by 110 Dental & Orthodontics | Mar 20, 2024 | Dental Health
When you bite into something cold and your tooth hurts, it’s hard to ignore. Tooth sensitivity can be the source of a lot of discomfort. The good news is, there are things you can do about it. Let’s examine 5 things that cause tooth sensitivity so you can address it before it starts.
1. Extreme Temperature Changes
Cold or hot food or drinks are the most common things that cause tooth sensitivity. Some sensitivity can be normal, but if you’re noticing that your teeth feel extra sensitive or if you experience sudden or extreme discomfort, this can be a sign of an underlying issue and should be checked out by a dentist as soon as possible.
2. Sugary Sweets
Sugar can affect your teeth in a similar way to extreme temperature changes. If you experience tooth sensitivity in reaction to sweet foods, don’t hesitate to call your dentist.
3. Sinus Pressure
If you have allergies, a cold, sinus infection, or sinus pressure from weather changes, it can affect the nerves in your teeth. It can be helpful to take notes when you experience dental sensitivity and record any other symptoms you’re also experiencing to share with your dentist so that they can help you track down the source of your discomfort.
4. Teeth Whitening Products
Teeth whitening products offer great benefits: a brighter smile. But they can sometimes also have a downside: increased sensitivity. If you’ve been using at-home whitening products or other methods to whiten your teeth, it’s a good idea to check with your dentist to make sure that they are safe and being applied properly to minimize discomfort.
5. Teeth Grinding or Jaw Clenching
Sometimes stress can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. Look for signs of jaw clenching by checking if the sides of your tongue are indented or if your jaw is tense at different times throughout the day. If your jaw is relaxed, your top and bottom teeth shouldn’t be touching while at rest.
Should You Call Your Dentist?
There are many things that cause tooth sensitivity, so how do you know if it’s something serious or that requires treatment? It’s always best to play it safe and visit your dentist to rule out cavities or gum recession as underlying causes. Your dentist will also be able to offer tips to help you find relief as quickly as possible so that you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods and drinks without discomfort.
Call our Whitehouse dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
by 110 Dental & Orthodontics | Mar 12, 2024 | Orthodontics
What Are The Different Types Of Braces
Orthodontists and dentists specializing in teeth or jaw alignment use dental braces to straighten teeth. There are different reasons people get braces & orthodontic treatment, like improving their appearance or correcting crowding or issues with their bite.
Types of Braces
When you think of braces, you may think of metal brackets and wires surrounding teeth. While metal braces are still standard, many other materials and choices for dental braces are now available.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common braces, and they are often the least costly option. One downside is that they are the most apparent on your teeth. Metal braces get made of solid and lightweight materials, which are titanium and alloy.
Orthodontists glue metal brackets to the teeth with metal braces, and then a metal wire joins them. Elastics, which come in different colors, hold the wire to the brackets.
Clear Braces
Clear braces can correct the most complex issue of overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The procedure for clear braces is the same as metal braces, except that the materials used are discreet. The brackets are made out of porcelain rather than metal and are colored to match your tooth color. The porcelain brackets can stain over time. Elastics are clear, hardly noticeable, and the archwire can be white to make the braces as discreet as possible. The elastics can be of any color but get switched with new ones at every dental visit.
Invisalign
Invisalign is the best method of straightening teeth that is entirely different from traditional braces. The treatment uses clear, plastic aligners that fit flawlessly over your teeth and get switched every few weeks with new ones. Each new aligner gets designed to move your teeth towards the proper position. Invisalign looks like a mouth guard, except the aligner is set precisely to your teeth. Invisalign braces are removable and taken out for eating, drinking, and flossing.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating braces look like traditional metal braces. Instead of elastics keeping the wire in position, the bracket itself is equipped with a spring-loaded door to hold the wire. The brackets may be metal or clear since orthodontist adjustments are faster with a fitted wire holder. On the other hand, these types of braces may cost more. One study found that those with self-ligating braces felt more satisfied than those with traditional braces, but the difference was not statistically meaningful.
