Tooth sensitivity is tooth pain due to a wearing away of the tooth's surface or gum tissue. The most common cause of sensitive teeth in adults is exposed tooth roots due to receding gums. Because these roots are not covered by enamel, thousands of tiny channels leading to the tooth's nerve center (pulp) are exposed. When heat, cold or pressure touches these channels, you feel pain. Ignoring your sensitive teeth can lead to other oral health problems. This is especially true if the pain causes you to brush poorly, making you vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease.
How Do I Know if I Have Sensitive Teeth?
If you've ever felt a painful sensation in your teeth after drinking or eating hot or cold food and beverages, you've experienced tooth sensitivity. And you're not alone. It's a condition that affects one out of four adults, often coming and going over time.
How Do I Treat Sensitive Teeth?
First and foremost, tell your dentist or hygienist. Sensitive teeth can usually be treated successfully. Your dentist may prescribe a brush-on fluoride gel or a fluoride rinse. You can also try low-abrasion toothpastes with formulations made especially for sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist which anti-sensitivity products are right for you. Be careful to brush properly or you can cause your teeth to wear away, making them sensitive. Overzealous brushing, the clasp of a partial denture, and braces can also lead to abrasion (loss of tooth surface).
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are metal posts or frames that are surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath your gums. Once in place,they allow your dentist to mount replacement teeth onto them.
How Long do Dental Implants Last?
Implants generally last 10-20 years, depending on the location of the implant and patient compliance with oral hygiene and dental visits. Because molars receive more stress and wear and tear, these implants typically do not last as long as implants located at the front of your mouth. These are the types of medications that will often produce dry mouth:
1. Antihistamines
2. Decongestants
3. Pain Killers
4. Diuretics
5. High Blood Pressure Medications
6. Antidepressants Other medications may cause abnormal bleeding when brushing or flossing, inflamed or ulcerated tissues, mouth burning, numbness or tingling, movement disorders and taste alteration. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your dentist or physician.
Is There an Association Between Gum Disease and Diabetes?
For the nearly 21 million Americans that have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with this condition.Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, adding serious gum disease to the list of other complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
Is There a Two-Way Street?
Emerging research also suggests that the relationship between serious gum disease and diabetes is two-way. Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease). People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums. The Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is integral to general health.So be sure to brush and floss properly and see your dentist for regular checkups.
How Can I Help Prevent Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes?
First and foremost, control your blood glucose level. Then, take good care of your teeth and gums, along with regular checkups every six months. To control thrush, a fungal infection, maintain good diabetic control, avoid smoking and, if you wear them, remove and clean dentures daily. Good blood glucose control can also help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.
Should I Tell My Dental Professional About My Diabetes?
People with diabetes have special needs and your dentist and hygienist are equipped to meet those needs - with your help. Keep your dentist and hygienist informed of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control.
If I Have Heart Disease, Are There Special Requirements to Maintain Proper Oral Health?
Overall the data indicates that chronic gum disease may contribute to the development of heart disease, the nation's leading cause of death in both men and women.Gum disease is a bacterial infection that can affect conditions outside your mouth. In heart disease, one theory is that gum disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream where they attach to the fatty deposits in the heart blood vessels. This condition can cause blood clots and may lead to heart attacks. The Surgeon General's Report on Oral Health states that good oral health is integral to general health. So be sure to brush and floss properly and see your dentist for regular checkups.
Am I at Risk if Dental Procedures Are Performed?
If you have certain preexisting heart conditions, you may be at risk for developing bacterial endocarditis an infection of the heart's inner lining or the valves. Anytime there is bleeding in the mouth, certain oral bacteria can enter the blood stream and may settle on abnormal heart valves or tissue weakened by an existing heart problem or heart condition. In these cases, the infection can damage or even destroy heart valves or tissue. There are precautions you need to take if you have any of the following conditions:
1. Artificial (prosthetic) heart valves.
2. A history of endocarditis.
3. Congenital heart or heart valve defects.
4. Heart valves damaged (scarred) by conditions such as rheumatic fever.
5. Mitral valve prolapse with a murmur.
6. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy Be sure to tell your dentist if you have a heart condition, and what, if any, medications you are taking for it. Your dentist will record important health information in your record and coordinate treatment with your physician.
