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Dental Hygiene Awareness Month Deserves a Place on Your Calendar!

It’s time to replace that old toothbrush and restock your mouthwash because October is Dental Hygiene Awareness Month! This October is the perfect time to re-evaluate your dental hygiene regimen and give your teeth and gums a little extra attention. Dental Hygiene Month is for everyone – young and old – to celebrate the importance of a healthy smile and the role that dental hygienists play in keeping your teeth clean. How can you get involved in Dental Hygiene Awareness Month and why is it so important to spread awareness about great oral hygiene? Let’s find out…

What Do I Need to Know About Dental Hygiene Awareness Month?

National Dental Hygiene Month has been around since 2009, but don’t worry if you’re only just hearing about it, there’s never a bad time to improve your dental hygiene regimen!

The awareness month is the result of a partnership between the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company and the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA). The idea behind the month is to celebrate dental hygienists and raise awareness about oral hygiene, and in particular, the four daily habits to keep your teeth and gums healthy: brushing, flossing, rinsing, and chewing.

The campaign is both a reminder to look after your smile and a chance to learn more about the correct techniques for keeping your teeth clean, your gums healthy, and your breath fresh. Adults and children alike can get involved in Dental Hygiene Month and learn more about the importance of oral health.

The Best Oral Hygiene Habits for a Lifetime of Optimal Oral Health

The four components of excellent oral health form a foundation from which an entire lifetime of healthy teeth can develop. Preventive treatment can greatly reduce your risk of developing all-too-common dental problems, like cavities and gum disease, and help to keep your smile looking picture-perfect.

It couldn’t be any easier to introduce great oral hygiene practices into your daily routine. Here are the four daily habits that Oral Hygiene Awareness Month is all about:

Brushing

Brushing your teeth is one of the most important things for great oral health: it gets rid of plaque and reduces the risk of developing cavities and gum disease. You should be brushing your teeth twice a day, once after you’ve finished your breakfast and once before you go to bed. Each brushing session should last for two minutes and it’s important to use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

Learning the correct brushing technique is something you only need to do once to ensure that your teeth receive the most benefit from brushing.

Here are the five steps for effective brushing:

Position your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle towards the gums

Move the toothbrush in short strokes gently back and forth

Brush the outer and chewing surfaces of your teeth

Adjust your toothbrush to a vertical position and brush the inner surfaces with small strokes up and down

Finish by brushing your tongue to get rid of bacteria

Teeth Flossing

You should floss your teeth once a day, ideally before you go to bed. Flossing is crucial for cleaning parts of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach. When you floss, you remove plaque and small particles of food that get stuck between your teeth, which helps to lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. If you don’t remove plaque, over time it’ll harden and become tartar.

Mouth Rinsing

For good dental hygiene, mouthwash shouldn’t be used as an alternative to brushing or as an optional extra: you should use good mouthwash to rinse your mouth regularly after you brush and floss your teeth. Brushing and flossing target your teeth, while mouthwash gets rid of bacteria from other areas of your mouth. The mouthwash will help to prevent gum disease and keep your breath fresh.

Dental Hygiene Awareness Month is a celebration of the incredible work of dental hygienists and an essential reminder to keep up with the big four daily habits for good oral health. The month of October raises awareness about dental hygiene and regular checkups, not only as a reminder for you, but to promote dental hygiene for children – the earlier children learn how to care for their teeth, the better! Marking the month down on your calendar will help to bring oral hygiene to the forefront of your mind once a year and remind you of the importance of looking after your teeth and gums. It’s easy to forget about the importance of keeping your teeth and gums clean amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life. However, the last thing you want is for your dental hygiene regimen to start slipping and open the door for cavities to start creeping in.

