Oral Health

4 Causes of Gum Pain

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Many people think that it’s normal for gums to hurt or bleed during brushing or flossing. However, that’s a pretty big misconception. Whenever your gums bleed or are painful, whether this occurs while brushing or not, it’s usually a sign that you should see your dentist in Lewisburg. Even though gum pain may be nothing more than a temporary minor issue, there is a chance that it may be a sign of something more serious. Let’s take a look at some causes of gum pain. 

  • Canker Sores

Canker sores can pop up in various places in your mouth, including your gum tissue. They can seem to come out of nowhere and can be painful, as well as annoying. A canker sore can appear either red or red with a white coating. They’re different from a cold sore in that they aren’t contagious, but they can raise concern. Not to worry, canker sores are usually no big deal and should go away on their own within 7-14 days. However, if a canker sore doesn’t disappear, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lewisburg. 

  • Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious health condition that, if left untreated, can lead to death. However, oftentimes oral cancer treatment is very successful, but it’s key that you catch it early. Remember when we said that if you have a canker sore that doesn’t go away you should call your dentist in Lewisburg? Oral cancer is why we highly recommend that. Oral cancer can initially appear as a tiny sore, but unlike a canker sore, oral cancer doesn’t go away. Oral cancer can affect any of the soft tissues in the mouth, including the gums, so if you’re experiencing gum pain along with a sore, see your dentist. 

  • Minor Burns

You know that feeling when you’re so hungry you just can’t wait for that delicious pizza to cool off before taking a bite? Do you know the feeling that comes after that, the “oh, hot, hot, hot” feeling? Well, those impatient bites of super-hot food can cause minor burns to the roof of the mouth, as well as the gums. These burns can result in temporary gum pain. This type of gum pain usually isn’t something to worry about and will heal on its own. But in the future, we recommend taking it slowly and letting your food cool a bit before eating it. 

  • Gum Disease

Perhaps the most common explanation to gum pain is gum disease. Gum disease is usually categorized by red, swollen, painful gums that bleed while brushing and flossing. If not treated, gum disease will progress to more severe stages and cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. This can eventually cause teeth to fall out. But that’s not all. Gum disease has also been linked to other problems throughout the body including an increased risk for heart disease, kidney disease, and certain cancers. 

Gum pain may be no cause for concern, but if it doesn’t go away or is chronic, you should schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lewisburg as soon as you can so that we can find the underlying cause behind your pain and recommend the best treatment for you. 

Accepting new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby communities.

Migraines & Dentistry 

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An estimated 39 million Americans suffer from headaches or migraines regularly. That’s about 12% of our population that experience these often debilitating, painful, and difficult-to-treat neurological conditions. However, even though this is such a widespread problem, there’s still the need for more research to determine just what causes a headache or migraine, how to prevent them and treat them, and eventually, how to cure them. That’s why every June, medical professionals, including your dentist in Lewisburg, join together to raise awareness and increase education about headaches and migraines during National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month. 

How to Differentiate Between a Headache and Migraine 

Oftentimes, the terms headache and migraine are used interchangeably. However, they are technically two separate conditions and present themselves with similar, yet different, symptoms. Both conditions involve pain in the head and it can either be a throbbing or dull pain in both. But there are a few differences in other symptoms that can help identify whether you have a headache or a migraine.  

Headache Symptoms

  • Pain is usually spread throughout the head
  • Pain remains consistent and doesn’t tend to worsen with activity
  • Usually has the feeling of constant pressure 
  • Symptoms are localized to only the head

Migraine Symptoms

  • Pain usually affects one side of the head more than the other, but not always
  • Sensitivity to light and noise
  • Blurry vision
  • Nausea
  • Aura symptoms such as blind spots, zig-zag lines, or shimmery, glowy patches

Are Migraines and Headaches Related to Dentistry? 

We know that it may seem odd to have your dentist in Lewisburg talk about conditions that seemingly only affect the head, but the truth is, there may be a connection between chronic headaches and migraines and dentistry. After all, the head is connected to the neck which is connected to the jaw, and there are muscle groups connected to each, so it’s certainly worth a closer look. 

