Relief for Your Sensitive Teeth

Posted on: April 27th, 2016 by tcg_admin

There are many ways to make your teeth less sensitive.

Whether you love ice cream or hot soup, sensitive teeth can really cramp your style. But don’t stress too much, there are some easy steps you can take to reduce your sensitivity and smile easily. Sensitive teeth can be caused by a variety of things including:

Periodontal (gum) disease
Tooth grinding
Tooth decay and exposure of roots at the gumline
Aggressive toothbrushing
Wearing away of the enamel

No matter the cause there are treatments for each. If you use some of these easy tips you will be able to reduce your sensitivity and enjoy your favorite treats in no time.

Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

Several brands of toothpaste on the market are designed to help people with sensitive teeth. They are formulated to block the tiny tubules in the dentin. They don’t work for everybody, but experts agree it’s usually the best place to start.

Use a softer toothbrush

Brushing with too much force and/or brushing with a hard-bristled brush can damage the protective tooth enamel. When the gum-line recedes, exposed dentin becomes even more vulnerable to toothbrush abrasion. Use a lighter touch, this allows the bristles to move more freely and do their job more effectively than when you press too hard

Avoid acidic foods

Red wine, fruit juices, sodas, oranges and pickles can all attack your tooth enamel! Limit these foods and drinks, and try to brush about 20 minutes after eating them (not earlier, or the brushing may hurt your enamel further). It is always a good idea to be cautious since enamel loss is irreversible.

Keep your teeth clean.

Plaque that forms on teeth, produces an acid that irritates teeth, especially if your teeth are naturally sensitive. Prevent plaque by brushing at least twice, preferably right after eating and especially before bed, and don’t forget flossing at least once a day.

If you have tried these remedies and you are still feeling pain and sensitivity, don’t worry. You can call Richview Family Dentistry and we can help you resolve your issue. We have lots of solutions, which all depend on the cause of your sensitivity. We have solutions for everything from tooth grinding to Gum Disease. Contact us to set up an appointment, at Richview Family Dentistry our restorative dentistry services can help bring back your smile!

Sources:
Colgate
How Stuff Works
Best Health

Help, I lost a filling!

Posted on: February 29th, 2016 by tcg_admin

What do I need to do until I’m able to see the dentist?

Losing a filling can be a traumatic experience, but is isn’t necessarily and emergency. You may notice a filling has come out when you feel something in your mouth that feels hard, like a rock, or your tongue feels a strange hole or other change to one of your teeth.

1) Remove the filling from your mouth.

In general it is safe to discard your filling, it will most likely not fit where it was originally placed anymore. If you can’t find the filling and think that you swallowed it, don’t worry. It should pass naturally and not cause you any harm.

There are some common reasons for a filling to come loose and fall out. These include:

An older filling that has weakened over time.
A weaker filling material (some fillings are not meant to last forever).
Teeth grinding and clenching can cause a filling to become loose over time.
Chewing on hard items can cause a filling to chip and dislodge.
The filling being hit at a strange angle and dislodging during a meal can occur.
New tooth decay under the filling can cause it to loosen.

2) Call the dentist.

We will set up an appointment to fix the issue as quickly as possible. Although this isn’t an emergency, you will want to get the problem fixed quickly. In the meantime, there are a few things that you can do to make yourself more comfortable.

Use clove oil or an oral pain reliever (such as anbesol) to avoid discomfort. Over the counter pain medicine (Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin) will help ease discomfort too.
Avoid chewing with the damaged tooth.
Make sure to clean the area well after eating.
Rinse after every meal with warm salt water.
Temporary filling material containing zinc-oxide can sometimes be found over the counter to cover the spot until your appointment.

Once you get to our office for your appointment, we will be able to take over. Make sure you tell us exactly what happened, and what steps you took to protect your tooth when you come in. From there we will be able to fix any damage, remove any additional decay, and replace your filling. If you have any questions or are worried that it could be a more serious problem, feel free to call Richview Family Dentistry.

At Richview Family Dentistry in Clarksville, TN. we are committed to providing the best possible dental care for you and your family. From our dentists to our hygienists to the office staff who greet you at the front desk, we want you to have an exceptional experience every step of the way!

Sources:
Colgate
Oral Answers
Direct Dental

What should I expect when I schedule a dental cleaning?

Posted on: January 21st, 2016 by tcg_admin

A basic teeth cleaning is designed to clean and polish your teeth while also providing a general health screening for your mouth.

As intimidating as that might sound, it’s actually a relatively simple and painless appointment! At Richview Family Dentistry we are committed to providing you and your family with the best possible dental care.

No matter how diligent you are with your home routine, regular checkups with a dentist and hygienist are important. A professional cleaning rids your teeth of calcified plaque, called calculus or tartar, that can build up in hard-to-reach places. We can also watch teeth for early signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or other dental problems.

Cleaning Your Teeth

During the cleaning, the dentist or hygienist will:

Use a scaler (a small metal instrument) to scrape off tartar along the gum line.
Next, we will use an ultrasonic vibrating device to shake loose plaque and tartar off, then rinse it away with a stream of water.
This is followed by a tooth polishing. We will polish the teeth with a lightly abrasive paste. The now-smooth tooth surfaces make it more difficult for plaque to accumulate before your next cleaning.
We will finish up your cleaning with a flossing and fluoride rinse.

Tooth Exam

Once your cleaning is finished, the dentist will give your teeth a thorough exam. We will look for signs of decay, using a metal probe and a small mirror with an angled handle. We will also check for gum swelling and redness. Additionally, we will be on the lookout for evidence of tooth grinding as well as screen for other problems, including signs of oral cancer.

The majority of dental patients find routine teeth cleanings painless. Most dental cleanings last between 30 minutes to an hour. After a cleaning, you may notice that your teeth feel fresher and look brighter, too!

To schedule your next routine dental cleaning contact us at Richview Family Dentistry. Our office is a state-of-the-art facility that is a warm, welcoming environment where you’ll actually enjoy a visit to the dentist! Discover more about who we are, then call us at (931) 647-2243 to schedule your consultation.

Sources:
Healthline
Delta Dental
Dental One

931.647.2243

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