For more information regarding Dental Hygiene & Oral Health Care – Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center in Gurnee (Park City, IL)

Visiting your dentist regularly is crucial for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Your local dentist in Gurnee (Park City, IL) will check your mouth for signs of problems and give you advice about great dental hygiene techniques to implement at home. You’ll also be able to book professional dental cleaning, which will eliminate the plaque and tartar on your teeth and help to keep your beautiful smile in optimal condition. As well as, paying close attention to your cleaning regimen, this October is also a fantastic time to book an appointment for a dental checkup at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center; after-all, the month of October is all about celebrating dental hygiene and the work of dental hygienists! Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center in Gurnee, IL for more information regarding dental hygiene & oral health care.

Schedule Online Meetings with Dr. Galvez – Available Now!

Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center have decided to temporarily close our doors. We perfectly understand that dental problems do not just take a break during these difficult times, but for the safety of our staff and our clients, for the time being, we are taking action and doing our part to support the quarantine and flatten the curve. Beautiful Smiles Dental Center upholds a strong code, and that is to never leave a patient behind. Though for right now, we cannot see you in person, don’t think that is going to stop us from trying our absolute best to keep on providing you with the care that you deserve, it will just be in a different way.

Keep on reading to see exactly what we are doing to help you with any dental issues that you may be having…

Staying at home can be difficult, especially when you feel like you need to get out or have a specific problem. However, we all need to do our part in making sure that this virus doesn’t keep on spreading so that we can get back to our normal healthy lives and continue doing the things we love.

We never want to stop providing our services and are always looking at different options to reach out to our patients in a way that is easy and accessible for them. At Beautiful Smiles, we hate seeing our patients in discomfort, and that is why we are going to do our best in giving professional help from the comfort of your home.

TeleDentistry: Virtual Online Meetings, How it Works…

Dr. Galvez is now offering online meetings where we can give you the recommended advice to help ease any pain or dental problems that you are going through.

This means that we are now going to be offering online consultations so that while you stay at home, you can remain comfortable and happy while we get through this pandemic together! All you need is a list of your concerns and an internet connection, it is that easy.

Virtual Dentistry Consultation Meetings: Have Your Dental Questions Ready & Book Now!

To better serve the public; our very own Dr. Galvez has now set up a schedule for online consultations available for all past and new patients. Ask Dr. Galvez your oral questions!

Simply select an available day and time and start your journey to getting the professional advice that you deserve. Each virtual online meeting consists of a 30 minute, one-on-one, dentistry consultation. Book with Dr. Galvez HERE to schedule your appointment.

Dental Care – How We Can Help Now

During your appointment with Dr. Galvez, you will have a one on one session where you can explain precisely what is bothering you. Depending on your exact dental problem and where it is located, Dr. Galvez will give you the best possible advice that she can given the current extenuating circumstances. Don’t worry, feel free to get close to the camera and show those pearly whites so that we can get a decent idea of what exactly the problem is and what you can do to be more comfortable.

Beautiful Smiles Dental would enjoy nothing more than to continue seeing your beautiful smiles every day in-person, but right now, online consultations are the best that we can do to continue providing information and care to our patients.

Though we cannot fix any problems directly over the camera (even though we really wish we could) these online consultations do provide numerous benefits, such as:

➢ Providing tips that help ease those suffering from dental pain

➢ Answering any questions and or concerns that you may have

➢ A personal one on one call with a highly trained professional

➢ An appointment that works around your schedule

➢ Getting a head start on booking your appointment for when we return to the clinic

Get Dental Advice From Your Home Today with with Dr. Galvez at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center

As we continue through these unprecedented times, all we can do is stand together. Though these days can seem to be difficult, especially when dealing with dental pain, we are always going to be in your corner giving you the best possible care that we can while you are at home. We miss all of our patients and we sincerely hope that everyone is and continues to be healthy and safe as we navigate these uncharted waters together. Remember, for any dental needs; you can count on everyone here at Beautiful Smiles to always be there for you when you need it most. Serving you is of the utmost importance, so book your consultation today.

Top 10 Dental Care Tips

A date can be the perfect opportunity to create amazing memories with your significant other. To impress your date at the start of the night with a radiant smile and leave a lasting impression with a perfect goodnight kiss, we have the dental care tips you need.

