Sometimes a tooth can become fractured, which can result in serious decay and may eventually call for a root canal. Unfortunately, you may have a fractured tooth without even realizing it.

Possible Symptoms of a Fractured Tooth

Fractured teeth may feel perfectly natural to the touch, and possibly not exhibit any symptoms until they become infected. However, you can remain vigilant for a fractured tooth by looking out for the following signs:

• Erratic pain that accompanies chewing.
• Pain, swelling, or pocketing in the gums.
• Pain that results from changes in temperature, particularly cold temperatures.
• A rough or sharp feeling on one of your teeth.

If you think you may have a fractured tooth, it is important to bring it up to your dentist as soon as possible. Make an appointment at Song Dental before the damage can progress any further.

Tooth Whitening

A lot has been said about the use of bleaching agents on the enamel of your teeth. Some people are afraid that a tooth whitening treatment, like those offered by our Lynnwood dentistry clinic, might be breaking down the fragile minerals that protect you from cavities. Fortunately, a recent scientific study has shed some light on this issue that should serve to put your worries to rest.

According to researchers from the São Leopoldo Mandic Institute and Research Center in Brazil, in-office tooth whitening procedures do not have any effect on the concentration of calcium and phosphorus on the surface of a patient’s tooth enamel. These conclusions were drawn from a study wherein a number of people were subjected to different levels of bleaching gels, which showed no significant difference between those who had undergone bleaching and those who had not.

Consult with our Lynnwood Dentist

This only applies to professional whitening procedures, though, as certain home-whitening products proved to be a little more harmful. Further study is required on the topic but, until such study can be conducted, come to Song Dental Center for all of your whitening needs.

Could your dentist one day replace your missing tooth with a real, organic tooth derived from your own genes? If a certain research team has its way, dental patients may soon have this option. Though the science is still in its early stages, a London-based group has exhibited some success is growing “test-tube teeth” from stem cells. The hope is that a dentist may be able to clone a patient’s tooth and implant it into his or her mouth, where it can take nutrients from your mouth and behave exactly like one of your original teeth.

Until this technology becomes available, our Lynnwood dentistry clinic offers many good options for replacing a missing tooth. Contact us to learn more about dentures, implants, bridgework, and more.

If you’re taking proper care of your teeth, you should be brushing them about seven hundred times every year. The trace amounts of toothpaste that you swallow can therefore add up. So, what could be in your toothpaste that might be doing you harm? What follows are some of the more potentially detrimental ingredients commonly found in toothpaste:

Blue Dye No. 2: The Center for Science in the Public Interest cautions that this coloring agent may be related to learning and behavioral issues or allergies.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: This chemical can be aggravating to skin, causing irritation and canker sores.
Triclosan: The possible effects of this chemical are not well understood, and the Environmental Protection Agency says that more research is needed.
Hydrated Silica: A common abrasive, hydrated silica can wear down your enamel.

If you require help choosing an appropriate toothpaste, consult our Lynnwood dentistry clinic.

If somebody asked you what kind of foods will rot your teeth, you’ll probably know to list items like soda and candy. However, would you have guessed that pickles may also be responsible for breaking down your tooth enamel? Indeed, in a 2004 study conducted on the eating habits of British teenagers, it was determined that the pickles they ate were the solid food most responsible for excessive tooth wear.

The problem with pickled food is that it relies upon acidic materials like vinegar to complete the pickling process. This same acid compromises your enamel, leaving you vulnerable to decay. Of course, this is probably only going to be a problem if you have a habit of eating a significant number of pickles more than once a day, so don’t worry too much about putting the occasional dil chip on your burger.

For additional help managing your tooth decay, consult our Lynnwood dentistry clinic.

Do you have a favorite mouthwash? Religiously rinsing with Listerine, Crest Pro-Health, or another leading wash is a good way to ensure better visits at our Lynnwood dentistry clinic. Unfortunately, if you tend to favor one and only one rinse, you might not be getting the full effect anymore.

This is according to a study conducted by Clinical Research Associates. Researchers observed that the bacteria in your mouth can gradually build up a resistance to your mouthwash. You can avoid this by rotating your mouthwash every two or three months. Try to find a second product that uses a different active ingredient than your favored rinse, and switch back and forth periodically.

If you have asthma, you’ll want to put particular focus into your oral health. This is a condition that leaves you more susceptible to tooth decay, due largely to its tendency to dry out your mouth. Many people with asthma develop a bad habit of breathing through their mouths, and asthma medication often serves to dry out your mouth all the more. Since saliva plays a valuable part in keeping your teeth and gums clean, this encourages both bacterial and fungal infections.

Be sure to inform our Lynnwood dentistry clinic if you suffer from asthma, particularly if you have dental anxiety. With this in mind, we can take measures to keep you comfortable and avoid triggering an asthma attack during your visits.

Do you ever feel a burning sensation on your tongue or the inside of your mouth? This is called burning mouth syndrome, or occasionally burning tongue syndrome. It often comes with dry mouth or a metallic taste in your mouth, and can be aggravated by hot or spicy foods. Causes of this condition come in many forms, including a vitamin B12 deficiency, menopause, a yeast infection in the mouth, or irritation from dentures or similar objects.

If you are experiencing burning mouth syndrome, consult the dentist at our Lynnwood dentistry clinic to explore your problem and discuss possible solutions.