Tooth Sensitivity: Information and Advice from a Jacksonville Florida Dentist

We've all been there. You bite into an apple and feel a sudden ache, or you're brushing your teeth and they start to hurt for no apparent reason. You can't see any cavities and you haven't suffered any blows to the mouth. So what's the problem?

Tooth sensitivity affects one in eight Americans. Many people brush it off as a non-event, but it isn't actually a joke; in fact, it can be an indication of serious problems, like gum disease or tooth decay.

But how do you know when you should worry, when you can simply switch toothpastes and when you should start thinking about more serious options, like an appointment with a Jacksonville Florida dentist? Here are some basic facts to consider about tooth sensitivity.

Causes

It's a common misconception that you must have a cavity if your teeth start to hurt. Cosmetic dentistry in Florida actually reports that most sensitivity is caused by a breakdown in enamel, AKA the tissue protecting your teeth from the elements. Under the enamel is a substance called dentine, which is connected to the nerves of your mouth by a series of tubules. If your enamel thins or wears away, your dentine is exposed to air, cold and pressure, thus sending signals through your tubules that are interpreted as pain.

It doesn't take much stimulation to hurt your dentine. Remember, it's spent your entire life being protected by your enamel, the hardest substance in the human body. When dentine loses that cover, it is shocked and pained to be suddenly confronted with, say, ice cream.

Symptoms

Tooth sensitivity can come in any forms. Most patients report a dull aching sensation that seems to be everywhere and nowhere; others may consider it more of a stabbing or stinging. A strong sign of tooth sensitivity, as opposed to just a cracked tooth, is when multiple teeth are affected at once.

Other Potential Problems

If you think your enamel is fine, try taking a look at your gums. Are they receding from your teeth? Do they look discolored or inflamed in any way? Certain gum diseases can erode cementum, the stuff covering the roots of your teeth. As you can probably guess, exposed roots aren't any fun at all.

Other possible causes of tooth sensitivity include teeth grinding, teeth bleaching and the consumption of acidic foods. You may have also broken a filling or cracked a crown.

If you can't see any apparent reason for your tooth sensitivity, consider consulting a dentist instead of sleuthing it out on your own. There may be a deeper problem at work, and if you poke around too much without knowing what you're doing, you may wind up needing cosmetic dentistry in Florida!

Treatment

Stopping your tooth sensitivity depends on what's causing it. For example, if you're grinding your teeth while you sleep, buying a mouth guard will protect you from your nocturnal habit. If you've just been brushing too hard, you can switch to a softer toothbrush.

The bad news about enamel is that it can't be replaced. Once it's gone, there's no recovering it. The good news is that there's plenty you can do to strengthen and protect what you have left. Make an appointment with a Jacksonville Florida dentist and talk to them about special toothpastes and fluoride gels that are designed to help patients suffering from tooth sensitivity. Remember, you're far from alone in this problem. Your dentist can help!

Jacksonville Florida Dentists Dimystify Dental Implants

A Comprehensive Overview Of Dental Implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are titanium, root-like devices that are used to replace missing teeth. In many cases, dental implants are the best choice for replacing missing teeth. The vast majority of people with missing teeth are considered good candidates for dental implants.

Am I A Good Candidate For Dental Implants?

If you want to get dental implants, then you should see a dentist who specializes in cosmetic dentistry Florida. A Jacksonville Florida dentist will perform a thorough examination in order to determine whether you are a good candidate for dental implants. Keep in mind that there are a few issues that may prevent you from getting dental implants including the following:

Uncontrolled Diabetes

If you have uncontrolled diabetes, then your chances of suffering an infection after dental surgery will be greater. You may also have problems healing.

Periodontal Disease

You will need to get treatment before you get dental implants if you have periodontal disease. Your Jacksonville Florida dentist may refer you to a periodontist.

Certain Medications

Certain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, may increase your risk of bleeding. They may also slow down the healing process. If you take one of those medications, then you will be asked to discontinue them before you get surgery.

Insufficient Bone Mass

You must have a sufficient amount of bone in the area to anchor the implant. The dentist may choose to perform a bone graft in order to ensure that the implant will adhere.

