Tooth pain After Filling

With silver-mercury amalgam fillings, some post-operative pain is expected. Since these fillings are metallic, they can conduct hot and cold to the center of the tooth quite easily, and the teeth tend to remain sensitive to temperature for up to eight weeks.

When newer composite fillings hurt, the sensitivity is generally unexpected. These fillings are ordinarily very gentle to the teeth, plus the composite material tends to insulate the tooth rather than conduct heat or cold. So when you do experience pain, we look for other explanations.

Possible causes of tooth pain after a filling:

• Some sensitivity is normal after any tooth has been worked on, especially if there has been tooth decay. Decay irritates the tooth, and working on that tooth irritates it further, to where it can cross the threshold into a painful sensitivity. If this is the only cause, expect the tooth to be getting gradually better, usually within a couple of days, but it can last for several months. As long as the tooth gradually improves, there should be no cause for alarm.
• The technique for doing white composite fillings on back teeth is very demanding, and many general dentists aren't properly trained to do this. The pain after a new filling could be because of improper technique.
• The decay could have been close to the pulp of the tooth. In this situation, some bacteria will always be present in the thin porous dentin between the filling and the tooth. With the tooth being irritated from being worked on, it creates a situation in which the tooth can easily become infected. If the sensitivity persists, it indicates that the tooth is not recovering from this tooth infection and will need a root canal.
• If the tooth is sensitive to biting down, it may need only a simple bite adjustment.
• With composite fillings, there is an unusual kind of sensitivity that sometimes occurs. With this sensitivity, the tooth is not sensitive when you clench your teeth together but will experience a sharp pain when food is chewed. It is not clear what causes this, though it seems to be related to possible bonding failure or contamination of the bond. Some theorize that it is caused by tiny air bubbles that form at the interface between the tooth and the composite that will then hurt when they're compressed. Curiously, it tends to occur most often in smaller fillings. When it occurs, replacing the filling with another composite filling usually eliminates the sensitivity. If left untreated, the sensitivity may go away over a period of several months, or it may get worse.
  The latest technology in placing composite fillings involves the use of what are called "self-etching primers," which appear to practically eliminate this type of sensitivity.
• There are other possible causes for sensitivity or pain after new fillings. A dental examination may be required to discover another source of the problem.

What Do Your Teeth Say About Your Health?

Though it can be very neglected at times, our mouths are connected to the rest of our bodies.
"Our teeth, gums and surrounding tissue have plenty to say"

"What we see in the mouth can have a significant effect on other organ systems and processes in the body. And the reverse is also true: things that are going on systemically in the body can manifest in the mouth."
So what are some of the thing your mouth is trying to say?

• Dental Warning: Flat, Worn Teeth & Headache

Sign of: Stress
Many people are surprised to learn they are grinding their teeth. After all, they do this in their sleep, when they're not aware of it. And they underestimate the physical toll that stress can place on the body.

"Crunching and grinding the teeth at night during sleep is a common sign of emotional or psychological stress,". You can sometimes see the flatness on your own teeth, or feel it with the tongue. Or the jaw may ache from the clenching. The reason for your headaches are spasms in the muscles that are doing the grinding. Sometimes the pain can radiate from the mouth and head down to the neck and upper back, Iacopino says. Mouth guards used at night can relieve the symptoms and protect teeth.

• Dental Warning: Cracking, Crumbling Teeth

Sign of: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Older adults, especially, are vulnerable to teeth that appear to be cracking or crumbling away. The enamel becomes thin and almost translucent. But this erosion isn't a normal consequence of aging. In fact, it can happen at any age.
Disintegrating teeth are usually caused by acid that's coming up from the stomach and dissolving them,. The cause: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD, also called acid reflux disease). GERD causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus and from there, it's a short distance to the mouth for some of the damaging acid. GERD is a chronic disorder caused by damage or other changes to the natural barrier between the stomach and the esophagus. Dry mouth and heartburn are also related GERD symptoms that you should look out for.

Cracking or chipping teeth in a younger person is also a telltale sign of bulimia. Over time, stomach acid washes up into the mouth, disintegrating the tooth enamel.