Numerous studies have shown a potential correlation between a poor bite as well as habitually grinding or clenching teeth and an increased risk of chronic headaches or migraines. When someone has a poor bite or constantly grinds their teeth together, the muscles in the jaw joint are under constant and abnormal pressure and may cause a painful condition known as TMD (or TMJ). But the pain may not end at the jaw joint alone. As we’ve mentioned earlier, the head, neck, and jaw are all connected through a complex system of muscles, so when pain affects one section, it can also spread to affect other areas, such as the head. The theory researchers are studying regularly is that this constant muscular pressure may just cause certain headaches or migraines. 

We always encourage migraine and headache sufferers to talk with their primary care physician, as well as their dentist in Lewisburg, to see if their pain may be caused, or a least exacerbated by, something related to their oral health. Additionally, there is no concrete cause of migraines or headaches, so intervention from your medical team is necessary to diagnose just what may be causing your individual migraines or headaches in order to determine how to treat them effectively. 

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas. 

What You Need to Know About Xylitol

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We all know that your dentist in Lewisburg really dislikes sugar. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to pass up treating yourself to something sweet. While we’re all pretty familiar with the numerous sugar substitutes available to us, we want to pay particular attention to one that may actually benefit your oral health as opposed to damaging it — xylitol. 

What is Xylitol?
Xylitol looks like sugar and tastes like sugar, but there are a few key differences between the two. For example, Xylitol is lower in calories than sugar and also doesn’t increase blood sugar levels the same way sugar does. This combination makes xylitol better for your body and overall health — and you don’t need to sacrifice taste! Xylitol is natural, as it’s found in some fruits and vegetables, and your body produces a small amount of it during digestion. But its benefits don’t stop there. As your dentist in Lewisburg knows, xylitol can also help improve and protect your oral health.  

How Does Xylitol Improve Oral Health? 
Everyone has bacteria in their mouths, that’s to be expected. But one type of bacteria, called Streptococcus mutans, is the main culprit behind plaque buildup and the development of cavities. These damaging bacteria love to feed on sugar. Therefore, the more sugar we introduce to our mouths, the more we fuel the bacteria and the more damage they can cause. On the other hand, while Streptococcus mutans will still feed on xylitol, they won’t be fueled by it. Quite the opposite, in fact. Xylitol actually starves the bad bacteria. Additionally, xylitol can: 

  • Prevent tooth decay
  • Decrease bacteria levels by up to 75%
  • Prevent oral inflammation
  • Reduce the risk of gum disease

The Best Way to Get Xylitol
One of the easiest, as well as the best ways to treat your teeth to the benefits of xylitol, is by chewing gum that contains it. This method of getting your teeth exposed to xylitol has additional benefits such as: 

  • Increased saliva production which helps to protect and remineralize teeth
  • Reduced levels of acid in your mouth which otherwise could lead to enamel erosion and an increased risk of decay or tooth sensitivity
  • Improved calcium absorption, which is an important part of building and keeping strong teeth

Of course, while xylitol can be beneficial to oral health, it’s not a be-all-end-all solution. It’s still crucial that you brush and floss every day, as well as see your dentist in Lewisburg regularly for professional dental cleanings and exams. 

Accepting patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and surrounding communities. 

Can Asthma Inhalers Cause Oral Health Problems? 

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According to the CDC, 1 in 13 Americans has asthma. That’s nearly 25 million Americans who have this chronic disease that affects the respiratory system, resulting in difficulty breathing, wheezing, and chest pain. The most common treatment to combat the symptoms of asthma is the use of an inhaler. However, these devices full of life-saving medication may cause some oral health problems. During this Asthma Awareness Month, your dentist in Lewisburg wants to help by sharing some ways that asthma patients may be at an increased risk for certain oral health conditions, and how they can reduce that risk. 

Dry Mouth 

Most asthma patients feel shortness of breath and as if they can’t get enough air by breathing through their noses. As a result, it’s incredibly common for asthma sufferers to breathe out of their mouths instead. Mouth breathing over a prolonged period of time can cause the mouth to dry out — often appropriately referred to as dry mouth. Certain asthma medications may also cause dry mouth. Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition that’s concerning for your dentist in Lewisburg. When a mouth is dry, it means there’s not enough saliva being produced. Without saliva, bacteria and acids in the mouth can lead to tooth decay, as well as other concerns. 

