Category: Oral Health

We’ve all been there – you take a sip of your hot tea or a bite of ice cream, and pain shoots through your teeth. It can be annoying, but what does it mean if you have sensitive teeth? Is it something you should see your dentist about?

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

You may notice that your teeth aren’t just sensitive to hot and cold. Sweets, acidic foods, and mouthwash containing alcohol can also cause tooth pain. Even breathing in air that is too cold through your mouth can be painful! Teeth that are often sensitive can indicate that you do have a serious problem.

Here are some things that can cause sensitive teeth:

• A lack of enamel. Some people are just born with only a thin layer of enamel, the protective outer layer, on their teeth.
• Brushing habits. Brushing your teeth too aggressively or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard can result in sensitivity.
• Your diet. You may eat or drink too many acidic foods and beverages. Your diet might also contribute to acid reflux, which causes acid to come up from the stomach and esophagus, which can damage teeth.
• Your oral health. You may have tooth decay, worn down fillings, or broken teeth. Receding gums is another potential cause of sensitivity.
• Bruxism. Grinding your teeth can do all kinds of damage to teeth, which can make them sensitive.

What Can You Do About Sensitive Teeth?

You should visit your dentist as soon as you can if your teeth are painful and sensitive. If your sensitivity is caused by a problem such as tooth decay or tooth damage, these should be treated right away to avoid even more serious issues. If your teeth are sensitive for other reasons, your dentist may suggest using a special toothpaste or mouthwash or may have some tips for you on how to brush more gently.

Having teeth that are so sensitive that you can’t enjoy your favorite food or drinks is no way to go through life! Schedule an appointment today at Avenue Dental for help. Call the office in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at (734) 484-4710, today!

You may think that as long as you rub a toothbrush over your teeth at least once a day that your teeth are clean enough – that’s better than nothing, right? But this isn’t true! If you are going to brush your teeth you should make the most of that effort – and keep your teeth as clean and healthy as they possibly can be – by using an electric toothbrush!

Why Use an Electric Toothbrush?

There are many reasons why electric toothbrushes are superior to manual ones:

• They are more thorough. Some electric toothbrushes have bristles that rotate in different directions at the same time, to thoroughly remove plaque and debris.
• They are scientifically proven to be better. It isn’t just the opinion of a few electric toothbrush users – studies have shown that electric toothbrushes do a better job than manual ones. Studies have also shown that people who use an electric toothbrush tend to keep their natural teeth for longer than those who use a manual toothbrush. And, other research has shown that electric toothbrush users have healthier gums.
• They teach you to brush better. Some electric toothbrushes have a built-in timer to make sure that you brush for 2 minutes (the recommended length of time for brushing). Others can be connected to an app with games, which teaches kids to brush better while having fun.
• They are worth the cost. While it is true that electric toothbrushes are much more expensive than manual ones, you’ll make up for this cost with fewer dental bills and less time you have to take off of work to have problems taken care of at the dentist.

To really get the most out of the time you spend taking care of your teeth, invest in an electric toothbrush! You’ll notice a difference the first time you use it and you’ll never want to go back to a manual toothbrush. If you have pain in your teeth or gums, or if you just want to show off how clean your teeth are after using an electric toothbrush, schedule a checkup at Avenue Dental. Call the office in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at (734) 484-4710, today!

The team at Avenue Dental wants you to have a healthy, beautiful smile – and they also want to do all they can to make sure that you never have a problem with your oral health that causes you pain or discomfort. Canker sores are little things but they can definitely cause pain! So what are canker sores, and what can you do about them?

What are canker sores?

Canker sores can form on your soft palate, under your tongue, or inside your cheeks or lips. They are painful and annoying but are not contagious. They are yellowish-white ulcers, and they are different than cold sores, which are caused by the herpes virus and are very contagious.

They are very common, and they may be triggered by a few different things, such as: stress; hormone shifts; an iron or other vitamin deficiency; a food sensitivity (some people may notice canker sores after eating eggs, nuts, cheese, or chocolate); an injury to your mouth (such as a sports injury); an irritation to your mouth (such as braces or other dental work rubbing up against your cheek); or they may be caused by a reaction to sodium lauryl sulfate, which is found in mouth rinses and toothpaste. They might also be a sign of an underlying disease or condition, such as celiac disease or HIV/AIDS.

How are canker sores treated?

Most canker sores will go away in 7 to 10 days, which can feel like a long time when you are in pain every time you move your mouth. There are over-the-counter ointments and pain relievers available that can help you to find some relief. A mixture of half hydrogen peroxide and half water dabbed on the canker sore a few times a day can help ease the discomfort and can help your sore to heal a bit faster. However, if you keep getting canker sores, it might be time to see your doctor to determine if there is an underlying cause, such as a vitamin deficiency.

If you need help keeping your mouth healthy and beautiful, contact Avenue Dental. Call the office in Ypsilanti, Michigan, at (734) 484-4710, today!

Are you thinking about getting an oral piercing? They are all the rage nowadays – a piercing through the lip, tongue, or another part of the mouth. However, if you are thinking of getting an oral piercing, there are some things you should be aware of, both for your overall and oral health.

Will an oral piercing damage my teeth?

It is possible that your oral piercing can end up doing damage to your teeth – for example, by causing chips or cracks in the tooth, which can lead to infection if not treated quickly. But an oral piercing can also cause damage to your gums, by rubbing against them and causing them to recede. An oral piercing can also do damage to crowns or other restorations.

Oral piercings can cause other problems, too. They can increase the amount of saliva in your mouth, which can make it difficult to talk, chew, and even swallow. And, they can cause an infection if bacteria gets into your mouth by way of the piercing. In the very worst case scenario, this bacteria can get into your blood stream and cause other health issues, such as endocarditis (inflammation of the heart).

Caring for your oral piercing

If you do decide to get an oral piercing, the most important thing you can do is to keep it clean. Brush and floss thoroughly and often, and make sure you visit your dentist at least twice a year so that he or she can check and make sure that your piercing isn’t causing any problems.

You should also avoid playing with your piercing, putting nonfood items in your mouth (such as pen caps and pencils), and using tobacco products, as these can increase the risk of infection. If you are playing a sport where there is potential for contact with another player, you should take your piercing out before the game, so that it doesn’t get caught on something or end up smashing into your teeth.

Take care of your oral piercing, and take care of your oral health! If you do have any issues with your oral piercing (or even if it is just time for a cleaning), contact Avenue Dental in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Call (734) 484-4710 today!