Training the Untrained Eye for Cavities

While there are plenty of visual and physical signs that can help you identify if there is a presence of a cavity or possibly something else, only a dentist can tell you for sure. Know the signs to watch out for, and when you experience them get yourself to see your dentist as soon as you can. Here are five of the most common signs and symptoms that may indicate you are dealing with a cavity or cavities.

A toothache. There may be pain, though in some instances, there isn’t any pain symptom. However, this doesn’t mean there is no cavity presence. Cavities are most often caused by acid, created when bacteria ferment carbohydrates from the food we eat. Acid attacks the enamel, weakening it over time enabling plaque formation, and eventually cavities form. These holes can burrow deep, causing toothache.

Pain while eating. Cavities are open holes that may burrow deep into the tooth and allowing bits of food and the acidity of beverages to come in contact with the sensitive layers of the teeth – such as the dentin and the pulp. If it gets to this point, the affected tooth will hurt a lot, especially when it gets pushed down on while eating.

Sensitive teeth. You might be caught unaware when your usually strong and hard teeth develop sensitivity to the food you‘ve been eating or the drinks you used to enjoy. If you develop sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods that you didn’t have sensitivity to before, you may be feeling the effects of a cavity. If cavities are ignored long enough or progressed without treatment, then your teeth are already telling you that there’s a cavity or cavities somewhere. The sensitivity has been triggered by the change in temperature or the sweetness or acidity of your food and drink intake. 

Discolored tooth. A tooth with a cavity may look discolored, with a particularly dark area on a white surface. It can be indistinguishable as cavities start out as white. Then gradually they start to darken looking like black spots or holes in your teeth. A visit to your dentist can stop the progress before they get worse.

Thus, even if you’re not a dentist, when you experience any of these aforementioned symptoms, you can certainly be sure, you’re dealing with a cavity. The next best move – is to see your dentist soonest.

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Visit us in Lynnwood

If you should experience a toothache, pain on biting down, sensitive or a discolored tooth, see us at Song Dental. Know more about cavities and how to avoid them.

Dentist’s Tips to Resolve Sensitivity 

When you’ve just had a dental filling, it may be possible to experience tooth sensitivity. While that’s a normal, post-filling sensitivity, a dentist may recommend some relief tips to make the sensitivity bearable. For example, your dentist may prescribe the use of a desensitizing toothpaste.

Desensitizing toothpaste contain an ingredient called potassium nitrate that helps stop the sensations on the surface of the tooth from reaching the nerve endings inside. These type of products do not work immediately, but you should notice some degree of relief within several days if you use the toothpaste twice a day.

You might also like to try other methods at home to help relieve tooth sensitivity.

For example, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen whenever you feel the sensitivity, or use a topical numbing ointment for use in the mouth. Get a toothbrush for sensitive teeth; they’re softer than standard and will be less harsh on the enamel. Brush with gentle, circular strokes on teeth and gums. Do not scrub back and forth or use aggressive pushing of the brush on the teeth. Do not try whitening toothpaste and products, which can make sensitivity worse. Of course you must floss also, but be gentle on the gums and teeth.

Be mindful about what you eat and drink. Very hot or very cold drinks can trigger sensitivity or make it worse. After consuming acidic foods or drinks, such as coffee and fruits, always remember to rinse your mouth out with water. Acid is harmful to the enamel and makes it more sensitive. Avoid brushing the teeth immediately after eating acidic foods, as it may remove more of the enamel.

If tooth sensitivity does not improve in the days following a filling, talk to a dentist. It is essential that the dentist rules out other potential causes of sensitivity that may not be related to the filling. If the sensitivity develops later, such as within a few weeks or months after a dental procedure, it could be due to tooth abscess or gum disease.

You should see your dentist right away if the sensitivity worsens, makes it difficult for you to eat, or if you experience other symptoms, such as a toothache, redness or fever.

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Just A Visit Away in Lynnwood

When you should experience tooth sensitivity after you’ve had a tooth filling with us, visit right away or call. Sensitivity after a filling procedure is normal and easily manageable, here in Lynnwood.

Unlearning What You’ve Learned

You may not realize it, but what your parents may have told you about oral health may just be myths. You might want to check it out because with all the technology of this era, they don’t hold true any more. Let’s look at some of them here.

