An increased number of missing teeth
• Oral cancers
• Mouth sores
• Root caries (cavities)
• Sinusitis
• Hairy tongue
• Smoker’s lip (like a burn)
• Altered sense of taste and smell
• Delayed wound healing

Gum Disease

Smoking has been established as a significant risk factor for gum disease. Tobacco reduces blood flow to the gums, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients that allow gums to stay healthy, and leaving them vulnerable to bacterial infection. 

According to one U.S. study, cigarette smoking may play a major role in more than half the cases of severe gum disease in adults. Current smokers were about four times more likely to have periodontitis than people who had never smoked.

If unchecked, periodontal disease can lead to complete destruction of the tooth’s supporting tissues, abscesses and, ultimately, loss of the tooth.

Caring for your Teeth and Gums

If you are a smoker, there are some things you can do to prevent tooth and gum problems:

• Try to quit smoking – speak to your doctor or dentist or call helpline for guidance and support.
• If quitting smoking is too difficult, try and reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.
• Thoroughly clean your teeth and gums twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Use dental floss every day to clean between your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly for advice about the proper care of your teeth and gums at home, early intervention and regular preventive maintenance visits to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
• Avoid having a dry mouth – drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
• Limit your alcohol intake.

To stop using tobacco or smoking habit, people can also join smoking cessation classes and support groups along with drug therapy. Ask your doctor or dentist for information on similar programs they may be familiar with.

Ref: www.webmd.com

www.who.int

www.cdho.org

Health Risks with Oral Piercing

Oral piercings, usually in the tongue or around the lips have quickly become a popular trend in today’s society. With this popular trend, it is important to realize that sometimes even precautions taken during the installation of the piercing jewelry are not enough to prevent harmful, long-term consequences such as cracked or chipped teeth, swelling, problems with swallowing and taste, and scars. There is also a possibility of choking on a piece of dislodged jewelry, which makes it important to ask if the risks are warranted.

One of the most serious long-term health problems that may occur from oral piercings come in the form of damage to the soft tissues such as the cheeks, gums and palate, as well as some kind of infections. When performed in an unsterile environment, any kind of body piercing may also put you at risk of contracting deadly infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis. A tongue piercing is a common form of body piercing. However, tongue piercings have been known to cause blocked airways (from a swollen tongue). In some cases, a tongue piercing can cause uncontrolled bleeding.

People with oral piercings -- especially long-stem tongue jewelry - have a greater risk of gum disease than those without oral piercings. The jewelry can come into contact with gum tissue causing injury as well as a recession of the gum tissue, which can lead to loose teeth and tooth loss.

Caring for your Oral Piercing

• Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and hard and sticky foods.
• Don't smoke or use tobacco-based products.
• Eat soft foods. Consult with your dentist about taking vitamins to promote faster healing.
• Make an appointment with your dentist if you suspect a problem or have a concern. It is critical for dentists to check your teeth, gums, tongue, and soft tissues for early signs of any problems.

If you notice any warning signs such as scarring, increased redness or pain at piercing site, bleeding or tearing after initial healing, yellow or green discharge from piercing site etc, contact a health care professional right away.

Ref: www.webmd.com

www.atooth.com

How can I Prevent Cavities?

Cavities, also known as tooth decay, occur when plaque, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the foods that we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel.

Follow these dental hygiene practices to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth - In the fight against cavities, it is essential that you brush your teeth properly at least twice a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride.
• Floss daily - Food debris gets caught in between our teeth when we eat. If the debris is not removed, it can lead to cavities. Flossing every day is the best way to remove food debris from in between the teeth.
• Eat healthy – Proper nutrition plays an important role in good dental health. Eating nutritional snacks and limiting the amount of sugar intake will help to prevent plaque from forming on the teeth.
• Visit your dentist - Many cavities can only be detected by a dentist or a dental X-ray. Visiting your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings are a key factor in preventing cavities and staying on top of good oral hygiene.
• Have sealants placed - Dental sealants are a protective coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant protects the tooth from getting a cavity by shielding against bacteria and plaque. Sealants are more common in children because of the new growth of permanent teeth; however, sealants can benefit adults too.
• Use a mouthwash - There are several antimicrobial mouthwashes on the market that have been clinically proven to reduce plaque. Rinsing with one of these mouthwashes after brushing or eating can aid in cavity prevention.
• Chew sugarless gum - Believe it or not, chewing certain sugarless gums can actually help to prevent cavities by increasing the flow of saliva in your mouth.