Lingual Braces
Lingual & metal, both the braces use the same material. However, instead of attaching them to the front teeth, the orthodontist places them on the back or the lingual side of the teeth. The apparent benefit of lingual braces is that they are not seeable from the outside. They are more difficult to access, so you may have trouble keeping them clean. For example, your bite may make it unusable in some cases because you would bump and break brackets too often. Your orthodontist’s job is more complex, so your adjustments could take a long time and be more pricey. Not everyone is a suitable candidate for lingual braces, though.
Braces & Orthodontist In Whitehouse, TX
If you are also suffering from teeth misalignment, crookedness, or overcrowding of teeth, you don’t have to anymore. At 110 Dental & Orthodontics, we have a variety of braces available to help you get s straight & flawless smile in no time. Contact us today to find out which braces will suit your condition the best.
by 110 Dental & Orthodontics | Mar 4, 2024 | Oral Health
There are many benefits to choosing to eat healthier, among them the ways diet affects oral health. Eating foods low in sugar and other carbohydrates and starches and high in nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus might not only help prevent cavities, but support the health of your teeth, gums and jaw. Here are 5 ways diet affects oral health:
1. Less Cavities
One of the most important ways diet affects oral health is the way it impacts the environment of your mouth. Certain foods, like sugars and other carbohydrates, when combined with the saliva and bacteria in your mouth, form plaque, a sticky colorless film that can build up on your teeth and cause cavities. Your saliva has a natural balance of mineralizing and cavity fighting properties, but sugar throws off that balance. A diet low in sugar, carbohydrates and starches can give your body the upper hand in its fight against cavities.
2. Stronger Teeth
Eating a diet high in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can also provide what your body needs to support stronger teeth that are less prone to breakage and cavities. Just like your bones need calcium, magnesium, vitamin D and other essential vitamins and minerals to stay strong, your teeth need similar nutrients to be strong and healthy.
3. Improved Gum Condition
Along with healthier teeth, healthy foods can also support gum health and help to prevent conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis. Eating whole fruits and vegetables that are crunchy like celery or carrots can further benefit your gum health by stimulating circulation in your gums. Think of eating them like treating your mouth to a massage!
4. Cleaner Teeth
Fibrous fruits and vegetables like raw carrots and apples, nicknamed by some “nature’s toothbrush,” can even help to clean your teeth between regular brushings.
5. A Brighter Smile
Some fruits and vegetables and other nutrient rich foods also have teeth whitening properties. Strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid that can whiten your teeth. Chewing apples, celery and carrots that can help to scrape teeth clean and increase saliva production can also work to help remove stains naturally.
When considering ways diet affects oral health, it may also be helpful to talk to your dentist for more information and tips on foods and nutrients that can best benefit your teeth and fit your tastes and lifestyle.
Call our Whitehouse dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.
by 110 Dental & Orthodontics | Feb 20, 2024 | Root Canal Therapy
Welcome to our dental care blog! If you’ve recently undergone a root canal procedure, congratulations on taking the first step toward saving your natural tooth. While root canals may sound intimidating, they are actually quite common and have a high success rate of around 95%. However, proper aftercare is crucial in ensuring that your treated tooth remains healthy and pain-free. In this post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about caring for your tooth after a root canal. So sit back, relax, and let’s get started!
Why Do You Need A Root Canal?
A root canal is a dental procedure that becomes necessary when the pulp, or innermost layer of your tooth, becomes infected or inflamed. This can occur due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, or trauma to the tooth. If left untreated, an infected tooth can lead to severe pain and swelling as well as potentially serious health problems.
One common misconception about root canals is that they are painful and should be avoided at all costs. However, modern techniques and anesthesia have made this procedure relatively painless compared to what it used to be.
Another reason why you may need a root canal is if you experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures or prolonged discomfort in response to pressure being applied to your teeth while biting down. These symptoms could indicate nerve damage inside your tooth which requires prompt attention from a dentist.
If you suspect that you may need a root canal, don’t hesitate! The sooner you seek treatment for any oral health issues the better off your overall health will be in the long run.
How To Care For Your Tooth After A Root Canal?
