Warren Dental Hygienist Discusses Tooth Sensitivity

Hi, I’m Cheryl. I’m a hygienist for Dr. Greg Apsey. I’ve worked here about 5 and a half years. And I’m going to talk today a little bit about sensitivity. Because a lot of patients that come in today tell me that they have sensitive teeth. And they have some problems upon eating, drinking, things of that nature. There are a few different causes of sensitive teeth. Its different foods that we eat and, and the things that we drink have acid in it. And the acid causes erosion of the enamel. Also, clenching and grinding can contribute to sensitive teeth. Although, a lot of people aren’t aware that they are clenching and grinding, the wear is, is evident on their teeth. So, when we take a look, we often times can tell you areas where you’re wearing the enamel. Because there’s some other contributing factors; pop drinking. There’s a lot of acid in in pop, the phosphoric acid. And some of them even have a little bit of other types, citric acid in it, for example. Coffee, tea, juices, fruits and juices, even good fruits can have acids in them. And over a life time, that can lead to problems with sensitive teeth.

Fluoride can help. Fluoride treatment also, using a sensitive toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne Pronamel. It’s good toothpaste. Also we have a desensitizer that we can apply in the chair. And, I’ve had very good results with that over time some people can have it last 1, 3, 6 months. Some people have applied over a period of several of their cleaning visits. And they have found that they had sensitivity has definitely improved. So there are things out there that can help. Areas where you have, wear at the gum line where the enamel of the tooth of the root combine. Over time especially if you’re clenching or grinding that can be worn away. It can be worn away with brushing. And, these areas can get sensitive.  We can replace those areas with a little bit of bonding material, and that protects the tooth from wearing the bonding and not your tooth over time. There are a few other problems with bleaching your teeth. That can cause a little sensitivity, temporarily. A lot of people have tried the over the counter bleaching agents, and same thing, you know, a little bit of the Sensodyne toothpaste.

Fluoride rinse can help those; it’s usually a temporary thing. I just wanted to say also that we’re a family practice here and we would like to welcome you to our family. It’s a great place to work, it’s a great place to come and have your teeth cleaned and checked, we’d love to have you. So make your resolution for 2013 and we’d love to see you. Thanks.

Warren Dental Hygienist Discusses Tooth Sensitivity

For more information or to schedule and appointment with Cheryl, call (586) 573-7700.

Warren Dental Hygienist Discusses Tooth Sensitivity