It is especially important to keep an eye on how often your child eats as well as what he/she eats. You should limit between-meal snacks to reduce the number of acid attacks on teeth and to give teeth a chance to repair themselves. Limit their intake of candies, cookies, soda and other sugary drinks. Make sure your child doesn’t eat or drink anything with sugar after bedtime tooth brushing. Don’t forget to supervise young children when they brush. Since most cavities in children and adolescents develop in the molars, it's best to get these teeth sealed as soon as they come in.

Ref: www.dentistry.com

www.nidcr.nih.gov

Myth: Periodontal (Gum) Disease Affects Only the Mouth.

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is mainly caused by bacteria from plaque and tartar build up. Other factors that have the potential to cause gum disease may include:

• Tobacco use
• Grinding your teeth
• Certain medications
• Genetics

Ref: Askthedentist.com

Gum disease affects only the oral health is a myth. Studies suggest that it contributes to life threatening conditions such as:

• Heart disease and stroke - Gingivitis may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke because of the high levels of bacteria found in infected areas of the mouth. As the level of periodontal disease increases, the risk of cardiovascular disease may increase with it.
• Diabetes - People with diabetes often have some form of gum disease, likely caused by high blood glucose. People with diabetes need to take extra care to ensure proper brushing and flossing techniques are used to prevent the advancement of the gum disease. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your dental hygienist should be followed.
• Chronic kidney disease - People without any natural teeth, are more likely to have chronic kidney disease (CDK), than people with natural teeth. CDK affects blood pressure potentially causing heart disease, contributed to kidney failure, and affects bone health.
• Preterm birth - Women with periodontal disease are more likely to have a baby born preterm compared to women without any form of gum disease. Women are more susceptible to gingivitis when pregnant and should follow their regular brushing habits, and continue with dental cleanings and examinations.

To prevent gum disease, proper brushing and flossing and following dental hygiene tips is the easiest way, but regular cleanings with your dentist are necessary to remove calculus and treat advanced gum disease. If you are concerned that you may have gum disease, contact your dentist.

Source: www.webmd.com, www.dentistry.com

What is Dental Floss?

When it comes to your teeth nothing is more important than proper dental health and dental hygiene. Without proper oral hygiene your teeth can break down and decay causing many problems including tooth loss. Flossing is such an essential part of dental care. There are several health benefits to maintaining proper dental care and flossing. Without proper flossing, your teeth will a buildup with plaque which leads to tartar and several types of gum disease. Not flossing can also cause an increase of cavities in the areas your tooth brush cannot reach. Without flossing your teeth can start to stain which keeps your teeth from looking bright, white and clean.

Dental floss is a tool you should use daily to remove food and bacteria build-up from in-between your teeth. Floss, which is commonly made out of plastic or nylon, is a thin thread that you place between your teeth and pull in order to clean the gaps. As you pull on the thread, you should remove food and debris.

 Benefits of Flossing:

• Remove plaque
• Prevent gum disease
• Prevent cavities
• Better smelling breath
• Whiter teeth

How Can I Remove An Object Caught Between My Teeth?

This is a dental problem, which you can possibly fix yourself.

If you have a small object caught between your teeth, first try to gently remove the object with dental floss. If flossing doesn't work, tie a knot in your floss and carefully place the floss between your teeth and pull the knot through gently.

If the above tips don’t work, place a toothpick in between the two teeth where the item is lodged. Push it in slightly so it stays in place and keep it there for a minute or two. This allows your teeth to move slightly. Push on the toothpick once more so the teeth will move a bit further and wait a couple of minutes again. Then remove the toothpick and try flossing again.

Remember, never use anything sharp or pointed objects like a pin around your teeth as it may cut your gums or damage your tooth.

You can also try swishing with warm water and brush again. This may dislodge the food.

If you still can’t get it out, then contact a dentist for advice or to schedule an appointment.

What Happens if I Lose a Tooth Filling?

Fillings are materials used to fill cavities in the teeth. Sometimes fillings fall out. In some cases, a filling may come loose because there is decay underneath it. The decay destroys part of the tooth, so it no longer has a tight hold on the filling.

A lost filling may not be an immediate emergency. However, it can be painful because the exposed tooth tissue is often sensitive to temperature, pressure or air.

