It’s a terrible feeling to have pain in your teeth whenever you eat ice cream, drink hot coffee, or try to enjoy a cool beverage. The pain that you are feeling may be the result of sensitive teeth. You may be wondering what causes sensitive teeth? Teeth may become sensitive for a number of different reasons.

Worn and Damaged Tooth Enamel

The inside portion of each tooth is made of a material called dentin. The dentin is covered by a layer of enamel that protects the dentin and the nerve endings. If the enamel of a tooth is worn down or damaged, hot or cold food and beverages can make contact with the dentin resulting in pain. The tooth enamel can be worn and damaged for several different reasons. If you brush too hard or in the wrong way, damage to the enamel may result. If you consume a lot of acidic foods or beverages, these can wear down the enamel over time. Some people have a habit of grinding their teeth during the day and night. This can damage the teeth and cause the dentin to become exposed.

Receding Gums

Receding gums are a major reason for the teeth becoming sensitive. When the gums recede, the dentin can be exposed leading to pain from hot or cold food and beverages. One reason that the gums recede is due to age. As you get older, your gums will naturally recede to a certain degree. Poor oral hygiene is a major factor in receding gums. If you don’t practice good oral hygiene, the gums can become inflamed and painful. Over time, the gums will begin to pull away from the teeth and recede. This will lead to sensitive teeth, but it may lead to more serious dental issues in the future. In order to keep gums from receding, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Flossing every day is also essential. Teeth and gums should be cleaned at least every six months by a dental professional.

Tooth Decay

When teeth develop cavities, they can become very sensitive. Teeth that have infected roots will be extremely sensitive, and treatment will be needed immediately.

Contact Mountain View Dental Regarding Sensitive Teeth

If you are experiencing sensitivity in your teeth when you eat or drink, contact Mountain View Dental today. We have a comfortable office, and our dental professionals are knowledgeable about what causes sensitive teeth and the latest treatments for sensitive teeth. Schedule an appointment today, and find help for your painful and sensitive teeth.

Whether you’re trying to teach your kids how to take good care of their teeth, or you’re trying to pick up some pointers for yourself, you’ve come to the right place to learn about some of the best food for healthy teeth and gums. You always hear about what not to eat and drink to protect your teeth — things like raisins, candy, soda, ice cream and even coffee. But what types of food should you eat? Below are some oral health and nutrition tips you can start using right away. Start munching on these foods to improve your dental health a little every day.

Foods and Beverages High in Calcium

To keep your teeth strong for years to come, it’s important that you include plenty of calcium in your diet. Supplementing with calcium tablets and multivitamins can be helpful, but getting your calcium from the regular foods in your diet is even better. Here’s a list of some foods and beverages that are high in calcium. Be sure to consume one or more of these every day, if not in every meal. – milk – cheese – yogurt – broccoli – raw or roasted nuts – beans and lentils – tofu – orange juice fortified with calcium – plant-based milk fortified with calcium

best food for healthy teeth and gums vegetables

Juicy Fruits and Vegetables

Another excellent choice for building strong teeth and healthy gums are foods with high water volume. These would include fruits and veggies like apples, lettuce, celery, cucumbers, watermelon, and pears. Foods that have a high water content help to wash away the bits of food that stick to your teeth and gums. These food particles act as a food source for the harmful bacteria that live in your mouth and damage your teeth, so removing their primary food source is a step in the right direction. These fibrous foods also have a scrubbing effect on your teeth, assuming you bite into them rather than simply having them cut up into small pieces. For example, when biting into an apple, you can sometimes feel the fruit’s flesh rubbing your teeth clean as you chew.

Sugar-Free Snacks and Drinks

Since reducing sugary foods and drinks is a great way to protect your teeth, it stands to reason that replacing those items with sugar-free versions can help prolong the life of your teeth. There are plenty of sugar-free gum, mints, and snack foods on the market today. Sugar-free drinks and sodas are also a better choice than their sugary counterparts. Best of all are natural foods and beverages that contain no sugar such as water, veggie juices, tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, carrots, and celery sticks. Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Most of the battle is won by simply brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals and snacks. But eating the best food for healthy teeth and gums and avoiding high-sugar and high-carb foods and drinks also has a place too. Memorize the foods and drinks listed above and make sure to stock up on them the next time you head to the grocery store. If you are interested in learning more about proper oral health care or have any questions, reach out to Mountain View Dental. We have a comfortable and professional office and a team who is always willing to help you feel your best about your smile. Schedule an appointment today.

If you’ve ever had a cavity (as most of us have), you have probably received a dental filling. A dental filling is one of the most common dental procedures out there, yet most patients have a limited understanding of how a dental filling is made.

Why Might I Need a Dental Filling?

The process is carried out when a patient is found to have dental decay. Decay often results when an individual fails to clean their teeth properly after sugary meals. Dentists stress on cleaning your teeth to avoid the formation of plaque. Most recommend brushing after every meal, while others suggest at least twice a day. The plaque that accumulates on your teeth forms an acid that can eventually destroy your teeth. Dental decays result in the formation of small holes on the teeth. When you visit a dentist, they remove the decayed part and fill it with some materials that you may prefer. Fillings are also done when teeth are broken or get cracks from inappropriate use such as biting hard objects.

How a Dental Filling is Made

The process of filling the teeth involves several steps. First, the dentist will administer anesthetic on the affected part of the mouth to numb it. They will use tools such as drills or lasers to remove the part of the tooth that has decayed. Different specialists will use different tools depending on the patient’s preference, their training, or the location of the decay. The next step involves testing the success of the exercise. After ascertaining that the decay has been removed, the dentist will clean the area to get rid of bacteria or any debris in preparation for filling. Depending on the location of the decay, the doctor will use certain items such as liners to ensure that your nerves are not affected. At the end of the filling, polishing is done on the filled area.

Types of Fillings

The process may differ depending on your personal preferences. When you choose colored fillings, the material is applied in layers. A special light is then used to harden it. The layers are then shaped depending on your preferences by trimming the teeth to remove the excess filling materials. There are several types of materials used today. The most common ones are gold, porcelain, glass, or plastic. The cost varies depending on your choice. The dentist will use a material based on factors such as the location of the affected area, the extent, or the provisions of your insurance policy. Different materials have different merits and demerits. Some people prefer gold fillings due to their durability and strength. The material can last for as long as 15 years.; it may even last longer. Unlike some materials, gold does not rust. Other patients may prefer gold as it’s more attractive. However, the application of the material for a dental filling can be very painful and is more expensive than the others. Silver materials are also durable and strong, and their duration is also estimated to be about 15 years. It is less expensive compared to others. Some people may not go for the silver materials as the teeth may lose their natural color. It is a painful experience as some parts of the tooth may be removed to create some space for the filling. The other common materials include ceramics and glass. The dentist may also recommend the use of temporary fillings in cases where they require to see the patient later.

Personalized Dental Fillings

If you have a toothache and believe you are in need of a dental filling, contact Mountain View Dental to discuss your options. The team at Mountain View takes priority in offering a personalized and professional dental experience. Call 385-324-3557 with any questions you have or to schedule an appointment.

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Worn and Damaged Tooth Enamel

Receding Gums

Tooth Decay

Contact Mountain View Dental Regarding Sensitive Teeth

Foods and Beverages High in Calcium

Juicy Fruits and Vegetables

Sugar-Free Snacks and Drinks

Why Might I Need a Dental Filling?

How a Dental Filling is Made

Types of Fillings

Personalized Dental Fillings

Dentist Office

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