Dental Care Misconception #1

The harder you brush the better for you. Brushing harder and faster is not the best way to care for teeth. Hard brushing or using an abrasive toothbrush as medium to firm, will harm the enamel layer of teeth that protects the sensitive layers underneath. This will cause the enamel to be brittle or to weaken, leading to cavities and decay. Slow, circular motions, with gentle pressure and a soft-bristled toothbrush is best.

Dental Care Misconception #2

Brush immediately after every meal. Certainly, but wait at least 30 minutes before you do. Your saliva is the best countermeasure versus the acid in the food you eat.

Brushing immediately after eating will only spread the acid across your tooth surfaces. You can also gargle with water to wash off excess acid in the mouth, wait 30 minutes, then proceed to brushing.

Dental Care Misconception #3

Rinse your mouth well after brushing teeth. Actually, not rinsing after brushing is best. You may be rinsing off the fluoride in the toothpaste you used when it is the real ingredient that protects your enamel from tooth decay.

Washing it off by a vigorous rinse is countering the beneficial effects. So try not to rinse off so well, let a little toothpaste stay with just a swish of water briefly.

Dental Care Misconception #4

Sugar is the main culprit for tooth decay. Sugar is destructive, but it isn’t the main perpetrator. Dental plaque allows bacteria to flourish that result to cavities.

The foods that play the biggest role in tooth decay are those that cling to your teeth for a long time – such as milk, ice cream, honey, sugar, soda, dried fruit, cake, cookies, hard candy and mints, dry cereal, and chips.

The sugars and starches from these foods remain on teeth after inadequate brushing. Over time, acids in the plaque wear away minerals in tooth enamel and leave holes susceptible to attack by bacteria and acid.

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Dental Care in Lynnwood

Stay up to date on what’s true and what’s not. Always free free to ask questions. Visit Song Dental Center and know more about oral health.

Dentist’s Tips to Resolve Tooth Sensitivity

When you’ve just had a dental filling, it may be possible to experience tooth sensitivity. While that’s a normal, post-filling sensitivity, a dentist may recommend some relief tips to make the sensitivity bearable. For example, your dentist may prescribe the use of a desensitizing toothpaste.

Desensitizing toothpaste contain an ingredient called potassium nitrate that helps stop the sensations on the surface of the tooth from reaching the nerve endings inside. These type of products do not work immediately, but you should notice some degree of relief within several days if you use the toothpaste twice a day.

You might also like to try other methods at home to help relieve tooth sensitivity.

For example, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen whenever you feel the sensitivity, or use a topical numbing ointment for use in the mouth.

Get a toothbrush for sensitive teeth; they’re softer than standard and will be less harsh on the enamel. Brush with gentle, circular strokes on teeth and gums. Do not scrub back and forth or use aggressive pushing of the brush on the teeth. Do not try whitening toothpaste and products, which can make sensitivity worse. Of course you must floss also, but be gentle on the gums and teeth.

Hot and Cold Drinks

Be mindful about what you eat and drink. Very hot or very cold drinks can trigger sensitivity or make it worse. After consuming acidic foods or drinks, such as coffee and fruits, always remember to rinse your mouth out with water. Acid is harmful to the enamel and makes it more sensitive. Avoid brushing the teeth immediately after eating acidic foods, as it may remove more of the enamel.

If tooth sensitivity does not improve in the days following a filling, talk to a dentist. It is essential that the dentist rules out other potential causes of sensitivity that may not be related to the filling. If the sensitivity develops later, such as within a few weeks or months after a dental procedure, it could be due to tooth abscess or gum disease.

You should see your dentist right away if the sensitivity worsens, makes it difficult for you to eat, or if you experience other symptoms, such as a toothache, redness or fever.

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Just A Visit Away in Lynnwood

When you should experience tooth sensitivity after you’ve had a tooth filling, free feel to contact us. Sensitivity after a filling procedure is normal and easily manageable, here at Song Dental in Lynnwood.