If you realize your filling has come out when it has happened and you haven't already swallowed it, you should remove it from your mouth to prevent yourself from swallowing it.

You should call your dentist as soon as you lose your filling to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to replace the filling or perform whatever treatment is necessary.

If you are not able to get to your dentist that day to have it refilled, you will need to keep that area of your tooth really clean. The cavity that was filled is now exposed again and could worsen or feel really sensitive. Brush your teeth carefully making sure to remove any food debris from the cavity so that harmful bacteria do not accumulate.

Your tooth may be sensitive after you lose your filing. This may be caused by exposed dentin tubules, which are tiny pathways of communication between the dentin and the pulp of your tooth. The dentin tubules provide a direct pathway from the inside of your mouth to your tooth. If you do feel pain, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever.

Make sure you get an appointment to see your Dentist.

When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist for the First Time?

It is generally recommended that a child be seen by a dentist by the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future.

What will happen in the first visit?

Many first visits are nothing more than introductory icebreakers to acquaint your child with the dentist and the practice. Short, successive visits are meant to build the child's trust in the dentist and the dental office, and can prove invaluable if your child needs to be treated later for any dental problem.

If the child is compliant, the first session often lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and may include the following, depending on age:

• A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
• If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar buildup or stains
• X-rays
• A demonstration on proper home cleaning
• Assessment of the need for fluoride

Treatments for Bad Breath

Bad breath is a common condition caused by sulphur-producing bacteria that live within the surface of the tongue and in the throat. Its treatment will depend on the underlying cause. Smoking, dry mouth, dental infections and nasal or sinus infections can cause bad breath. Good oral hygiene, including brushing flossing and tongue cleaning, is important. Other treatments may include mouthwashes, nasal spray or antibiotics.

Oral malodor (bad breath) can be divided into two distinctive categories—transitory and chronic. Transitory refers to food-related malodor that can last as long as 72 hours. Virtually everyone suffers from this condition at one time or another. The second category, chronic, is generally related to oral or general medical problems.

There is no one treatment for bad breath. The treatment will depend on what is causing the problem. Avoiding dehydration and good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, are important. Some mouthwashes, lozenges and toothpastes can assist in fighting bad breath.

Gentle but effective tongue cleaning may also be required. A variety of tongue brushes and scrapers have been produced in recent years. The tongue should be brushed in a gentle but thorough manner, from the back towards the front of the tongue, keeping in mind that the hardest to reach back portion smells the worst.

Just as important to oral health and fresh breath is oral health care delivered by a qualified professional. Regular oral health care appointments, which include teeth cleaning above and below the gum line is essential to maintaining good oral health and fresh breath, so visit your dental hygienist every six months, or as often as recommended.

For more information about proper oral health care, as well as brushing and flossing instructions, please talk to your dental hygienist

Importance of Flossing

It is very surprising that majority of people believe that regular brushing is enough to keep their teeth healthy. They don’t realize the importance of flossing. The fact is, brushing alone does not clean your entire mouth. Flossing is such an essential activity to maintain good oral hygiene.

Here are the health benefits of flossing:

• Flossing removes the tiny trapped food particles and also the plaque trapped between the teeth which a tooth brush cannot reach.
• It also prevents the formation of calculus or tartar which if formed can only be removed by your dental hygienist.
• With regular flossing, you reduce the growth of bacteria. 
• Flossing can help prevent bad breath. If bacteria and food particles are left in between your teeth it can actually cause really bad breath.
• Flossing regularly will keep your teeth looking whiter and shiny. With plaque buildup on the teeth, food and drinks stick and staining occur. By flossing you can remove the stubborn spots and food particles providing a cleaner, healthier smile.

Proper dental care begins at home. Make sure you are not only brushing regularly but flossing as well. You need to take the time to floss well at least once a day, and try to floss after meals to remove food particles. Brushing, flossing and the use of mouth wash will help you keep your mouth healthy and clean. It is also important to schedule regular visit to your dentist to give your teeth and gums a good deep cleaning.

Dental Problems You can Fix Yourself

Dentists don’t usually recommend DIY dentistry for a variety of reasons, but there are a few dental issues that you can fix yourself without a visit to the dentist!

1. Sensitive teeth –Some toothpastes are abrasive, especially whitening, tartar-control or baking soda toothpastes, which can make teeth sensitive. Stop using these toothpastes. Don't brush too hard, which can lead to other dental problems, such as recessed gums. If pain persists, visit your dentist for a prescription fluoride treatment to toughen up your teeth.