Check out our top ten ways to show your teeth and gums some extra love and attention, for the perfect date this year:

1. Brush Your Teeth Thoroughly Every Morning and Evening.

Bad breath is the third wheel that you definitely don’t want tagging along on your date! For a bright smile and fresh breath, be sure to brush your teeth (including the gum line) twice a day to get rid of plaque. To avoid bad breath when you don’t have access to a toothbrush, steer clear of smelly foods, like garlic and onions.

2. Floss Every Day

Flossing is another essential for fresh breath and healthy teeth and gums, as it cleans areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t get to. When you regularly floss your teeth, you remove plaque, prevent tooth decay and ensure that your kisses are clean and fresh!

3. Freshen Your Breath with Gum or Mouthwash

Another top tip for date-ready breath is to rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash or chew a piece of sugar-free gum. Both practices are brilliant for eliminating strong or unpleasant smells from food and stimulating saliva. Chewing sugar-free gum regularly can even reduce your chances of tooth decay.

4. Book a Professional Teeth Cleaning

Brushing, flossing, using mouthwash and chewing gum are all important parts of your daily dental hygiene routine, but for the best results ahead of the big day, it’s worth booking a professional cleaning. A professional cleaning is a real treat for your teeth; a hygienist will examine your mouth, remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and gum line, and perform a deep clean with amazing results.

5. Brighten Your Smile with Teeth Whitening Treatment

To really feel confident in your smile during your special date, consider professional teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a highly effective way to make dull and discolored teeth radiant once more. You can turn back the clock on caffeine stains, discoloration from smoking and damage from poor oral hygiene to dazzle your date with a beautiful smile – all in a single session that lasts less than an hour!

6. Be Checked/Treated for Gum Disease

Did you know that around 64.7 million Americans have gum disease? Gum disease may not destroy your date, but it could put a dampener on your evening by affecting the look of your smile and the freshness of your breath. There are many great treatments for gum disease, like scaling and root planning, along with options for restorative treatments that’ll help you to improve your smile for the perfect date. Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for advice about identifying and managing gum disease.

7. Get Your Cavities Treated

If you’re dreaming of sharing a romantic kiss with your significant other, you should get any cavities treated as soon as possible! Cavity-causing bacteria can quickly spread when you kiss and share utensils, so make sure to visit a dentist for treatment and maintain a good dental hygiene routine if you suspect that you have a cavity.

8. Visit Beautiful Smiles Dental Center Every Six Months

One of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to visit your local dentist on a regular basis. Booking an appointment at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center in Gurnee, IL around every six months, or more frequently if you’re predisposed to gum disease or have fillings, dentures, crowns or bridges, is essential to keep a close eye on your dental health.

9. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health, including when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums. Water keeps your gums hydrated, protects and strengthens your teeth, stops your mouth getting dry and reduces your risk of developing bad breath. To avoid a potentially dry and smelly kiss at the end of your date, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day.

10. Stop Using Tobacco Products

Smoking is one of the most damaging habits for your teeth and gums. Not only does smoking stain your teeth and affect the freshness of your breath, but it increases your risk of developing dental diseases. For an experience to remember and better long-term dental health, giving up smoking is a great tip to take on board.

Smile, laugh, and live every day – to the fullest with confidence in your dental health, by booking a routine checkup at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center today!

Could Some Chewing Gums Actually Prevent Cavities?

For years it has long been believed and drilled (no pun intended) into our heads that gum chewing was bad for our teeth. Gum had been blamed for causing cavities, tooth decay and a myriad of other dental issues. Gum chewing can be, in fact, quite detrimental to dental care. Recent studies, however, have shed new light unto the effects of gum chewing. While it is true that gum usage can cause dental issues, not all types of gum are harmful. In fact, studies have shown that some types of gum can actually work to prevent cavities and tooth decay. What type of gum is that? Sugar-free.

It is no secret that gum with added sugar can be one of the worse things for your teeth. The sugar contained in the gum dramatically increases your chances of developing cavities. This is not the case of sugar-free gum however, which actually helps in preventing tooth decay and cavities. If you are someone who balks at the idea of sugar-free gum, there is good news. Xylitol is a plant-based sweetener added to sugar-free gum that has not only makes the gum taste better, but it has many added benefits as well.

