Tooth sensitivity is a discomfort in one or more teeth as a result of hot or cold foods, foods that are too sweet or sour, or even simply breathing cold air. Understanding what triggers your tooth sensitivity, and how to treat it, can reduce discomfort and make daily life much more manageable.

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity?

Sensitive teeth occur when the lower layer of dentin becomes exposed. This can be caused by:

• Brushing too hard or using tooth whitening products
• Tooth decay near the gums, recession of the gums or gum disease
• Acidic foods
• Plaque buildup
• Age

How Can Tooth Sensitivity Be Reduced?

If you are suffering from tooth sensitivity, there is hope. Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by taking proper steps to maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing with a soft bristled toothbrush, watching the foods that you eat and using fluoridated products, such as mouthwashes and toothpastes, can help reduce or eliminate tooth sensitivity.

You are always encouraged to see your dentist regularly for checkups to have your teeth professionally cleaned, which will reduce instances of tooth sensitivity.

What Can Be Done if My Sensitivity Persists?

Some tooth sensitivity is caused by teeth grinding, and still other tooth sensitivity is so persistent that following the above suggestions simply doesn’t help. In these cases, seeing your dentist may be the best option. Dental professionals can fit you for mouth guards to prevent grinding of teeth, and can also cover exposed roots with fluoride sealers, varnishes or white bondings. Any of these options can drastically reduce tooth sensitivity and discomfort.

Where Can I Get More Information about Understanding & Treating Sensitive Teeth?

At Osborne Family Dental, our door is always open to you. We believe in detecting and treating disease early, so that you don’t have to experience the accompanying pain and discomfort. And we’re here to listen. If you have questions or concerns about your treatment options or procedures, we promise to take the time to discuss them with you, because when you come to Osborne Family Dental, you’re not just a patient, you’re family.

If you’ve been suffering from sensitive teeth and want to learn more about the treatment options available, contact us to speak with a dental professional. With a thorough examination, Dr. Osborne can discuss with you how to treat your tooth sensitivity in the most effective way.

Staining of the teeth is caused by a layer of stain buildup on teeth known as the pellicle film. This film builds up for years and develops noticeable staining on the teeth. Teeth whitening, either professional or with at home products, uses bleaching chemicals that penetrate into the enamel and break up the staining compounds, causing your teeth to appear whiter. Let’s take a closer look at teeth whitening products vs. professional teeth whitening procedures.

How Do Home Teeth Whitening Products Work?

In recent years, the amount of teeth whitening products on the market has quadrupled. And it’s no wonder; who wouldn’t want a beautiful, white smile? But how do they work? Often the hydrogen peroxide solution used in at-home teeth whitening products is a lower concentration than those used by dental professionals. Some teeth whitening products, such as whitening toothpastes have little actual whitening chemicals in them and rely more on heavy scrubbing of the enamel and pellicle film to scrub off topical stains. While they may be more cost effective than professional whitening, you may not see the results you hope to see.

How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?

Professional teeth whitening requires two dental visits. At the first appointment, an impression mold will be made of your teeth in order to create the clear plastic, flexible trays that will be used in your teeth whitening process. The second appointment will be for ensuring your trays fit properly and dispensing the product.

The dentist will then instruct you on whether you are to wear the trays with a special whitening solution for 30 minutes twice a day or overnight for a couple of weeks based on the degree of staining and your teeth whitening goals.

What Are The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening?

The benefits of professional teeth whitening include:

• Personalized care, with a dentist available to discuss teeth whitening
• A formal dental checkup to make sure your teeth and gums are in good health and can handle chemical teeth whitening procedures
• Higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, tailored specifically to your needs
• Dentist assigned at-home treatments with custom mouth trays, reducing discomfort and gum irritation related to teeth whitening

Visit Your Dentist to Learn More about Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re interested in learning more about how professional teeth whitening can help you have a brighter, whiter smile, we recommend making an appointment to see Dr. Osborne. Osborne Family Dental guarantees excellence in dentistry and care that makes you feel like family. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your teeth whitening.

