What can you do to manage the sensitivity.

Try to drink through a straw.

If you can’t avoid consuming cold drinks, such as water, juices, or other chilled beverages, use a straw. This bypasses your teeth so that the cold drink goes strength to the back of the mouth. You can be able to avoid the trigger.

Lick your favorite cold dessert.

Eat differently, not by biting or chewing, but by licking your ice cream or sorbet. If you have to chew on a cold salad, use that side of the mouth where you think there is no sensitivity, avoiding the other side. Be sure to cut up your salad into smaller pieces so that it doesn’t take you longer to chew.

Try breathing through your nose and not through your mouth.

A gust of cold air can hurt sensitive teeth, so try to cover your mouth with a handkerchief or a scarf and breath through your nose. Do this especially if you’re outside in cold weather. Avoid getting your teeth exposed.

Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

You still need to keep up with proper oral hygiene despite sensitive teeth. You can reduce tooth sensitivity by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Pick a soft floss that’s gentle on your gums.

^Source

Treatment and More Helpful Tips in Bellevue

If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity to cold, see our Bellevue dentist here at Overlake Dental. Let us help you.

Management Tips From Dentists

Did you feel a sudden jolt in your mouth, a sharp stab that’s inexplicably painful, gone as fast as it came? And you were just taking a bite out of your ice cream. There’s a tooth or teeth somewhere that’s sensitive. What has caused it?

The Enamel

Your tooth’s outer protective covering – the enamel – is compromised. A part of it has worn down or thinned out, so much so that the cold stimulus penetrated the enamel and reached the inside of your tooth. The next layer is the dentin which has many nerve endings that react to the cold. Cold foods, drinks, or even a cold burst of air can irritate the nerves, This is what is known as tooth sensitivity.

What can you do to manage the sensitivity.

You should go see your dentist for consultation. But if that isn’t an option just yet, here are some dentist-approved tips to deal with cold sensitivity triggers on a daily basis.

Read Part Two

^Source

The Dilemma of DIY Teeth Whitening

People resort to teeth whitening products in 3 ways: via the dentist, dispensed by the dentist to use at home, and over-the-counter products or made at home products without the oversight of the dentist. If you should opt for over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits (or via DIY method), which are plenty at drugstores and supermarkets, are you concerned about their safety? Can they cause teeth sensitivity?

Most whitening kits can be effective, depending on what you’re using it for. Is it for staining, discoloration? What level of whitening is the goal? Instructions should be carefully followed. All teeth whiteners contain the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide (which is much stronger) or carbamide peroxide.

Teeth Sensitivity

According to dental experts, teeth whitening kits are generally safe. There may be potential sensitivities, which are transient, especially if a combination of over-the-counter and dentist-dispensed whitening kits is used. The peroxide-based gel bleaches the stains on the tooth surface as well as stains deeper inside which causes the sensitivity. If the gums get in contact with the peroxide, there will also be sensitivity. The sensitivity will normally subside within a few days.

If you are already experiencing tooth sensitivity, teeth whitening may not be an option. Those who are susceptible to sensitivity, because gum recession is already present, or worn enamel has been detected, you will only increase your chances for sensitivity by using a teeth-whitening kit. It is still best to see your dentist, ask for a recommendation, before you start your DIY teeth whitening plans.

With that said, professional teeth whitening offers more advantages than using DIY whitening kits. Performed by a dentist, the process removes the uncertainty and discomfort of over-the-counter kits. Treatment in-office is more comfortable, customizable, and thorough. While the DIY option may be a lot cheaper, the benefits of professional whitenings are more cost-effective in the long run.

^Source

Safe and Sure Teeth Whitening in Bellevue

When you are considering professional teeth whitening with minimum to no tooth sensitivity, come by Overlake Dental and ask your Bellevue dentist.

Is your toothbrush clean?

Have you been using it for a long time? Sometimes we don’t bother to clean our brushes. It must be cleaned after every use, or you will just spread the old bacteria on your teeth and gums the next time you use it. After you clean it, allow it to dry and not seal or cover it. It will enable bacteria to build up. Then, please change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if you observed frayed bristles. Toothbrushes have expiration dates, too. Also, have a change of toothbrush after you have recovered from an illness.

Mouthwashes are Helpful

They are not only great breath fresheners, but also have oral health-boosting abilities. Some mouthwashes are special; they can help strengthen your enamel, reduce plaque formation, and fight off gingivitis. Ask your dentist about therapeutic mouthwashes. Some mouthwashes may have too much alcohol; ask your dentist about that too. They can dry your mouth.

Bellevue Dentistry: Not Missing On The Details

Know more about daily oral health tips from your Bellevue dentist. Here at Overlake Dental in Bellevue, we treat and give tips as well.

^Source

Good Oral Hygiene Routine

While most people know that brushing and flossing every day are part of a good oral hygiene routine, there are other details that may seem insignificant but are part and parcel of keeping teeth and gums healthy. We ought to be aware about these ‘little things.’ Here’s what we’re talking about.

Healthy Tongue

You have to keep your tongue healthy, too. The tongue must be one of the filthiest places. It is a reservoir for food debris, bacteria and cells of all types. If debris is allowed to build up on your tongue, it may alter your sense of taste, cause a foul smelling odor, and may lead to development of cavities on teeth, as well gingivitis of the gums. Clean your gums regularly by brushing; you can use the same toothbrush. Or you can use a tongue scraper, which is also commercially available.

Are you using the right toothbrush type?

Because it matters. There are so many types, but some are better than others. Use one with a small head that can comfortably reach your back teeth. They must have soft bristles; don’t go for the hard-bristled brushes because they can scrape enamel off your teeth and hurt your soft gums as well. Electric toothbrushes are even better. With thousands of oscillations per minute, they clean more effectively. They are safe and convenient to use, and can warn you if you are brushing too hard. When shopping for toothbrushes, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

^Source