• Dental Warning: Persistent Sores

Sign of: Oral Cancer
Suspicious oral ulcers tend to be raised sores and often have red or white (or red and white) borders. They may lurk underneath the tongue, where they're hard to see. But when an open sore in the mouth doesn't go away within a week or two, it always warrants showing to a dentist or doctor (especially if accompanied by bleeding and numbness).

"Though, sometimes the only sign is a sore that doesn't seem to go away," says Susan Hyde, an associate professor of clinical dentistry at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry. "We all injure our oral tissues, but if an area persists in being white or red rather than the normal healthy pink, this needs to be evaluated to rule out oral cancer."

More than 21,000 men and 9,000 women a year are diagnosed with oral cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute. Most are over age 60. Oral cancer has a survival rate of only 35 percent,  but this is mainly because cases are often detected too late. Smokers are six times more likely to develop oral cancer, but one in four oral cancers develop in non-smokers.

• Dental Warning: Gums Growing Over Teeth

Sign of: Medication Problems
If you notice your gum literally growing over your tooth, and you're taking a medication for heart disease or seizures or you take drugs to suppress your immune system (such as before a transplant), it's well worth mentioning this curious development to your prescribing doctor.

"A swelling of the gums to where it grows over the teeth is a sign the dosage or the medication need to be adjusted,". Certain drugs can stimulate the growth of gum tissue. This can make it hard to brush and floss, inviting tooth decay and periodontal disease.

• Dental warning: Dry Mouth

Sign of: Sjogren's Syndrome or Diabetes
Many things can cause dry mouth, from dehydration and allergies to smoking and new medications. But a lack of sufficient saliva is also an early warning of two autoimmune diseases unrelated to medicine use: Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes. But because its symptoms mimic other diseases (such as diabetes), people are often misdiagnosed and go several years before being properly diagnosed.

Other diabetes symptoms include excessive thirst, tingling in the hands and feet, frequent urination, blurred vision and weight loss. In Sjogren's, the eyes are dry as well as the mouth, but the entire body is affected by the disorder.

In Sjogren's, the white blood cells of the body attack their moisture-producing glands, for unknown reasons. Four million Americans have Sjogren's, 90 percent of them women. Twenty-four million people in the U.S. have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disease caused by high blood sugar.

• Dental Warning: White Webbing Inside Cheeks

Sign of: Lichen Planus
The last thing you might expect to discover while brushing your teeth is a skin disease (Lichen planus, whose cause is unknown, is a mild disorder that tends to strike both men and women ages 30 to 70. The mucus membranes in the mouth are often a first target, and not only can it occur in the mouth, but in the vagina as well.

Oral lichen planus looks like a whitish, lacy pattern on the insides of the cheeks. (The name comes from the same roots as tree lichen, a lichen that has a similar webbed, bumpy appearance). Seventy percent of lesions appear in the mouth before they strike other parts of the body, says professor Anthony Iacopino.
While Lichen planus often goes away on its own, sometimes treatment is necessary.

• Dental Warning: Crusting Dentures

Sign of: Potential Aspiration Pneumonia
Most people don't connect dentures (false teeth) with pneumonia, other than to think they're both words that often refer to the world of the elderly. And yet the two have a potentially deadly connection.
"A leading cause of death in older people is aspiration pneumonia, often from inhaling debris around the teeth and dentures, but what's amazing is that you can get a 100-percent reduction in what's otherwise a leading cause of death for denture wearers just by brushing your teeth. With proper cleaning, though, you don't have to worry about other red flags. "

In aspiration pneumonia, foreign material is breathed into the lungs and airway, causing dangerous (even fatal) inflammation. Too often, the problem stems from people in the care of others  those in nursing homes, for example who fail to clean dentures properly. Dentures need to be removed daily from the mouth, cleaned with a special brush, and stored in a cleansing solution.

So, next time you notice your mouth saying something, take the time to listen!

Have a Nice Day! :)

The Oral Health Benefits of Chewing Sugar-free Gum!!

People around the world chew gum for many reasons. The results of scientific research demonstrate chewing gum’s positive contributions from the area of oral health and teeth specifically. Chewing gum stimulates one of the most powerful defense mechanisms from the body saliva. The partnership between chewing gum and saliva stimulation creates a powerful force that contributes to good dental health from the following areas.

