I love that my family dentist is tech-savvy. It's so easy to book a dentist on his smartphone app if I have a tooth problem or if anyone in my family needs emergency problems (I can choose either my normal dentist or another dentist in his practise depending on availability). He also has some great cameras so that we can see exactly what is going on during treatment. I prefer not to see this, but my kids love to be able to see the dentist using his specialised tools to clean and repair their teeth. This blog has some tips on finding a tech-savvy dentist to help give your family the best possible dental care.
The parts above the gum line of your teeth, commonly referred to as the crown, depend on protective layers for their wellbeing. The roots of the tooth below the gum line also have their line of the defence in the form of cementum. Within the enamel, there is a more delicate part called the dentin with microscopic canals referred to as the dentin tubules. When something damages cementum or the enamel, it exposes the inner layers of the dentin leading to sensitivity. So what are some of the things you are doing to compromise the protective layers on the enamel and the roots? Here is a discussion that will shed some light:
Tooth Grinding
The tooth enamel is as tough as any defensive layer comes, but that does not mean that it is immune to damage. Grinding the tooth is one of the notorious ways of wearing down the enamel. People do it for various reasons, and it is important to identify the things that make you grind your so that you can try and control yourself in such situations. Do you do it when you are angry, nervous or anxious? Can you avert the grinding by involving yourself in some chores or other activities that take your mind off the anxiety? Doing so will keep you from exposing the middle layers of the tooth, preventing sensitivity.
Bad Brushing Habits
Bad brushing habits are another cause for sensitivity. Brushing with lots of force elevates the rate at which the enamel and other protective layers wear off. To add on that, toothbrushes with hard bristles also wear off the enamel and expose the sensitive tubules embedded in the tooth. Switch to a toothbrush that has soft bristles for the best results.
To add on that, you should talk to a dentist on the best patterns to follow when brushing your teeth. For instance, circular motions are ideal for the front incisor teeth while gentle horizontal strokes work well for the premolar and molar teeth at the back of the mouth. Whitening chemicals and compounds are aggressive on the top layers of the tooth to achieve the desired effect. Regular use of these compounds also elevates the risk of sensitivity.
Acidic Foods
Some foods are not good for your teeth as they encourage sensitivity. Acidic foods and additives such as kiwi, grapes, lemon, pickles and tomato sauce encourage the corrosion of the protective layers on the teeth. Avoiding acidic foods or minimising their consumption whenever possible will go a long way in preventing sensitivity.
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