Preventive Ways for Tooth Decay

There are many ways to prevent cavity-formation, but they require discipline. It can be overwhelming, but a comprehensive oral hygiene routine is what it takes to keep cavities and decay at bay. Once it becomes a habit, it becomes a part of you and should be a breeze.  Here are the core tools to incorporate into your daily routine to help prevent cavities.

You need a toothbrush. Look carefully to find a toothbrush that can reach all the surfaces of your teeth. Depending on the size of your mouth, small to medium head size of the brush should do. Choose one with soft bristles, that can also massage gums, and a firm handle. Find a brush that includes a textured tongue cleaner, as you also need to clean the surface of your tongue.

You need an ADA-approved toothpaste. They usually come with fluoride, that is a crucial component for oral health. Fluoride is well-studied to help the mineralization of teeth, strengthening enamel and preventing cavity formation. Apart from it, look for ingredients also that say they can fight gingivitis and plaque; they can whiten teeth and provide fresh breath. 

You need dental floss. Flossing on a regular basis is very important, at least once daily, and it is as important as brushing. Flossing removes food debris in between teeth that toothbrushes cannot reach.   By removing food particles from your teeth, flossing can help prevent dental cavities.

You need mouthwash. Therapeutic mouthwashes kill bacteria that can cause plaque and gingivitis. It can also leave your mouth feeling clean and your breath fresh. If you don’t like the burning sensation of alcohol, you can opt for alcohol-free mouth rinse.

You must also establish an oral hygiene routine. You can brush your teeth after each meal, or as recommended. Twice daily is fine also. Limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks which is plaque-forming especially if your intake is frequent, or you allow them to linger long in your mouth.

Eat healthy foods and snacks that are low in sugar and acids. Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleaning and checkup at least every 6 months.

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Learning More in Lynnwood

When you visit Song Dental in Lynnwood you’ll find more about cavities, causes and symptoms and the best ways to prevent them. We are one of your best options for a great oral hygiene routine.

What’s Going On When There’s Sensitivity? 

Dental fillings are one of the safest and most effective options for treating cavities or dental decay. However, some patients might experience discomfort or tooth sensitivity afterwards. In most cases that is normal and the sensitivity resolves in a few days. You must inform your dentist if there is extreme pain, or if discomfort occurs with other symptoms, such as fever, redness, or swelling.

When you have just had a dental filling and after some time you feel the tooth has become quite sensitive, know what triggered such a reaction. It can be one or more of the following factors. 

Hot & Cold Drinks and Food

Have you had cold foods or drinks, such as ice cream, popsicles, or beverages with ice, or was it hot drinks, such as coffee or tea? Air might be hitting the tooth, such as when breathing through the mouth, which may be worse with cold air. Did you have something sweet, such as candy, or acidic foods and drinks, including fruit, juice, and coffee? Did you bite down on the tooth while eating.

Some sensitivity after a tooth filling is normal and temporary. However, sensitivity after a filling is due to other causes that need treatment or repair. Some possible reasons explain this, such as an irritated nerve. The procedure might have aggravated or caused inflammation in the nerve inside the tooth. The filling might have been too deep and caused irritation. As the nerve heals, the sensitivity resolves in a few days or even weeks.

Bite Misalignment

Another is incorrect bite alignment, as the filling might be too tall. It is quite normal to experience some minor sensitivity when biting down on the tooth following the procedure. Typically, the bite will correct itself within a few weeks. If sensitivity is severe, one must see the dentist to check the bite. It may be needed to smooth down the high point of the filling to properly fit the bite and eliminate discomfort.

Inflammation of the Pulp

Another reason is inflammation of the pulp- or pulpitis. It may be due to trauma, such as from an accident that resulted in a cracked or broken tooth, the cavity was very deep that it reached the inner pulp layer, or the tooth has undergone multiple fillings or procedures. A dentist can usually resolve pulpitis with a new filling or a restorative procedure, such as a root canal. You may also need to take antibiotics to clear any bacterial infection.

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Understanding Filling-Related Sensitivity in Lynnwood

Sensitivity after a dental filling procedure is understandable and is still a safe option for many. Don’t worry too much about filling-related sensitivity, they can always be resolved with care, here in Lynnwood.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact our office.

Is Sparkling Water Better than Regular Water?