Oral Benefits

• Alleviates dry mouth discomfort
• Freshens breath
• Neutralizes acids formed from the mouth by bacteria
• Remineralizes enamel to strengthen teeth
• Cleans the mouth of food debris
• Whitens teeth by reducing stains and preventing stains from accumulating
• Reduces plaque
• Helps reduce cavities
• Reduces gingivitis to maintain healthy gums
• Kills the germs that cause bad breath

Future Benefits "Healthy Mouth = Healthy Body"

New research suggests that inflammation from the body could be a factor associated using disease like heart disease and diabetes. This inflammation may be related to the bacteria you find from the mouth. Research is on the horizon to explore the role chewing gum might play from reducing inflammation causing bacteria from the mouth and its contribution to overall health of the body.

Chewing Gum Action

Saliva is the most important component of oral health. Water comprises 99% of saliva and the remaining components are macromolecules, formed within the acinar cells and secreted into the mouth. Saliva alone is a powerful protector of the oral cavity. And, chewing gum is an efficient and pleasant way to increase saliva without drugs. Increasing saliva from the mouth is accomplished by the gustivatory action of gum and the mechanical action of chewing. Together these forces stimulate the salivary glands to increase the flow rate by about 10 times the resting state during the first few minutes of chewing and keep it significantly elevated for as long as you chew. Stimulated saliva is capable of maintaining a healthy mouth, correcting a potentially harmful environment using its high concentration of buffers, minerals and antibacterial components.

The chewing of gum is said to be the world’s most common habit, with about 100,000 tons of it being consumed every year. Most of us are familiar with the negative aspects of chewing gum, when we find it on chairs, stuck under desks or contaminating pavements and therefore our shoes. However, there are also many benefits to chewing gum.

Studies have shown that chewing gum can have an indirect, positive effect on dental hygiene, teeth health. Chewing gum after meals helps to stimulate the production of saliva and overall salivary flow. Saliva helps to wash away and neutralize the acid produced by bacteria in plaque. This acid is responsible for dental decay and bad breath. Chewing gum can also help relieve pressure in your ears and sinuses by encouraging jaw movement.

The popular perception is that chewing gum is bad for the teeth. However, many dentists (one source says 90%!) believe that chewing sugarless gum after meals actually has health benefits!

The benefits arise from the fact that tooth decay occurs when essential minerals are dissolved from the tooth enamel by acids produced by the bacteria in plaque. Teeth are at their most vulnerable directly after meals and snacks, when plaque acid levels can rise dramatically.

However, chewing gum removes these acids within minutes, thus slowing down the process of tooth decay.

As I mentioned above, One reason for this is that chewing can stimulate saliva production by up to ten-fold, thus flushing out oral bacteria. Furthermore, saliva contains hydrogen carbonate ions, a mild alkali, which serves to neutralize plaque acids. For this reason, hydrogen carbonate is used in some toothpastes.

Saliva also contains minerals such as calcium, phosphate and fluoride .all components of tooth enamel – which can be assimilated and thus help to repair early decay and also strengthen tooth enamel.

On the other hand, chewing gum typically contains a sweetener of some type. Chewing gum that contains sugar, for example, can be harmful to your teeth. Sugar fuels the acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. Brands of gum containing sugar can be harmful to your teeth if these types of gum are chewed too often or are removed from the mouth too soon.

In fact, studies have shown that if a person chews gum containing sugar, it should be chewed for at least 15 to 20 minutes. After this time, the sugar is gone, but the saliva is sufficiently stimulated to rinse away some of the sugar residue.

There are, however, a number of sweeteners that help prevent cavities and reduce the acid production in your mouth. Xylitol, a natural sweetener found in many fruits and vegetables, tastes and looks like sugar but without the negative side effects. Chewing gum that contains high levels of xylitol fights cavities and dental decay by creating an unwelcome environment for bacteria. Xylitol is one of bacteria’s natural enemies-in a xylitol-rich environment, bacteria lose their ability to stick to teeth and are therefore unable to colonize and turn into plaque.

Clinical studies have shown reductions in tooth decay by up to 80% in people who consistently use products sweetened with 100% Xylitol.

Gum chewing is an individual choice. If you chew gum, I strongly recommend a sugarless gum. It is a good idea to brush your teeth, or at least rinse your mouth with water after chewing gum. If you are susceptible to decay, gum containing Xylitol may have some benefit for you. If you experience muscle fatigue, jaw joint pain, or headaches from chewing gum, perhaps infrequent chewing or excluding gum altogether may be the best solution.