Chew Away Tooth Decay

Sugar-free gum is sweetened with xylitol, and will effectively prevent the growth of Streptococcus mutant, a bacterium responsible for causing cavities. Xylitol prevents the bacteria from clinging to the tooth, thus preventing the development of cavities. Chewing frequently reduces the bacteria present in the mouth, thus resulting in fewer harmful bacteria resulting in damaging the tooth surface. It is also responsible for repairing teeth through a process called remineralization. When this occurs, specific cells in the center of the tooth produce dentin, the part of tooth beneath the enamel. The enamel can then remineralize from the outer layer. Remineralization is a vital part of maintaining proper dental hygiene.

Additionally, chewing sugarless helps produce saliva, which helps in washing away and cleaning out food particles and bacteria. The saliva which occurs due to gum chewing will help in neutralizing the acids and act as a barrier against cavities and tooth decay. Saliva also keeps plaque, a known cause of tooth decay, from sticking to the teeth. Although the inclination may be to brush your teeth after a meal, doing so is not recommended, as acids in food will break down the protective enamel. Instead, experts recommend chewing gum for about after each meal.

Chewing sugarless gum is also effective in removing food particles embedded in teeth, which can cause plaque buildup. Keeping plaque away is a sure-fire way to keep your teeth from protected against tooth decay. Chewing gum can also help in reducing tooth sensitivity, a common issue affecting many Americans. Studies have shown that those who chew sugarless gum post teeth whitening procedures had significantly less tooth sensitivity than those had not.

Chewing sugarless gums also useful in other ways as well. For example, it aids in digestion, which can help keep acid reflux under control. Studies have also shown that chewing sugarless gum actually can save you a great deal of money. A healthy mouth keeps the dentist at bay, which is good news for your checkbook. Additionally, chewing sugarless gum can help boost memory function. Many studies, in fact, have noted that chewing sugar free gum with xylitol is a just as effective as using fluoride- toothpaste and mouthwash. Now that something to smile about!

Not All Gums Are Created Equal

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the only approved gums that can help prevent tooth decay are those which are sugar-free. You will also want to be sure they have the ADA approved seal on the packaging. Not all sugar-free gums approved by the ADA. For example, there is gum which is also sugar-free, but contains a different sugar substitute, known as sorbitol. Sorbitol does not have the same protective effect that xylitol has. What is a good way to see if your sugar-free gum has xylitol? By reading the label, of course. If listed as a first ingredient, then chew away! Additionally, to reap the benefits of this sweetener, most experts recommended chewing a minimum two or three pieces after each meal.

It should also be noted that in no way should gum chewing be a used a replacement for tooth brushing, which is a necessity for excellent hygiene. Chewing gum after meals or in tandem with brushing and flossing is what many experts recommend. The best time to chew gum? Studies from the ADA concluded twenty minutes after every meal is sufficient.

Before You Grab That Gum

There are a few things to consider before you begin running to the nearest drugstore and stocking up on your favorite sugar-free gum. For example, the constant chewing motion can cause strain and tiredness in your jaw muscles. No different than other muscles, when they are overused it can cause soreness. Additionally, chewing gum for an extended length of time has been known to cause headaches as well as neck pain. There is no concrete evidence that gum chewing is a culprit of TMJ disorders, however, it is understood that it will not ease the discomfort of TMJ symptoms.

Although the stickiness of sugar-free gum can prove to be useful, such as its ability to remove food particles and bacteria present in teeth, it also has its disadvantages. If you have dental hardware such as crowns or fillings, chewing gum may loosen them and cause them to even fall out. Although highly unlikely, it is still important to take into consideration.

Additionally, recommendations vary on how old one should be when choosing sugar-free gum. The consensus is that children should not chew gum until they have learned not to swallow it. There are positives and negatives to children chewing gum as well. On the one hand, we have seen how effective gum chewing can be in helpful in maintaining healthy hygiene. Preventive measures are usually the most effective, so there is a strong argument for starting patients young.

