Three Great Tips to Deal with Sensitive Teeth

It is estimated one in eight people suffer from tooth sensitivity, and if you’re one of those people, then you will understand just how painful it can be when your teeth come into contact with anything too hot or too cold.

There are many different factors that can contribute to sensitivity such as receding gums, acid erosion, broken or chipped teeth and gum disease, so all of these possible causes should be examined first.

However, if all of these causes have been ruled out and you are struggling to cope with the pain caused by sensitive teeth, this article shares some tips to help ease sensitivity.

1. Choose products for sensitivity

There are many different products aimed at easing the discomfort of sensitive teeth. We often recommend Sensodyne toothpaste, which has been shown to help manage sensitivity. These products are most effective if you don't rinse your mouth after tooth brushing, and also if you use as a topical "ointment" on any effected teeth last thing at night.

2. Be careful of acidic food and drink

Acid erosion is a common cause of sensitivity as it can lead to the enamel of the teeth becoming damaged.  People often consume more acid in their diet than they realize, and often it doesn’t just come from the most obvious of sources.
Even though people are aware they should avoid drinking too many fizzy drinks or fruit juices, they might not be aware healthy foods such as fruits and even fruit teas can be damaging to the enamel.

3. Change your toothbrush

For some people, changing their toothbrush can also help to reduce sensitivity. Either buy a toothbrush that has been especially designed for people suffering from sensitivity, or choose a soft toothbrush gentle enough to be used on your teeth and gums, without aggravating your sensitive teeth. Some people often find that switching from a manual toothbrush to an electric toothbrush stops any "over-scrubbing" and therefore helps prevent recession which can cause sensitivity.
 

Celery - Good for your mouth AND your general health too!

I can remember my mum and dad eating celery when I was a young child. Why has this memory stayed with me? Because they filled the stick of celery with salt before eating it - this was considered normal back then - thank goodness we know so much more about our diets and how our bodies work now!

Celery, althouygh not to everyones taste (with or without the salt!), really is one of the best, but little known "super foods" available today. The benefits start instantly whilst chewing it as its fibrous texture acts to clean plaque and debris from the tooth surface (which can help to minimise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease), and with its high water content, celery can add moisture to the mouth, which is vital for those who suffer from a reduced saliva flow (due to age or certain medications) as this buffering effect also helps remove debris from the tooth surfaces.

Celery is a strongly alkaline food that helps to counteract acidosis, purify the bloodstream, aid in digestion, prevent migraines, relax the nerves, reduce blood pressure, and clear up skin problems.

Celery contains compounds called coumarins which are known to enhance the activity of certain white blood cells and support the vascular system.

Celery’s rich organic sodium content has the ability to dislodge calcium deposits from the joints and holds them in solution until they can be eliminated safely from the kidneys. Celery is a well known natural diuretic and has ample ability to flush toxins out of the body.

Celery also has significant anti-inflammatory properties making it an essential food for those who suffer from auto-immune illnesses. It also contains significant amounts of calcium and silicon which can aid in the repair of damaged ligaments and bones.

Celery is rich in vitamin A, magnesium, and iron which all help to nourish the blood and aid those suffering from rheumatism, high blood pressure, arthritis, and anemia.

Fresh celery juice is one of the most powerful and healing juices one can drink. Just 16 oz of fresh celery juice a day can transform your health and digestion in as little as one week.

So, for a quick, easy healthy way to improve dental and overall health, pop some celery in your shopping basket next time you're out - but ditch the salt!

The Inside Story on Enamel Erosion

Enamel Erosion – How It Affects Your Teeth

You are what you eat. Making sure that you eat and drink the right foods and beverages, and the way you eat them, will be important to you and your teeth. If you consume too many acidic foods and beverages, the acid could be wearing away your enamel. A research study reported that dental erosion is on the increase, making prevention more important than ever.

What Is Enamel Erosion?
Enamel erosion occurs when the enamel of the teeth, the exterior layer of tissue that covers teeth, is worn away or reduced by a chemical acid process. There are two types of enamel erosion:
1. Intrinsic erosion — caused by gastric acid and acid regurgitation due to medical or psychological issues (e.g., acid reflux, anorexia, bulimia, etc. ).
2. Extrinsic erosion – occurs when dietary acids (e.g., sugar consumption, diet drinks, fruit drinks, carbonated drinks, etc.) contribute to the mouth being in a very acidic state.