Resources

1. This article was previously published for Dentistry magazine from the UK.
2. Dental Health Magazine

Foods & Drinks That Can Damage Your Teeth And How to Minimize The Damage?!

There are so many foods that can attack your tooth enamel and reduce the strength of your teeth, that's why the intake of the below-mentioned foodstuffs should be minimized or avoided to maintain tooth enamel strength. These are some of the foodstuffs and dietary practices which raise a small or large red flag for teeth.

Refined and processed food such as

• sugar/ white flour
• cooked starches

1. Sugar :  Of course is hidden in numerous unexpected foodstuffs such as baked beans, salad dressings, deli meats, cream substitutes, bottled juices, ketchup etc. Foods with less than 1% sugar content however, are considered non-cariogenic. It also matters when the sugary food is eaten. This was determined over a number of years in unethical human experiments performed on patients of VipeholmMental Hospital in Lund, Sweden (1940s to 1950s). These non-voluntary human guinea pigs were given four meals a day containing a total of 350g of carbohydrates (of which 90g were sugar), but no snacks. Later, a control group additionally received sticky sugary snacks to eat between meals over the course of the day. The results were clear: only those who snacked on sweets in-between meals developed significant new tooth decay (in contrast to the very slow progression observed on the no-snacks diet), proving that carbohydrates ingested as part of the main meal do not cause caries (at least not in any significant manner)
2. Cooked starches:  Interestingly, a study done at New York University arrived at the conclusion that chocolate is better for teeth than products made of cooked starch (such as potatoes). The researchers determined how long carbohydrates will stay in the mouth after ingestion and how much acid is produced from them. They found that cooked starches are broken down into glucose over a longer period of time than for instance sweets. In other words, the subsequent fermentation into lactic acid by oral bacteria will go on longer as well. This means that foods containing cooked starches is thought to stimulate acid production in the mouth more vigorously than very sugary foods and are thus a greater threat in terms of tooth decay. Considering however that people in developing countries found to have no or little tooth decay (until sugar is introduced to them) traditionally eat many starchy (but "whole") foods, it might appear that sugar is the major culprit after all - unless it is the fact that Western "industrialized" diets generally lack the proper mineral spectrum due to industrial farming methods while those who live on less impoverished (richer and properly balanced) soils might be better protected thanks to the rich mineral and trace element content of their food.

Acidic/acidulous food

• Vinegar and pickled foods
• Sour fruits (oranges and other citrus fruit)
• Unripe fruit
• Fruit juices

Concentrated natural sugars such as

• Dried fruit
• Honey
• Syrups made from fruit, grains etc.

The reason why the intake of refined and processed foodstuffs such as sugar and white flour as well as acidic foods such as vinegar and sour fruits should be minimized or avoided to maintain tooth enamel strength, in a nutshell lies in the following:

Three factors, one structural, one nutritional, one bacterial, seem to form the basis of tooth decay: structural weakness of teeth (due to insufficient mineralization = lack of minerals), lack of nutritional factors required for tooth health, and attack by acids leaching out calcium. Acids stem from acidic foodstuffs but particularly are a byproduct of bacterial decomposition of food rests notably from refined edibles (such as white flour, sugar) and highly concentrated natural sugars (as found in dried fruit etc.)

<sup>Hence the importance of cleaning and flushing out any and all food rests, and more particularly the prevention of plaque deposits (where germs colonize) (compare

Dental Care and Oral Hygiene
Important note: while it is true that sugar is a highly cariogenic (tooth-decay-causing) substance, it is equally true (and highly surprising) that there is (at least) one naturally occurring sugar that frequently has the opposite (anti-cariogenic/cariostatic) effect.</sup>

You think you know everything about proper brushing and flossing techniques? Do You Understand the basics and what you can do to promote oral health?
 Your smile depends on simple dental care habits, such as brushing and flossing. But are you using the right techniques? Follow these steps to protect your oral health.

Brushing for oral health

Oral health begins with clean teeth. Consider these brushing basics:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day. When you brush, don't rush. Take enough time to do a thorough job.
• Use the proper equipment. Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush effectively.
• Practice good technique. Hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and brush with short back-and-forth motions. Remember to brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth, as well as your tongue. Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums.
• Keep your equipment clean. Always rinse your toothbrush with water after brushing. Store your toothbrush in an upright position, if possible, and allow it to air dry until using it again. Don't routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers, which can encourage the growth of bacteria.
• Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed.

