Stop Being So Darn Sensitive !

We've all noticed it from time to time - have some ice cream followed by good cup of hot coffee and OUCH! - your tooth is telling you not to do that!  But how do you know if your tooth sensitivity is a sign of (pardon the pun) a deep rooted problem?

Let's start with a little quiz.  What is the hardest substance in the human body?

a) Fingernails
b) The thigh bone, also known as the femur
c) Your hard-headed uncle's skull'
d) Tooth enamel

If you guessed tooth enamel, you're not only on your way to a winning appearance on Jeopardy but you're ready to understand tooth sensitivity. 

The enamel that covers your teeth is an extremely hard substance and acts as a great protectant.  Inside the enamel is something called dentin, which is a bit softer and actually has small hollow tubes leading right into the nerve chamber.  Irritate that layer and your tooth will let you know!  So if the enamel on your teeth is worn away, sensitivity can set in.  The roots of your teeth are in a similar situation, and receding gums which cause the roots to be uncovered can cause sensitivity as well.  So what can you do? 

First of all, be gentle when you brush and always use a soft toothbrush.  Lots of pressure and stiff bristles do not clean your teeth any better and actually can wear away enamel and gums. 

Some people find that acidic foods such as citrus fruits and tomatoes can cause sensitivity, so avoid those if you are in that category. 

Also, there are over-the-counter products, such as special toothpastes and rinses, that can help.  Let us know and we'll be glad to recommend the right one for you.

Unfortunately, many of the causes of tooth sensitivity are also signs of much larger dental problems.  Things such as cavities, defective fillings, or crowns, receding gums due to gum disease, grinding, and many other conditions can cause sensitivity and all of these things definitely need attention from a dental professional. 

At Fairlington Dental we want you to be comfortable and have healthy teeth and gums!  If tooth sensitivity or any other dental issues are causing you concern, please give us a call at 703-671-1001 and we will be glad to see how we can help.  For additional information, visit our website at www.FairlingtonDental.com

We want to get you comfortable again!

Your Best Friends Won’t Tell You (or Ewwww…..That Smell!!)

A common question we get in our dental office is –

“What causes bad breath?”

Many times the complaint is not from the offender but from a long suffering spouse or family member. There are many causes of bad breath (which we call “halitosis”) – some serious and some not. And while many people have decided to just hold their nose and live with it, the good news is diagnosing and treating bad breath is something that can easily be done.

Here is a list, in no particular order, of the reasons people may be slowly backing up during conversations:

• Foods Containing Pungent Oils

Yes – garlic and onions are very healthy, but they also contain oils which may cause an unhealthy reaction to those around you. These odors come from the lungs, last up to 72 hours and can be tough to cover up. Mints, gum and rinses are your best bet – or make sure everyone around you has had the same yummy food as well!

• Routine Illnesses

Colds, sore throats, coughs and sinus infections all cause yucky smelling mucus (or snot, depending on your age), to get trapped in our mouths, throats and noses, which causes foul breath until the illness is taken care of. Of course, if you have one of these highly contagious problems you shouldn’t be that close to someone anyway! If a sinus infection, sore throat, cough or cold doesn’t clear up in a few days to a week, you should probably see your physician to make sure things aren’t of a serious nature.

• Dry Mouth

A dry mouth lets dead cells accumulate on your gums, tongue and cheeks. And while morning breath is a perfectly normal phenomenon due to lowered salivary activity at night – it shouldn’t last all day. Those who snore, mouth-breath, take certain medications, or even have lasted into middle age are prone to a dry mouth.

• Smoking

Smoking dries out your mouth (see above) and also, tobacco just plain stinks. If lung cancer and heart disease aren’t reason enough to give up the ciggies, maybe a constant foul mouth will help you make that life-saving decision.

• Chronic Diseases or Conditions

Many serious diseases such as lung infections, kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, GERD, anorexia, bulimia and others can cause very specific types of halitosis. The good news is that these are on the rare side, but if anything along these lines is suspected, a referral to the appropriate practitioner is in order.

• Poor Dental Hygiene and Gum Disease

Ahhh… this is our favorite! Not because we like people to have poor dental hygiene and gum disease, but because these are very common causes of bad breath and we can usually treat them quite easily. But please don’t wait too long! Gum disease, which usually starts with poor brushing and flossing habits as well as a lack of routine dental visits, can do much more than make your mouth stinky.

In just a short period of time, gum disease can advance and eat away at the gums and bone which hold your teeth in place. The result? Loose, unstable teeth which will eventually be lost if not treated. Catching gum disease early is great as treatment is typically conservative. Wait too long and it gets much more difficult and extensive.

Bad breath is not normal! Seeing your dentist and dental hygienist on a routine basis is your best bet for making sure your teeth and gums stay healthy, your smile stays bright, and your breath doesn’t cause others to run in the opposite direction.

If you have any questions about this or any other topic concerning you or someone you care about, please feel free to visit our website @ http://www.fairlingtondental.com/ or simply give us a call at 703-671-1001. Dr. Michael Rogers and his fantastic team are here to help you!