cosmetic dentist Century City

Living with Sensitive Teeth

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Living with sensitive teeth can be uncomfortable. However, it is a somewhat common dental problem. In fact, your Century City cosmetic dentist recently read that nearly 40 percent of adults suffer from tooth sensitivity.

If you experience sensitivity on a regular or even occasional basis, understanding the reasons why may help you. Here’s what your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist wants you to know about living with sensitive teeth.

Background on Tooth Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth usually develop over time. They occur when the dentin – the hard, calcium-based substance under the outer tooth enamel – is exposed. According to WebMD, exposure may occur when:

  • You brush your teeth too hard and/or use a hard-bristle toothbrush.
  • You regularly grind or clench your teeth, wearing down the enamel.
  • Gums recede due to gingivitis, periodontal disease, plaque buildup, tooth decay, accidents, or brushing too hard.
  • Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth fill with bacteria.
  • Your enamel erodes due to long-term use of acidic mouthwash, high acidic foods such as citrus, and tooth whitening products.

Additionally, tooth sensitivity may occur after a visit to your Century City cosmetic dentist for procedures as simple as tooth cleaning. If this happens to you, it’s generally temporary. However, if you have continuing problems, notify your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.

Steps You Can Take to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity

Both hot and cold may trigger the sensitivity. Even a breath of fresh, cool air can set your sensitive teeth to tingling. So what can you do to limit your discomfort?

The best way to reduce tooth sensitivity is through good oral hygiene. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Floss at least once daily, using proper techniques, to ensure you clean your teeth without damaging your gums.

When you brush, use a soft-bristle brush to reduce gum irritation. Ask your Century City cosmetic dentist to recommend good toothpaste designed specifically for sensitive teeth. The best toothpaste and mouthwash are fluoridated.

See your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist at least once every six months. (More often if warranted.) Between visits, avoid excessive consumption of high-acidic and sugary foods.

For those who grind their teeth, wear a night guard when you sleep. If you’re unsure whether you grind (or clench) your teeth, talk to your Century City cosmetic dentist. He can generally tell by looking at the level of wear and condition of your teeth.

Your dentist can help you with your tooth sensitivity. Fluoride, sealers, and bonding may help with exposed roots. Whatever you do, don’t go on suffering. Talk to your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist and find the right solution for you.

Dr. Bill Dorfman
Century City Aesthetic Dentistry
2080 Century Park E Ste 1601
Los Angeles California
(877) 881-7031

5 Bad Habits That May Cause Dental Problems

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Bill Dorfman Dentist

Most people realize the benefit of good dental habits. Things like brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your Century City cosmetic dentist on a regular basis help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, what about bad habits – do you know what to avoid?

You can take even better care of your dental health if you avoid five bad habits that may cause dental problems.

Only Pick Your Teeth with Dental Floss

Okay, so you don’t actually pick with dental floss. The point is that you should avoid using sharp objects like toothpicks and pins to remove food particles caught between teeth. Your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist recommends that if you need to unstick something, floss is the best way.

Poking around in your mouth with sharp objects may damage your tooth enamel, lacerate your gums, or even widen the space between your teeth. Wider spaces can allow more food to collect and lead to increased incidents of decay.

Leave the Ice Crushing to Your Blender

Ice cubes are just water, right? The problem is that when water freezes it becomes hard and cold. That hard, cold surface can damage gums and crack or chip your teeth. Therefore, your Century City cosmetic dentist recommends that you avoid chewing ice.

Additionally, some experts suggest a link between persistent ice chewing and iron deficiency anemia. It’s common among 20 percent of women and 50 percent of pregnant women. If you crave ice, let your dentist know.

Brushing Harder is Not Better

Harder is not better when it comes to brushing. It doesn’t get your teeth cleaner. In fact, it can create problems like gum irritation and tooth sensitivity. Your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist recommends using a soft bristle toothbrush gently for at least two minutes every time you brush.

Pliers are a Tool, Not Your Teeth

If you’re in the habit of using your teeth as a bottle or bag opener, you could be setting yourself up for dental problems. Even chewing on your fingernails can damage your teeth.

While teeth are tough enough to chew food, like many things in the human body, they can crack, break, and chip. They generally cannot withstand pressure from hard objects or a large amount of force.

Protect Your Teeth from Grinding

Clenching your jaw or grinding your teething (sometimes referred to as bruxism) is often associated with stress. As mentioned previously, too much pressure on your teeth can result in damage.

To protect your smile talk to your Century City cosmetic dentist about fitting you for a mouth guard. Whether you play sports or grind your teeth in your sleep, a professionally fitted mouth guard can help keep your smile looking good for years to come.

Everyone has a bad habit or two. However, you can help keep your smile looking good by avoiding these five.

Dr. Bill Dorfman
Century City Aesthetic Dentistry
2080 Century Park E Ste 1601
Los Angeles California
972-996-1159

https://www.billdorfmandds.com/meet-the-team/dr-dorfman/