Flossing for oral health
You can't reach the tight spaces between your teeth or under your gumline with a toothbrush. That's why daily flossing is important. When you floss:

• Don't skimp. Break off about 18 inches (46 centimeters) of dental floss. Wind most of the floss around the middle finger on one hand, and the rest around the middle finger on the other hand, leaving about 1 inch (3 centimeters) to floss your first tooth.

• Take it one tooth at a time. Use your thumbs and forefingers to gently pull the floss from the gumline to the top of the tooth to scrape off plaque. Rub the floss against all sides of the tooth. Unwind to fresh floss as you progress to the next tooth.
• Keep it up. If you have trouble getting floss through your teeth, try the waxed variety. If it's hard to manipulate the floss, use a floss holder or an interdental cleaner, such as a dental pick or stick designed to clean between the teeth.

<sup>Extremely hard as well as icy foods
Depending on the breaking strength of your teeth, you may wish to be careful with hard items such as certain kernels and ice.

Raw food = healthy?
Interestingly (Assimilable calcium from greens), a scientific study conducted in Germany on the health of raw-foodists showed that this section of the population develops more cavities and dental erosion than "normal" people, an observation confirmed by raw-food leaders/authors who noted that the dental health status of those adhering to a raw food diet is indeed deplorable. The reasons are not to do with raw food being damaging but with unwise food choices of raw foodists who tend to overindulge in dried fruits, acid fruit, dehydrated food etc. while "underindulging" for instance in calcium-rich greens.

One-sided (imbalanced) “mono-diets” and extreme fasting
Teeth weakening (i.e. structural damage) can also be induced by eating for instance mostly whole-grain noodles for a while
or radical prolonged fasting (such as 14 days) without adequate amounts of water. (On the other hand, properly conducted, fasting can induce dental and gum improvements and heal cavities and toothache.) So it would seem advisable to aim for a varied diet and (digestive capacity permitting) to go heavy on raw organic foods and seaweed.

Suggestions how to minimize the damage from ingestion of the above food items
Apart from strict avoidance which demands a lot of discipline and may not be invariably wise (for instance apple cider vinegar apparently shows astounding health benefits when regularly consumed), here are several immediate ways to contain any damage to enamel:</sup>

1.  ^{Rinse your mouth well after eating acidic or sticky food.}
2. ^{Add xylitol to acidic fruit and drinks.}
3. ^{Drink acidic drinks through a straw.}
4. ^{When ingesting apple cider vinegar and water (and possibly honey) as a health drink, add baking soda to neutralize the acid (raise its pH to tooth-friendly levels).}
5. ^{Rinse with an alkalinizing baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) solution afterwards.}
6. ^{Rinse your mouth with (alkalinizing) sea salt.}
7. ^{Rinse your mouth with xylitol after (and before) meals or use pure xylitol chewing gums (expensive).}
8. ^{Eat and thoroughly chew something salty after a meal (if you eat dairy, cheese apparently is one of the most tooth-friendly items to eat).}
9. ^{Brush teeth after meals but not immediately after ingestion of acidulous items (otherwise you are likely to scrape off precious minerals such as calcium from your somewhat softened enamel).}
10. ^{Get yourself some "chewing sticks"}
11. ^{Natural toothbrush alternatives: chew on them after meals.}
12. ^{Rinse your mouth with (herb-based) disinfectants or with special mouthwashs containing enamel-repairing hydroxyapatite.}

^{General recommendations and advice re oral cleansing.
Follow a varied tooth-friendly, mineral-rich diet to the extent possible and go heavy on raw organic foods and seaweed while making sure your food agrees with you. To allow better/proper absorption, chew well, only eat when hungry and in a peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. You also may wish to do internal cleanses such as liver, gallbladder and colon cleanses and if you feel drawn to it, work on your body's energy system to keep your juices "flowing". Keep your immune system in shape by avoiding stress(or learning to handle it constructively) and regularly clean your teeth using natural, non-toxic cleaning agents. Try to "compensate" any damage done to your teeth by regularly ingesting "super foods"/natural supplements rich in trace elements resp. tooth-friendly alkalinizing minerals.
Have a nice weekend!}

Teeth Acid Erosion

Acid erosion is strongly linked to the consumption of acidic foods and drinks. Acids demineralise and soften the tooth surface making it more susceptible to abrasion, particularly by toothbrushing with or without toothpaste.