2. Lost tooth due to trauma – Gently rinse it off without rubbing and scrubbing and push it back in right away, then bite down gently on a soft cloth or moistened tea bag to hold it in place. Knocking out a tooth tears the periodontal ligaments, but some might still cling to the tooth. If reconnected early enough, they can reattach to the gums. See your dentsist ASAP.

3. Jaw soreness – If you have an aching pain in your jaw, it could happen due to teeth grinding, which can lead to pain in the jaw, headaches and more. Try exercising your jaw by moving it around gently. If you find yourself in a tense state with jaw locked, loosen up and take a few deep breaths to release that tension. At night, wear a mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. If you are still having pain, talk to your dentist about other possible solutions.

4. Gum pain - You can ease the pain by swishing peppermint tea or salt water around your mouth.

If you have questions about common dental issues, contact your dentist.

How to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can affect one or more teeth. It’s most common when you eat or drink something hot, cold, sweet, or sour. The pain can be sharp and sudden and can shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. You may get sensitive teeth

when your gums recede and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This soft layer makes up the inner part and roots, which have thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the tooth's nerve center (the pulp). These channels allow the trigger -- for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food -- to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.

Here are ways to find relief and reduce your tooth sensitivity:

• Try toothpaste made for sensitive teeth - Several brands of toothpaste on the market are designed to help people with sensitive teeth. Some pastes contain an active ingredient called potassium nitrate, which helps to block the tiny tubules in the dentin. They don’t work for everybody, but it’s usually a good place to start.
•  Change the way you brush - If you’re not using a soft toothbrush, if you’re scrubbing your teeth vigorously, or if you’re not brushing for a full two minutes, then you’re not doing any favors for your sensitive teeth. Hard brushing can actually wear away enamel, increasing the sensitivity in your teeth. Changing your brushing habits will definitely pay off.
•  Avoid acidic food and drink - Exposure to red wine, pop, fruit juices and acidic foods—such as oranges and pickles—can put your enamel under constant attack. Limit these foods and drinks, and try to brush about 20 minutes after eating them.
•  Ask your dentist about a paint job - If you’re not having much luck with desensitizing toothpaste, talk to your dentist about painted-on barriers. Desensitizing agents like fluoride varnish or even plastic resins can be applied to the sensitive areas of your teeth.
• Put a stop to tooth grinding - If you’re grinding your teeth when you’re tense, you could be wearing away enamel and giving yourself a sensitivity problem.
• Treat your receding gums - Normally the root of your tooth is covered up by your gum tissue. But if you have some gum recession, caused by gum disease or even hard brushing, then the root will be exposed and the cementum can be worn away. Your dental care provider may be able to rebuild or restore your receding gums. 

If you still have discomfort, call Expressions Dental™ There may be a procedure that can help.

Natural Remedies for Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, known medically as Xerostomia, is one of the main causes of halitosis (or bad breath). Dry mouth can be caused by a number of medical conditions. Most of these conditions are nonlife-threatening, making dry mouth more of a nuisance than anything else.

To minimize dry mouth:

•     Drink water frequently to keep your mouth moist and loosen mucus. Carry water with you to sip throughout the day and keep water by your bed at night.
•       Suck on sugar-free hard candies, ice chips, or sugar-free popsicles. Chew sugarless gum (gums containing xylitol). These sucking and chewing actions help stimulate saliva flow.
•       Moisten foods with broths, soups, sauces, gravy, creams, and butter or margarine. Eat soft, moist foods that are cool or at room temperature.
•      Avoid commercial mouth rinses or mouthwashes that contain alcohol or peroxide. These ingredients may further dry out your mouth.
•      Avoid salty foods, dry foods (for example, crackers, toast, cookies, dry breads, dry meats/poultry/fish, dried fruit, bananas) and foods and beverages with high sugar content.
•      Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol increases water loss by triggering frequent urination. Alcohol, as well as caffeine, also dries out the mouth. Also avoid acidic beverages, such as any fruit juices.
•      To prevent or treat dry mouth, you can protect your teeth by brushing with fluoridated toothpaste and scheduling regular dental checkups. Oral cavities can lead to the growth of unhealthy bacteria, which eventually leads to dry mouth and bad breath.