TMJ (also called TMD) stands for a joint in your jaw: temporomandibular joint. This joint attaches your mandible (jawbone) with your temporal bone (skull). Injury, teeth grinding, or arthritis may cause TMJ pain. Occasionally a disc within the jaw joint slides out of place during sleep. Regardless of the cause of TMJ, exercises may be a helpful solution; a study at the University of Oxford shows that exercise may relieve TMJ pain.

TMJ Symptoms

TMJ can be a mere nuisance, or it can be a crippling condition. Some symptoms include:

• Pain in your jaw joint or jaw muscles.
• Jaw, neck, or face pain.
• Headaches.
• Stiffness in your jaw muscles.
• A locked jaw.
• Clicking or grating sounds and accompanying pain when you open and close your mouth.
• Noticeable changes in how your upper and lower teeth fit together.
• Ear discomfort, whether it’s a ringing sound or a stuffed feeling.

TMJ Exercises to Relieve Jaw Pain

1. Place your thumb below your chin and gently press upwards. Carefully open your mouth as wide as you can without pain. Hold this position for about five seconds before closing your mouth again. Repeat five times.
2. Exercise the opposite resistance by gently gripping your chin with your thumb and index finger. Open your mouth as far as you can without pain.
3. Using slight pressure from your fingers, press your chin down as you close your mouth. Maintain this resistance for five seconds. Repeat this exercise five times.
4. Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Gently open your mouth as far as you can without moving your tongue. Slowly open and close your mouth five times.
5. Hold a pencil or pen between your teeth without clenching your jaws. The pen/pencil keeps your mouth open just the right distance. Now slowly shift your jaw from one side to the other. Repeat five times.
6. Using the same pen or pencil, shift your lower jaw until your upper teeth are behind your lower teeth.
7. Gently stretch your neck muscles. Cross your arms on your chest, stand straight, and stretch your neck from side to side and from front to back.

Contact Osborne Family Dental for TMJ Pain Relief

If these exercises do not bring relief, or if your TMJ pain increases, contact your dentist. Osborne Family Dental offers quality TMJ treatment within a family atmosphere. Feel free to ask us your questions!

Bruxism: Does It Really Matter?

When you grind or clench your teeth, it’s called bruxism. It can happen during the day or at night (sleep bruxism). What matters is whether your bruxism causes TMJ, headaches, or teeth damage. Bruxism may seem like just a bad habit, but it can harm your overall health.

How Do You Know If You Have Bruxism?

There are several symptoms of bruxism:

• The sound of your grinding teeth may wake up your partner
• You have chipped or worn down teeth
• Unusual tooth sensitivity
• Painful, tight, or tired jaw muscles
• Earaches
• Headaches
• The insides of your cheeks are badly chewed
• Tongue indentations

Why Do You Have Bruxism?

It is difficult to say what causes bruxism. It could be stress, anger, or frustration. Sometimes it is because your upper and lower teeth misalign. Bruxism may indicate other sleep problems. Many people don’t realize that bruxism may be a side effect of psychiatric prescriptions.

How Do You Treat Bruxism?

• Reduce the stress in your life. If you know of anxiety triggers, avoid them. Perhaps visit a professional counselor or learn stress management strategies. Begin exercising or mediating; build relaxing habits.
• Wear a mouthguard (available over the counter) or splint (specially made for you by your dentist) when you sleep.
• If bruxism has worn down your teeth, you may require reconstructive treatment, such as crowns, overlays, and correcting misaligned teeth.
• Ask your dentist about behavior therapy. Concentrating on your mouth motions and practicing certain positions may relieve bruxism.
• Your doctor may recommend muscle relaxants, but typically bruxism doesn’t respond to other medications.
• Avoid coffee, tea, alcohol, chocolate, sugary drinks, and smoking. These habits may worsen bruxism.
• Stop chewing on anything other than food, including chewing gum and pens.
• Try sleeping with a warm washcloth resting on your cheeks in front of your earlobes. This relaxes tight jaw muscles.

Visit Your Dentist for More Teeth Grinding Tips for Treating Bruxism

We recommend making an appointment to see your dentist. Osborne Family Dental guarantees excellence in dentistry and compassion for people; we don’t just treat teeth – we treat you like family. Make an appointment or ask us questions. We’re eager to help!