In its early stages tooth wear is often thought to be harmless. However as it progresses tooth wear can result in dentine hypersensitivity, loss of tooth shape and colour, and may require complex restorative intervention. Yet many people remain unaware of the consequences of tooth wear and the measures that can be taken to protect teeth from this slow and insidious process.

• Causes

The awareness of tooth wear has increased markedly over recent years. Much of this is linked to changes in diet and oral care.

A.Causes of tooth erosion due to extrinsic acids (from outside the body):
1. Teeth are lasting longer, Increased success by dentistry in the control of caries and periodontal diseases has extended the longevity of the natural dentition. Healthier unrestored teeth are exposed for longer to the gradual processes of everyday wear.

2. The modern diet paradox Modern diets are often rich in acids from a wide range of sources. Notably, many fruits, fruit juices, soft/pop drinks,vinegar-based salad dressingsand and wine have a low pH, sufficient to soften and demineralise enamel surfaces at approx pH 5.5 and below, and dentine at pH 6.5 and below, depending upon other factors such as titratable acidity, and calcium, phosphate and fluoride content. Large amounts of these beverages are not healthy for you for many reasons, so not only your teeth will benefit from reduced consumption, but also your nutrition status and your body's overall health. So-called "sports drinks" in particular contain large amounts of citric acid
Acid temporarily softens the surface of the enamel. It is a process normally mitigated by the natural action of saliva due to the presence of calcium, but frequent or prolonged acidic encounters leave less time for remineralisation to occur. In this weakened state, surface enamel is prone to wear from the abrasive action of toothpaste and tooth brushing.

3.Imbalanced eating patterns For example, not eating something that counterbalances the acidity of fruit, such as nuts, at the time of eating the fruit.

4.Snack foods ,Many of them are acidic.

5.Some medicines are acidic And therefore, erosive. They can cause dental erosion on direct contact with the teeth when the medication is chewed or held in the mouth prior to swallowing.

6.Environmental factors such as the chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools can cause erosion over time.

7.Brushing habits, Don,t brush your teeth right after eating or drinking something acidic. Give your teeth some time. If you brush immediately after eating or drinking, you may cause tooth wear because the enamel is softened by the acid. After an hour or so, brush gently with a soft-bristled brush.


 B.Causes of tooth erosion due to intrinsic acids (from inside the body):

1.Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid reflux, in which stomach acids come up into the oesophagus and mouth, can cause severe tooth erosion. Gastric acids are highly acidic with pH levels that can be less than 1.

2.Eating disorders Such as Bulimia or anorexia nervosa that cause frequent vomiting are also responsible for tooth enamel loss caused by the gastric acids.
Besides vomiting, persons who suffer from bulimia tend to consume larger quantities of fresh fruits and acidic beverages that worsen the problem.

3.Alcoholism could also cause vomiting related loss of tooth enamel.

4.Low salivary flow rate is a significant risk factor for dental erosion due to reduced pH buffering capacity (its ability to neutralize changes in mouth’s pH)
Signs and diagnosis
 

• Signs and diagnosis

Everyone with natural teeth is likely to develop some signs of tooth wear, but many patients are unlikely to be aware that it is happening to them until it has reached an advanced stage.
Currently, dental erosion normally only reaches a diagnostic threshold when restorative dentistry is indicated. Improving recognition of the early signs and symptoms is crucial if effective preventative measures are to be taken.

A: Early signs
1. Sensitivity As dentine becomes exposed, an occasional slight twinge may be felt when consuming hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks
2. Discolouration Teeth can have a slight yellow appearance as the dentine shows through
3. Rounded Teeth A rounded 'sandblasted' look on the surface and edges of the teeth

B: Late stages

4. Transparency Front teeth may appear slightly transparent near their biting edges 
5. Advanced Discolouration Teeth may show a darker yellow appearance which is the exposed dentine showing through
6. Cracks Small cracks and roughness may be present at the edges of the teeth
7. Severe Sensitivity As dentine continues to becomes exposed over time, teeth can suffer from severe dentine hypersensitivity
8. Cupping Small dents may appear on the chewing surface of the teeth , at this stage any fillings may appear to rise up
9.Pain or irritation in your mouth
10.Sharp tooth edges

At any stage of dental erosion, dentine hypersensitivity may occur. This could range from infrequent twinges during consumption of hot, cold or sweet foods, through to fairly continuous sensitivity readily provoked by the mildest of stimuli. Occasional sensitivity may well go unreported by the patient during routine examinations.