The earlier children practice proper tooth care, the fewer problems in the future there will be. However, it is important that the sugarless gum has the ADA seal, as chewing gum with added sugar is especially detrimental to children’s teeth. Chewing gum with xylitol is most effective when it is chewed right before a child’s adult teeth come in, which is roughly between the ages of 5 and 6.

Knowing how effective chewing sugarless gum can be cause for celebration. However, nothing can take the place of consistent brushing and flossing.

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Back Off the Grind: Stop Nocturnal Bruxism

We know only too well how bad teeth grinding can be and if you currently suffer from this nightmare of a problem, we sympathize with you. However, the great news is that just by clicking and reading this article you are already closer to discovering some of the best ways to stop the discomfort and pain caused by grinding your teeth.

Teeth grinding, or nocturnal bruxism as it is also known, is a condition where you unintentionally and in a lot of cases, unconsciously grind your teeth together. It affects well in excess of a million adults and children across the world and if you suffer from this condition, you will understand just how badly it can play havoc with your life and health.

In the following article, you will get to know some really powerful and helpful tips and advice to stop you grinding your teeth. Before we bite into those though, it is best to help you understand better why you actually grind your teeth.

What Causes Teeth Grinding – Particularly At Night?

There are two main types of teeth grinding –

Daytime/Awake bruxism: Daytime bruxism is typically connected to tension, stress and anxiety

Night-time/Asleep bruxism: Night-time bruxism on the other hand is more likely connected to a chewing action related to sleep.

Although there is a wide array of different views and opinions in the medical world as to what causes teeth grinding, most suggest that it is mainly associated with anxiety and stress. Further to this though, teeth grinding has also been associated with sleeping position or style changes, problems with teeth alignment, heredity-related factors and other problems with biting.

Headaches, Migraines, Anxiety And Teeth Grinding

As well as causing the obvious issues such as the filing down of your teeth, muscular tension in your jaw, tooth sensitivity and toothache; teeth grinding can also be responsible for causing excruciatingly painful migraines and headaches. While you are grinding your teeth, your jaw is unlikely to be positioned correctly, which will make the muscles in your jaw suffer fatigue and become more susceptible to it.

As your jaw muscles use a lot of energy and strength moving your jaw, when fatigue sets in muscle contraction could occur which leads to the migraines and headaches noted above. If you grind or clench your teeth though, you are also putting yourself in danger of suffering from stiff neck muscles. This itself can trigger headaches and lead to feelings of anxiety and stress.

Sleep Apnea And Other Sleep Disorders And Teeth Grinding

Snoring and sleeping disorders like sleep apnea, where there are pauses in your breathing are other reported causes for teeth clenching and grinding. If you know your teeth grinding is related to a sleep disorder, there is a very simple 2 step plan you can follow:

Speak to a sleep disorder specialist – Arrange an appointment, or ask your general practitioner for a referral to a sleep disorder specialist so you can find out if you have sleep apnea or not and to what extent. Once you know for sure that you do suffer from sleep apnea and it is likely to be the cause of your teeth grinding, you need to make an appointment with your dentist.

Get treatment from a qualified dentist – If you want to stop suffering the painful effects of jaw clenching and teeth grinding, you need to have professional treatment from a qualified dental practitioner. It can be very helpful, because not only can you find out the best oral appliances to use such as splints and mouth guards, that can help you stop your night-time teeth grinding, you will also get great tips and advice for oral health care. Mouth guards are devices used in orthodontics that you attach to your teeth before you go to sleep at night and prevent you from grinding your teeth unconsciously. They also help to alleviate a lot of the discomfort and pain that comes from excessive clenching, tension and friction.

How To Stop Bruxism In Its Tracks

As noted earlier, it is not only sleep disorders that are considered a cause for teeth grinding; anxiety and stress are two other factors that are also thought to be responsible. The following are DIY home remedies and techniques that can help children and adults alike to stop grinding their teeth.