Signs of Enamel Erosion
When the enamel on the teeth wears down, it can cause several things to occur:

• Teeth may become further worn down.
• Teeth become discolored because the enamel has worn away and the dentine is exposed.
• The edges of the front teeth may look transparent.
• Tooth sensitivity can occur when the enamel is worn away both on the lip and tongue surfaces of the teeth. The dentine, the layer of tissue under the enamel, is a softer than enamel and it is more sensitive to touch, air, biting forces and acid exposure.

If you notice these types of changes in your mouth, please consult your dentist.

What Changes Can Be Made to Improve Your Teeth?
Once a dentist has examined your teeth, you may want to discuss what your next steps are to reduce dental erosion in your mouth:

1. Over what time span have you been suffering from enamel erosion?
2. Identify the frequency of acid intake and how the acids are consumed.
3. Consult a nutritionist to assist in dietary assessment and reducing acid intake.
4. Determine if you suffer from gastric reflux, regurgitation or eating disorders.
5. Identify which teeth will need to be replaced by cosmetic restorations and/or bonding agents.

Why choosing finance to pay for my dental treatment at Absolute Dental was such a good choice!

"I must be one of the few people who don't mind going to the dentist! If I meet a friend on my way to the dentist and mention where I am going, I always get the obligatory groan from them and the sentiment "Rather you than me!", but I always tell them the same thing, I really look forward to my trips to Absolute! You may find that hard to believe, but it's true!

What I didn't find so easy recently was the prospect of being faced with needing dental treatment but wondering how I could afford it.

Having chatting through my options for treatment at length with Rhod, I knew that I wanted to go ahead with the treatment, but it wasn't until I saw the figures written down for me that I began to wonder if I really could afford it.

The girls on reception were fantastic, and mentioned that there was an option to use interest free credit to pay for the treatment; they showed me a breakdown of the monthly repayments and I was thrilled to see that just by spreading the cost of the treatment over 10 months meant the difference between having the treatment or facing the disappointment of not being able to go ahead.

The application took only about 15 minutes and the decision was instant - and so began the journey to my new smile!

I would recommend anyone who is in the same situation as I was to look into this option, it is so easy and meant that I could afford treatment that I otherwise would have had to put off." BC, Kingsbridge

If you would like to know more about our Interest Free Credit options, please pop in to the practice or call us on 01548 852165

"A taster of the hard work and skill that goes into making the perfect smile"

This week we have two lovely work experience students here with us at Absolute. Elliott is actually here for the whole summer before returning to dental school, but India is just here for one short week on work experience from Devonport High School For Girls. Here is how she has found her first few days with us:

"My experience with Absolute has given me a small taster of the hardwork and skill that not only goes into making the perfect smile, but what is needed to create the practice atmosphere that all of the team strive for.

I can easily say that shadowing both dentists, hygienists and the nursing team here at Absolute has instilled a profound interest in the dental profession and the knowledge I have already gained at such a young age will prove invaluable later on in life, should I be able to pursue a career in dentistry." India

"My first few days at Absolute Dental have been amazing!"

This week we have two lovely work experience students here with us at Absolute. India is just here for the week, but Elliott is here for the whole summer - here is how he has found his first few days with us:

"My first few days at Absolute Dental have been amazing! The staff here are lovely and have made me feel so welcome, I feel like I have been working here for ages and it’s only my first week. The best thing for me to witness this week has been how well Maureen (who I have been nursing for) deals with and speaks to patients because she is fantastic with them and is a great clinician too. If I can deal with patients half as well when I qualify then I will be very happy.

From the get go I have learnt how efficient a dental practice needs to be in order to function properly, whether it be time keeping or ensuring there have been enough instruments sterilised and ready for use for the upcoming appointments. It’s amazing to see how well the 3 treatment rooms run in co-ordination especially as a patient could see multiple clinicians in one appointment. Also I have realised the care, time and effort that the professionals here put into their work and it is amazing to see it come together in a practice. My goal in the future is to own my own practice and I would love it to be similar to this one." Elliott Pound, second year dental student at Peninsula Dental School, Plymouth