• Prevention

Intervention is key. Increased vigilance during routine examinations together with lifestyle advice can slow the progression of symptoms.

•Reduce or eliminate intake of carbonated drinks
•Cease retaining acidic foods and drinks inside the mouth
•Chew gum or suck a sugar-free lozenge to encourage saliva production and protect enamel, or eat a piece of cheese after an acidic meal
•Leave brushing of teeth for at least one hour after consuming acidic food or drink
•Brush with a soft toothbrush, using a low-abrasion, low-acidity, high-fluoride dentifrice
•Avoid fried or fatty foods if you have Acid reflux disease.

•Enjoy smaller, more frequent meals rather than eating large quantities at once.
•Take antacid tablets if needed, but don't over-use them.
•Drink plenty of water
•Do not smoke.
•Don't brush your teeth before eating or drinking something acidic? This probably doesn't happen too often, but if you do, you should stop. Brushing teeth immediately before drinking or eating something acidic brushes away the saliva that protects your enamel from acid.

•Don't brush your teeth too vigorously. It would seem like a good idea to brush hard, to scrub away all the remnants of food you've eaten. But brushing too vigorously can wear down and weaken a tooth's enamel. Instead, brush teeth gently, using circular strokes and a soft-bristled brush.
•Avoid grazing through the day. If you enjoy nibbling on food all day long, you may be endangering your teeth. The best solution is to ensure that the foods that you consume are either low in acidity or are combined with foods able to counteract the acidity and reduce your need for the acidic food. For example, consuming nuts with fruit or cheese with carrots may be one way to reduce the effects of acid wear. Nuts and dairy foods are considered helpful balancers to acidic foods.
• Rely on dental floss and toothpicks in between morning and evening brushing.
• Use a straw. Reduce the contact of juice and soda drinks with your teeth by drinking through a straw. This is only a minor help, so don't rely on it as a major solution!

• Things You'll Need

1. Dental floss
2. More water in your diet
3. Neutral foods 

Safe Whitening
Most commercial whitening products use peroxide-based solutions that whiten teeth without the erosion of enamel caused by acids.
What can you use as a natural way to whiten teeth? If used sparingly, baking soda. Although baking soda is abrasive and can cause wear on the enamel and roots of teeth, if used properly can help maintain a bright smile by removing accumulated surface stains on teeth. If you choose baking soda as a natural way to whiten teeth the following tips may help:

1. When brushing with baking soda, do not "scrub"! Brush gently to avoid wearing away the enamel and roots of your teeth.

2. To lessen the abrasiveness of baking soda and improve taste, first apply your normal toothpaste to your brush then dip into the baking soda.

3. The most effective way to remove stains involves making a slurry. Make the slurry by mixing a liquid with baking soda, then use an absorbent material such as a paper towel to "dab" the mixture and absorb the excess liquid, leaving you with a "paste". Using your favorite mouthwash improves the taste and provides other antimicrobial effects.

4. Limit the use of baking soda to one thorough brushing per month unless you have very heavy staining from coffee, tea, or smoking. Once per month is adequate for most people to maintain a whiter smile. Too much of a good thing will cost you in tooth sensitivity and enamel loss.

• Warning Do not ignore the signs of acid wear on teeth

Have a nice day!

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is tooth discomfort in one or more teeth that is triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Sensitive teeth occur when the underlying layer of your teeth (the dentin) becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth's nerve center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli , for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food -- to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.