Arrange For Stress And Anxiety Counseling

If you discover that stress and anxiety are the main reasons why you grind your teeth, you should look for ways to manage your stress levels. Ask your medical practitioner or even your dentist for any advice they can give. It is also a good idea to participate in physical therapy sessions and exercise groups that can help alleviate stress or at least manage it better. Massage and stretching can be used to relax your muscles, releasing a lot of the tension from your body and reducing your stress.

You could also arrange to have some one on one anxiety and stress counseling. Often, your stress builds up because you feel dragged down by various pressures and responsibilities in life. Talking with someone impartial, who is not a friend or relative with a vested interest in your life, can help you to make sense of your anxiety.

Start Relaxing Your Jaw Muscles Every Night Before You Sleep

It may help to make it a habit of relaxing your muscles at night before you go to sleep. You can do this by placing a warmed piece of cloth on the side of your face. This particular method is more effective with people who grind their teeth as a result of an acute situation, such as a broken or otherwise injured jaw.

Yoga And Meditation

Meditation and stretching exercises of yoga are other ways that people often use to reduce their stress and anxiety levels. They are actually very effective when it comes to tackling teeth grinding issues. This is because not only do they lessen tension throughout the body but they also reduce muscle activity too.

Work Hard At It

To stop grinding your teeth, you need to put considerable amounts of personal effort into the process. You have to teach yourself to stop doing it – in a similar way to how muscle memory training works. Always try to make sure that the tip of your tongue sits between your teeth, as this will enable the muscles in your jaw to relax. It is also important to stop or at least reduce habits that involve you clenching your jaw, such as chewing gum.

Reduce The Amount Of Caffeine And Alcoholic Drinks You Consume

As strange as it may seem at first, there are many who believe that there is a connection between consuming caffeinated and alcoholic drinks and teeth grinding. There is evidence that shows that teeth grinding and clenching becomes more intense after these kinds of drinks have been consumed.

While it is true that caffeine does not cause teeth grinding directly, it certainly is a contributory factor that makes it worse. This is mainly because caffeine increases your awareness and alertness levels. Thus, if you are experiencing bouts of stress and anxiety already and drinking large quantities of caffeine, coffee and other drinks like it, will only heighten those feelings, leading to teeth grinding.

Millions of people in the US alone suffer from dental sensitivity and toothaches, making them some of the most commonly addressed issues by dentists. Which means you’re not alone when you take a sip of your beloved iced dark roast with almond milk and two sugars and the cold drink jabs you with a pang of pain. Nor are you alone when you wake up in the morning and it feels like a tiny construction crew has been jackhammering away at one of your teeth during the night.

Dental Sensitivity Decoded

To begin, let us briefly dive into a dizzying discourse on oral biology: Dental sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid within the tiny tubes located in the exposed dentin (dentin is the porous layer of tissue found inside of the hard exterior enamel of our teeth.). As a result of this exposure, which isn’t good of course, the nerves within become irritated and, subsequently, you feel pain after biting into your ice cream sandwich. So, let’s break that down.

Your teeth are covered by enamel, the hardened outer layer of your teeth that acts as a protectant against plaque and acids.

When your enamel has become compromised, or your gums recede (either creates exposure), the dentin and the tiny tube surfaces beneath are exposed, meaning that everything from cold temperatures outside to the hotness and coldness of the foods you eat now has the power to cause pain.

Which means that it’s highly important to prevent enamel from eroding (enamel is one of the rare things that our body does not make more of: what you have is what you’ve got for life). Great dental hygiene is your best weapon in keeping your enamel safe—brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash with fluoride.

But what other factors work against our teeth and promote a toothache?

Acidic foods – Highly acidic foods wear away at our enamel, which includes citrus fruits, tea, coffee, and soda.

Harmful Toothpaste – Your toothpaste could be waging war in your mouth. Heavy chemicals and tooth-whitening formulas can sometimes do damage under the guise of being beneficial.

Fluoride and certain brands of toothpaste can aid in strengthening enamel only if the enamel is not already too damaged.