Sparkling water is just the craze today. Everybody seems to love sparkling water, perhaps convinced that it is better than ordinary water, which is somewhat acidic. What does the American Dental Association, or the ADA, have to say about that?

Some dentists say sparkling water, per se, should not be harmful to teeth, A recent study revealed that certain brands of the modern drink has a pH of 5, putting it in the acidic department. Many dental experts claimed, and the ADA as well, what they already knew all along, that sparkling water is generally more acidic than regular water that has a pH of 7.

However, though ADA has no research of late to prove that drinking normal amounts of sparkling water is dangerous to the enamel, it does not mean it will cause any harm. Acidity is harmful to the enamel and drinking exclusively sparkling water may prove perilous to the teeth. Many brands of sparkling water are infused with sugar, too, which if exclusively drank can increase the risk of cavities.

Some experts say that apart from the natural acidity of sparkling water some brands have added citrus-flavors which lowers the pH more and which can potentially damage tooth enamel. Citric acid is specifically responsible for enamel erosion, ADA says. The body recommends that if people should opt to hydrate themselves with citrus-flavored sparkling water, it better be drank in one serving rather than have it sip throughout the day, exposing teeth to the continuous onslaught of acid.

ADA recommends drinking fluoridated tap water in addition to sparkling water. But overall, people can enjoy normal amounts of sparkling water without worrying about their teeth.

There is one major exception, though. If you suffer from dry mouth syndrome,  where production of saliva is decreased, plus you drink a lot of sparkling water (worst if you prefer the citrus-flavored varieties), it will tend to exacerbate the already acidic environment of the oral cavity. All the more will your mouth become dry and increase the risk for cavities.

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Ask Our Lynnwood Dentist

Lynnwood dentistry says that it’s alright to enjoy sparkling water every now and then. Your natural, fluoridated water is most recommended for healthier teeth.

Dry Mouth: Causes, Symptoms, and Relief Tips

When there’s persistent lack of saliva in the mouth, it’s a condition called ‘xerostomia’ or ‘dry mouth’. If individuals do not have enough saliva they are unable to keep their mouths hydrated, leading to an environment that is prone to many oral issues.

Dry mouth is more prevalent in the aging population. Symptoms include cracked lips, bad breath, and sticky saliva. Spicy foods and sugary drinks should be avoided as these exacerbate the dryness and make the oral cavity more prone to inflammation and infection.

What causes ‘dry mouth’?

Many medications can cause dry mouth, including antihistamines, decongestants, antihypertensives, antidiarrheals, muscle relaxants, urinary continence drugs; also some but not all of these meds can cause dry mouth – Parkinson’s disease drugs and antidepressants. It may also mean that older persons experience dry mouth syndrome due to the medications they take, and not necessarily due to aging. Cancer treatment, like radiotherapy to the head and neck, can also damage the salivary glands, decrease production or alter the nature. Surgery or any injury to the head and neck can also result in dry mouth.

Use of tobacco products also increases risk of dry mouth symptoms. Not drinking enough fluids, water especially, can dehydrate the mouth. Exposure to heat or exercising for extended periods can cause the salivary glands to dry up as bodily fluids are concentrated elsewhere in the body. There are some health conditions, illnesses, and habits can cause dry mouth, such as: anxiety disorders and depression, snoring or sleeping with open mouths, poorly controlled diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.

When you have dry mouth, watch out for the following symptoms: bad breath, taste disorders, painful tongue, fungal infections of the mouth (like thrush), inflammation and fissuring of the lips, cracking and fissuring of the inner lining of the cheeks and lips, and soreness or splitting of the corners of the mouth.

How do you relieve the symptoms of dry mouth?

Firstly, hydration is key. Apart from drinking water, sipping non-carbonated, sugar-free fluids will be sufficient hydration; also eat carrots or celery. Choose gum that contains xylitol or a saliva substitute (carboxymethyl cellulose) as a mouthwash. But avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol. Breath through the nose rather than via the mouth. Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol, spicy, sugary, acidic, and dry foods.

Dealing with Dry Mouth in Lynnwood

If you think you are bothered with dry mouth, all you have to do is come to us for a consultation and we’ll take a look and see the causes and understand its other symptoms.