There are many factors that may lead to sensitive teeth, including:

• Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth)
• Tooth decay near the gum line.
• Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed.
• Gum disease (gingivitis) . Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
• Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing Inflammation.
• Teeth grinding . Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
• Exaggeration in tooth whitening or daily toothpaste with baking soda and peroxide. These products are major contributors to sensitive teeth.
• Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
• Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.
• Mouthwash use. Long-term use of some mouthwashes. Some over-the-counter mouthwashes contain acids that can worsen tooth sensitivity if you have exposed dentin (the middle layer of the tooth). The acids further damage the dentin layer of the tooth. If you have dentin sensitivity, ask your dentist about the use of a neutral fluoride solution.
• Acidic foods. Regular consumption of foods with a high acid content, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, pickles, and tea, can cause enamel erosion.
• Recent routine dental procedures. Sensitivity can occur following teeth cleaning, root planing, crown placement, and tooth restoration. Sensitivity caused by dental procedures is temporary, usually disappearing in four to six weeks.

What Can I Do to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity?
Some steps you can take to prevent tooth sensitivity include:

• Maintain good oral hygiene. Continue to follow proper brushing and flossing techniques to thoroughly clean all parts of your teeth and mouth.
• Use a soft bristled toothbrush. This will result in less toothbrush abrasion to the tooth surface and less irritation to your gums. Brush gently and carefully around the gum line so you do not remove more gum tissue.
• Use desensitizing toothpaste. There are several brands of toothpaste available for sensitive teeth. With regular use you should notice a decrease in sensitivity. You may need to try several different brands to find the product that works best for you. Another tip. spread a thin layer of the toothpaste on the exposed tooth roots with your finger or a Q-tip before you go to bed. Do not use a tartar control toothpaste; rather, use a fluoridated toothpaste.
• Watch what you eat. As I mentioned, Frequent consumption of highly acid foods can gradually dissolve tooth enamel and lead to dentin exposure. They may also aggravate the sensitivity and start the pain reaction.
• Use fluoridated dental products. Daily use of a fluoridated mouth rinse can decrease sensitivity. Ask your dentist about available products for home use.
• Avoid teeth grinding. If you grind or clench your teeth, use a mouth guard at night.
• See your dentist at regular intervals. Get professional tooth cleaning, oral hygiene instructions, and fluoride treatments every six months (or sooner depending on your condition).
• If you still have discomfort, talk to your dentist. There may be some dental procedures that may help reduce sensitivity, including the use of: White fillings (bonding) to cover exposed root surfaces/ Fluoride varnishes applied to the exposed root surface/ Dentin sealers applied to the exposed root surface.

Have a nice weekend everyone!

How To Whiten Your Teeth For Free

NOTE: As with anything else, you should always contact your physician or dentist before trying any home remedy.

How can I get whiter teeth for free?
 Don't spend your hard-earned money on expensive teeth whitening kits! Get the very same results absolutely free. Don't pay a high office call to go to the dentist and get your teeth professionally whitened! Don't buy that expensive mouthwash for smokers! You have everything that you need to brighten and whiten your teeth right in your own home. Remember that this is free and it works.

Do I have these items in my house?
First :go to the kitchen. Open the cupboard where you keep your baking supplies. Do you have baking soda? You probably do. Spoon about two teaspoons of baking soda into a little bowl or cup.

Second : travel over to the nearest bathroom. Open the medicine chest. Do you have hydrogen peroxide? You probably have this common household item, too.

How do I make this paste?
Drop two or three teaspoons (this may not be exact) of the hydrogen peroxide into the baking soda, making a paste. This sometimes takes a little trial and error. Be sure it is the same consistency as toothpaste. If you wish, you can add a bit of mint flavoring or even a small dollop of toothpaste.

How do I use this free whitener?
Brush your teeth with your mixture, being sure to leave it on your teeth for at least two minutes. Do NOT swallow this paste!

What should I do after using this paste?
After you finish brushing , brush again with regular toothpaste to rid your mouth of the taste as well as the peroxide solution. You will be amazed at just how white and bright your teeth will be! Many smokers and heavy coffee drinkers use this little trick. This may be a home remedy that your grandmother even used.

I have a dental condition..Should I try this whitener?
Beware that if you have open sores, cavities, gingivitis, or other gum diseases this may make your gums appear white for a short time. This may not be the whitener for your teeth if they are very sensitive. As with anything, you should consult your doctor or dentist before trying this or any other medical treatment.

How often can I use this paste?

1. This treatment can be done weekly, monthly, or whenever you want extra bright teeth!
2. You shouldn't brush with this mixture more than once per week.
   Hopefully, this article put a bright smile on your face!