5 Ways to Tackle Gum Sensitivity

January 3rd, 2020 Posted by El Campo Oral Health No Comment yet

Gum sensitivity can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Over half of U.S. adults 30 and over suffer from gum disease. There are many different things that can contribute to gum sensitivity. Here are 5 things you should know that can help you tackle the problem, and find the solution that works for you.

Take Care of Oral Hygiene

Oral Hygiene is the first defense against gum soreness and gum disease. Often gingivitis and Periodontitis are caused by plaque irritating the gums at and below the tooth line. Flossing and brushing well and often, using antiseptic mouth wash, and using a soft bristled brush can all help in maintaining gum health and may even be helpful to ease the gum sensitivity that you experience. You can also ask your dentist to recommend any products that will help with sensitive gums and teeth.

Say No to Smoking

Smoking isn’t just unhealthy, but it can contribute to sensitivity and soreness in your gums. It may also lead to gum disease in some cases.

Drink Water After Meals

Water can help maintain good oral hygiene, but is not a replacement for regular brushing and flossing. Drinking water can help wash away plaque causing remnants of sugars, acids, and food. Drinking water is one simple change that may very well improve your health, especially the health of your gums and mouth.

Eat Food Rich in Vitamin C

Vitamin C is your gum’s best friend, delivering nutrients that help them maintain their health and strength. A balanced diet rich in vitamin C and calcium can help maintain oral health and prevent gum sensitivity and gum disease.

Avoid Stress

Although easier said than done, curbing stress can affect your oral health beneficially. Prolonged periods of stress can release Cortisol, which increases inflammation throughout the body, including your mouth and gums. Taking time to relax and reduce stress isn’t just pleasant, it is a healthy habit that may be a help in reducing gum sensitivity.

Consulting with your dentist is a vital step in addressing gum sensitivity. Your dentist may be able to help pinpoint what is causing gum soreness, and help form a treatment plan that addresses your situation and concerns. Call our ElCampo Dental office and make an appointment if you are experiencing gum sensitivity and soreness. We would be glad to help you improve your oral health, so you can find plenty of reasons to smile!

Tooth Enamel Loss: What’s True?

December 2nd, 2019 Posted by El Campo Oral Health No Comment yet

Tooth Enamel is the hardest substance in the body, and yet it can be incredibly fragile. It protects our teeth, keeping them in a hard protective sheath. Tooth enamel loss can occur in a variety of ways, but once it is lost, it is gone, opening up our teeth to decay.

How Do I Know I’m Losing Enamel?

Some signs of tooth enamel loss can include increased sensitivity to hot and cold, or increased sensitivity to sweet foods. It can also affect the appearance of your teeth, causing them to be yellow or shiny. It can also cause your teeth to be rough at the edges, or cause indentations on the surface of your teeth. These are all signs enamel may be on the way out.

What Causes Tooth Erosion?

Although some tooth enamel loss can be caused by age, it can also be caused by foods containing sugars or acids. Foods high in sugar can wear away at the enamel as bacteria feeds on the sugar producing chemicals that erode the enamel. Foods high in acid can also be a cause of erosion, as can frequent exposure to stomach acid. Dry mouth can compound the problem, producing less saliva and leaving the mouth more vulnerable to the effects of sugar or acid on the teeth.

Another cause for enamel loss may be abrasion. Using abrasive products and hard bristled toothbrushes can contribute to this. You can ask your dentist about what products are most likely to protect your enamel and prevent erosion.

What Can I Do About It?

Oral Hygiene is an important part of preventing tooth enamel loss. Using fluoride toothpaste while brushing and flossing at least 2 times a day can help protect teeth and prevent erosion. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating acidic foods can help as well. Wait at least an hour to brush after eating acidic foods, as acid softens the enamel itself.

Chewing Sugar Free Gum can help your mouth produce the saliva needed, preventing a dry mouth that may leave teeth exposed to factors that encourage erosion.

Regular cleanings can be helpful in spotting any tooth enamel loss or subsequent cavities, so that you and your dentist can spot damage that has already occurred, or prevent further damage to your teeth. Make an appointment for a cleaning at our ElCampo Dental office, and let us help you find the tools you need to protect your teeth and prevent tooth enamel loss.

Tags: Lost minerals

Adults Getting Braces: What You Need to Know

November 1st, 2019 Posted by El Campo Cosmetic Dentistry No Comment yet

Adults getting braces is no longer an uncommon event. The achievements in the field of orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry have made sure that teeth alignment procedures do not remain limited to children and teenagers. So, if you have started having concerns about the appearance of your smile and are wondering whether you can get braces as an adult, the answer is a big, resounding YES!