Tips for Sensitive Teeth

• The Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste: You’ll likely to be able to reduce tooth sensitivity by using a soft toothbrush and desensitizing toothpaste.
• Consider Fluoride: You’ll probably benefit from a fluoride mouthwash, gel or varnish which help to remineralize and strengthen the teeth. There are also prescription strength fluoride toothpastes.
• See Your Dentist: Sensitive teeth may be a sign of tooth decay. So, it’s important to see your dentist about tooth sensitivity. Dentists also have in-office desensitizers and sealers that can be painted or sprayed on the teeth, offering an advanced method for managing sensitive teeth. Dentists can also perform bonding to protect tooth surfaces from sensitivity. You may also request prescription strength fluoride toothpaste. Regular professional hygiene appointments are highly advantageous for people with sensitive teeth.

If you would like to learn more about sensitive teeth, call Dr. Robert Nelson, a Portland, Maine cosmetic dentist at 207-781-2448

Here are some great questions to ask when you are making your decision:

• What training and credentials do you have in performing these procedures?
• Can I see photos and testimonials of some of your most recent cases?
• Which lab will you use for my case?
• What can you do to help me preview my results before and during my treatment?
• What can you do to help my treatment be conservative and last a long time?

I invite you to share your questions or experiences with me and here in the comments. If I, or my team at A Perfect Smile in Portland, Maine, can be of service to you or help you answer your questions, please email me at drnelson@maine.rr.com or call our office at 207-781-2448.

- Dr. Nelson

Teeth grinding can be costly from several perspectives. Because we are likely to experience ongoing pain from teeth grinding, bruxism is associated with chronic pain. This pain can affect our relationships, our social life and professional life. In addition, teeth grinders are more likely to experience tooth fractures or can wear teeth down to stumps. Bruxism also destroys tooth restorations and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers. Teeth grinders who do not receive treatment are at a higher risk for dental bridges, dental crowns, root canals, dental implants and dentures. When we consider all costs associated with teeth grinding, a preventative treatment plan becomes important.

Teeth Grinding Prevention

Mouth Guard: Dentists can custom design a mouth guard that fits to the size of your teeth as well as contours of your teeth and tooth restorations. Mouth guards protect your teeth, cosmetic dentistry and tooth restorations from damage due to grinding.
Oral Hygiene: Improper oral hygiene is a contributor to teeth grinding. Daily brushing and flossing is important for teeth grinders. Obtaining dental fillings, root canals, dental crowns and the like, when necessary, reduces the risk of teeth grinding. Proper alignment of your bite, also known as occlusion, helps to prevent teeth grinding.
Massage: Certain massage therapists can focus on areas of the jaw to relax the jaw muscles. Regular massage has been known to alleviate the pain associated with teeth grinding.
Stress Relief: Stress is a factor in teeth grinding. Cardiovascular exercise and weight training help to reduce stress.
Diet: Refrain from caffeine foods and drinks that contribute to teeth grinding. This includes soda, coffee and chocolate. Stay away from alcohol that makes grinding worse. Don’t chew gum as the chewing motion can be a trigger for grinding.

If you have questions about your smile or bruxism, please contact our office!

We will check for malocclusion in children during regular dental visits. If need be, we can recommend your family to an orthodontist for further examination. Many adult patients can treat their malocclusion with clear aligners instead of braces. Teeth tend to move forward as you age, even after treatment with braces. If you had or are planning to have braces to correct your malocclusion, make sure you commit to wearing your retainers.

If you have additional questions about malocclusion, please ask your hygienist at your next appointment.

Teeth whitening products work by using carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which get deep into your tooth enamel and break apart the staining compounds. Neither of these active ingredients will damage your enamel in the ratios used in whitening products today. In addition, professional whitening products go through a ton of clinical studies and are reviewed by the American Dental Association.

Some patients experience tooth sensitivity and gum irritation from whitening but these symptoms quickly subside. Fluoride can help with both of these symptoms as well as protect tooth enamel.

If you have questions about whitening your teeth, call our office at 207-781-2448.

Generally, flossing should not cause your gum to bleed. If it does, consider it an early sign of periodontal (gum) disease and get yourself to a hygienist.

Flossing is important. When you brush and skip flossing, you miss cleaning 35% of your teeth. The harmful bacteria that is left behind causes irritation and inflammation. If left untreated, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream or cause irreversible jaw bone damage.

So the short answer is “No”. Flossing does not make your gums bleed. Bacteria and infection does.

-Sarah

If you have any questions about flossing or your oral health, we are happy to answer them. Call our office at 207-781-2448!

How do I clean my invisible braces?

The “invisible” braces we offer our patients can be removed for brushing and flossing. The aligners do not need special cleaning treatment and the best part is you get a new set every 2 weeks. You may notice that dental plaque will accumulate on the aligners just as it does on your teeth. You can brush the aligners with a toothbrush or other small brush to remove this plaque and prevent staining.

If you want a “deeper cleaning”, you can also make a soaking solution by diluting hydrogen peroxide with water (equal parts). Hydrogen peroxide will help kill bacteria. If you have an old set of aligners, experiment using the new cleaner on them before you use it with your current set.

* Remember to use warm (not hot) water when cleaning your aligners so they do warp.

If you have other questions about your invisible braces treatment, feel free to call us at 781-2448!