Clenching or grinding teeth – I had a habit of grinding my teeth years ago. A new dentist I visited took one look at my mouth and knew immediately what I had been up to. Teeth grinding also contributes to sensitivity and can be tied to our mental state of mind (perhaps we’re stressed, angry, etc.). Had a terrible meeting at work today? You may manifest that stress in grinding your teeth while you’re sleeping. Experts suggest working out those issues beforehand, and, if all else fails, throw in a mouthguard.

Overbrushing or excessive brushing – Toss out any hard bristle toothbrushes you’ve been using and opt for a softer brush. Hard toothbrushes will give you the clean you need, but they can also wear down enamel and contribute to furthering your sensitivity issues. Remember that you should only be brushing two times a day, three if you’ve eaten something less than ideal.

Powerful mouthwash – Mouthwashes can contain a plethora of harsh chemicals that are both hard to pronounce and hard on your teeth. In any event, look for milder brands what won’t make your teeth more sensitive.

Damaging foods – Gnawing on ice or hard candy will strip away precious enamel, especially the pieces that have been sitting in your grandmother’s candy dish for 30 years. Yea, don’t eat those.

Damage – Cavities, tooth decay, and broken teeth are all causes of teeth sensitivity. Of course, these ailments leave the inner layers of our teeth exposed and will require professional assessment.

To reverse your tooth sensitivity, as mentioned, look for toothpaste and mouthwash that is specifically formulated to repair enamel. Maintain a good dental regimen of flossing, twice-daily brushing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Combined, along with avoiding the factors above, these items will help reduce your sensitivity issues.

Lastly, remember that hot/cold tooth sensitivity can be tied to a more complex dental problem, which can include gum disease, plaque, or previous dental work displaying side effects. With that many potential causes, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly is causing your dental sensitivity, which means a dentist will be your best bet.

Toothaches

As we transition our discussion from dental sensitivity to just outright “I can’t stand this; I feel like I’m dying!” toothache pain, we move our dental focus from the exposed dentin to the pulp beneath. The pulp is where all of the nerve endings in your tooth reside, and these very sensitive nerves can make things quite unbearable, as you probably already know.

Whereas general tooth sensitivity results from a more easily identifiable list of causes, toothaches derive from such a long list of potential culprits that it’s difficult for nonprofessionals to diagnose on their own. Among them include:

Gum disease and recession

Mouth infection

Shoddy dental work, including poorly [placed] crowns

Serious health concerns, including sinus infections and heart problems

Pregnancy

Gingivitis

Feeling bewildered? That’s completely understandable, especially being that that list only represents a portion of the potential causes. What’s important is to monitor is how the pain arrives, how long it stays, how frequently it occurs, and how that pain responds to medicine. If you’re sick and are running a fever and experience a toothache, does it remain after the sickness has passed? Does your toothache persist while no other observable issues are apparent? It may be time to book an appointment with a dentist. The two of you may have to play Sherlock to get to the root of the problem, which could even send you to a regular doctor to discover if the pain in your teeth is but a byproduct of something else.

Monitor your toothache and dental sensitivity issues so you can provide as much information as possible to your dentist. For instance, when dealing with teeth sensitivity, the pain should be relatively brief, only lasting for a few seconds. If not, take note. Have you noticed any discharge or bleeding from your gums and or teeth? What about while chewing, is there pain? Have you noticed any swelling? How have you responded to over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or Orajel? The better a picture you’re able to paint, they better your dental professional will be at accurately pinpointing the issue from the myriad of potential options.

Dealing with teeth sensitivity and a toothache certainly isn’t fun and can quickly become problems that are impossible to ignore. You’ve learned about some of the causes of these issues, and now you can formulate a game plan to help target what your cause may be. If you do conclude, either through pain or persistence, that the problem is beyond your ability, it’s time to call the team at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center. We’re trusted experts with experience in getting to the core of teeth sensitivity and toothaches. We would love to help get you back to your regular pain-free self as quickly as possible.