After undergoing a root canal procedure, it’s essential to take care of your tooth to ensure proper healing and prevent any further damage. Here are some tips on how to care for your tooth after a root canal:
1. Avoid Chewing on the Treated Tooth-
It’s important not to chew or bite down on the treated tooth until you receive the permanent filling or crown. This will help avoid any damage or contamination.
2. Practice Good Oral Hygiene –
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in preventing infection and promoting healing after a root canal. Brush and floss regularly, paying extra attention to the affected area.
3. Take Pain Medication as Prescribed –
You may experience some discomfort following the procedure. If so, take pain medication as prescribed by your dentist to alleviate any pain.
4. Attend Follow-Up Appointments –
Attending all follow-up appointments with your dentist is necessary for ensuring that there are no complications during recovery and that everything is proceeding well.
5. Be Mindful of Your Diet-
Stick to soft foods while recovering from a root canal procedure, avoiding hard or crunchy foods that can cause discomfort or dislodge temporary fillings.
Taking these simple steps will help promote proper healing, prevent further damage, and get you back to normal activities in no time!
What To Expect After A Root Canal?
After a root canal, you may experience some discomfort and
tenderness in your tooth for a few days. This is normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications prescribed by your dentist.
It’s also important to avoid chewing on the affected tooth until it has been fully restored with a crown or filling. This will help prevent any further damage or infection.
You may also notice some sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after the procedure. This should gradually improve as the area heals, but if it persists, you should contact your dentist.
In rare cases, complications such as persistent pain or infection may occur after a root canal. If this happens, it’s important to follow up with your dentist immediately to address any issues that arise.
While there may be some discomfort and sensitivity following a root canal procedure, most patients are able to resume their daily activities within a day or two of treatment. With proper care and attention from your dentist, you can expect to have long-lasting relief from the pain caused by an infected tooth.
The Bottom Line
Getting a root canal may seem daunting at first, but with the proper care and attention, you can help ensure that your tooth heals properly. From avoiding hard foods to keeping up with regular dental appointments, taking these steps can make all the difference in maintaining good oral health. By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to keeping your teeth healthy and happy for years to come. Remember: prevention is key! So take care of your teeth today and avoid future dental issues down the line.
by 110 Dental & Orthodontics | Jan 29, 2024 | Teeth Whitening
Feeling confident about your pearly white smile can have a big impact on your life. If you’re considering refreshing your smile, the beginning of a new year is the perfect time. Here’s how to make your teeth whiter and your smile brighter.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Whitening products sold at drug stores can be hit or miss, but there are some effective and safe options out there. Whether you’re considering whitening your teeth by using a whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, whitening gel or another type of teeth whitening product or kit, it can save you a lot of trouble to talk with your dentist first so that they can recommend the most effective and the safest active ingredients to look for when selecting products.
Natural Methods
A quick search on the internet will turn up numerous results for natural methods of how to make your teeth whiter. It’s important to remember that natural doesn’t always mean safe. Many natural methods can be highly abrasive or acidic and lead to unwanted damage or discoloration of your teeth. If you’re thinking about trying a natural method, check with your dentist to make sure that it’s safe.
Professional Whitening by a Dentist
If you want results that are safe, proven, and fast, other whitening methods simply can’t compare with a professional whitening. Professional whitening treatments have been safety-tested to the strictest standards and are applied under the supervision of a dental professional, so it should come as no surprise that many people experience a high level of satisfaction with the results.
Routine Dental Care and Cleaning
Sometimes your teeth appear less-than-their-best because of surface stains. Surface stains can come from many things such as drinks like tea or coffee, dark foods like barbecue sauce, or habits like vaping or smoking. Brushing your teeth after enjoying these things can go a long way towards keeping your smile healthy and white, but sometimes brushing isn’t enough. If you think your teeth may be discolored from surface stains, visit your dentist for a professional cleaning.
Talking with a Dentist About Your Goals
If you want to find out more about how to make your teeth whiter, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your dentist and talk with them about your goals. Your dentist has the knowledge and experience to be your best resource to help you achieve your goals of a brighter smile.