Smoking

Smoking decreases blood circulation, which can interfere with the healing process. It can also increase the risk of infection.

Pros of Dental Implants

There are several benefits that you can reap from getting dental implants. Below are some of those benefits:

• Look and feel natural—No one will be able to tell that you are wearing dental implants.
• Improved speech
• Improved self-esteem—You will be able to smile with confidence.
• Look younger—Missing teeth can cause your jaw line to sag, which can cause you to look older. Dental implants can help restore your youthful appearance.
• Long lasting—Dental implants can last anywhere from 20 to 25 years.
• Easier to eat

Cons Of Dental Implants

Even though there are a number of benefits to getting dental implants, it is important to remember that they do have their disadvantages. Below are some of those disadvantages:

• Expensive—Cosmetic dentistry in Florida is not cheap. The cost of getting dental implants can vary from dentist to dentist, but you can expect to pay at least $2,100 for a single implant. Dental insurance can offset some of the cost, but you will most likely have to pay for a portion of this procedure out of pocket.
• Pain—You will be given anesthesia before your dental implant surgery. However, you can expect to experience some pain after you get this surgery. This pain may linger for a few weeks.
• Complications—Just like any other procedure, dental implant surgery has its risks. Infection, sinus problems and bone loss are some of the potential complications.

Dentists in Jacksonville Warn Habits and Food May Be Staining Your Teeth

Want a bright and sparkling smile? Common foods and drinks can contain natural pigments that slyly grab on to your tooth enamel and invade your tooth’s protective barrier. This can seriously derail your quest for striking white teeth. Dentists in Jacksonville offer expert advice on everyday habits and foods that can stain your teeth and strain your smile. Learn about these culprits so that you can lower your risk, and keep your pearly whites gleaming.

Tobacco

Smoking causes terrible stains and is public enemy number one to teeth. Teeth stained by nicotine will eventually turn a dingy brown. The best way to stop nicotine stains is to quit smoking. If that isn’t feasible, try chewing sugar free gum the minute you finish a cigarette. This will help swish away the nicotine and reduce your risk.

Wine

If red wine can stain your carpet, rest assured it has the potential to stain your teeth. White wine is extremely acidic and can also lead to teeth stains. Experts recommend drinking wine fairly quickly. The longer wine lingers in your mouth, the more your teeth are exposed to stains.

Coffee and Tea

A lot of folks love their caffeine addiction. Several cups a day can cause significant discoloration on white teeth. Black tea is even worse than coffee, since it is rich in tannins that promote teeth staining. Try drinking less of these stain-producing beverages, or dilute them with milk to reduce the risk.

Soda, Cola and Sports Drinks

Soda and sports drinks can be very acidic. The acidity level is so intense that it compares to battery acid. Yikes. Imagine acid on your teeth, eroding your enamel and opening the pores. Your teeth will quickly become much more susceptible to staining. To make your teeth happy, drink water. If you can’t possibly give up soda, energy drinks or the like, always use a straw to limit the liquid’s contact with your teeth.

Berries

Many types of brightly colored berries such as blueberries, blackberries, cherries, dark grapes and others can cause teeth stains. Intensely pigmented molecules in these fruits stick to tooth enamel. To offset the staining effect, swish your mouth with water after eating, and be sure to brush and floss.

Sauces

They may be yummy, but intensely colored sauces such as tomato, soy and curry can stain your teeth. As with berries, rinse your mouth after consuming to lessen staining.

Candy and Sweets

Hard candies, popsicles, lollipops and other colored and sugary sweets can stain your lips, your tongue and your teeth. Luckily, if you don’t chomp on these treats regularly, your risk is minimal.

For a confidant smile, it’s important to keep your teeth clean by brushing, flossing and rinsing frequently. If teeth are already stained, dentists in Jacksonville can help you with comprehensive teeth cleaning and whitening.

Porcelain veneers are another option for badly stained teeth. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that the dentist uses to restore the look of your natural teeth. The bond between the tooth and the porcelain veneer is critical to ensure correct function. Resin is placed between the original tooth and the veneer and hardened with a special curing light. Porcelain veneers can be a very successful option to change your grin from rather ghastly to simply great. For more details visit-  www.drjoeldavid.com