Bad Breath

If dry mouth is left untreated, patients may also experience bad breath in addition to an increased risk of decay. If bacteria are left alone to flourish and multiply in the mouth, the patient will begin to have bad breath.  

Gum Disease

Another common result of untreated dry mouth, whether in an asthma patient or not, is gum disease. A dry mouth allows plaque to build up, which can certainly contribute to tooth decay and cavities, but this plaque can also start to work its way into the gum tissue causing inflammation, recession, and gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that requires early treatment intervention or it will continue to get worse. Untreated gum disease isn’t a condition that affects only the mouth. In fact, it can increase the chance of heart disease, kidney disease, osteoporosis, and cancers. 

What To Do

Asthma patients who also have dry mouth are at increased risk of decay, bad breath, and gum disease. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things they can do to limit the risk of developing those conditions. Some ways asthma patients can combat dry mouth, and the risks that go along with it, include:

  • Drinking Enough Water. Most health professionals recommend drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses every day to help keep your body hydrated. Your dentist in Lewisburg agrees. Keeping your body hydrated also means your mouth is staying hydrated and is able to rinse away dangerous bacteria and acids.
  • Swishing With Water. Those who notice a dry mouth after taking their asthma medication can, and should, rinse their mouths out with water immediately afterward. A quick swish and spit with water can help remove any of the dry mouth-causing ingredients, decreasing the likelihood of experiencing dry mouth. 
  • Chewing Sugarless Gum. Chewing anything automatically kick-starts saliva production because the body thinks we’re eating and are getting ready to swallow food. Saliva helps us pass food down our esophagus as well as helps break down food particles for easier digestion. Chewing gum will trigger the body to produce saliva, thus decreasing dry mouth. 
  • Talking With Your Dentist. Asthma patients should communicate their health history and any underlying health conditions such as asthma to their dentist in Lewisburg. Not only can this help your dental team customize treatment, but it also makes them aware of things you may be at increased risk of, such as dry mouth, decay, bad breath, and gum disease so they can treat any problems early. 

Your dental team is dedicated to the health of each of our patients. If you have questions about how asthma may affect oral health, or if you’re suffering from dry mouth, give us a call. We’re happy to help any way we can. 

Welcoming patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas.

5 Things That Increase Your Risk of a Dental Emergency

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Dental emergencies can happen to anyone and at any time, even to those who brush and floss regularly. The truth is, even if you practice great dental hygiene, there are still some things that can increase your risk of a dental emergency. Let’s check in with your dentist in Lewisburg to see the top five things that can put you at increased risk. 

  • Chewing Ice. Gnawing on ice may help cool you down but it’s also a good way to damage your teeth. Ice is very hard, and crunching it with your teeth can lead to cracks or chips in your enamel. Not only that, but tiny tooth fractures can occur without you even knowing it, and these small cracks provide an ideal environment for bacteria to settle in, leading to decay and cavities. 
  • Constant Snacking. We understand that snacking on munchies throughout the day can be comforting. However, if you don’t limit how often you snack, you’re constantly exposing your teeth to food. Why is this a concern for your dentist in Lewisburg? Well, food particles feed the bacteria in our mouths, and the more we snack, the more we fuel the bacteria. As a result, these bacteria produce an acidic byproduct. The acid is then left behind, causing damage to tooth enamel and increasing the chance of decay.   
  • Biting Your Nails. An incredibly common yet concerning habit is nail-biting. Not only can biting your nails expose you to germs and bacteria that are hiding underneath, but it can also damage teeth and even cause some jaw problems. 
  • Using Teeth as Tools. Everyone has used their teeth to rip open a pesky package, pull a pen cap off, or hold something when both hands are occupied. But just because everyone has done it doesn’t mean we should. In fact, using teeth to do anything besides chew can greatly increase the chance for damage such as breaking or chipping a tooth or cutting the soft tissues in your mouth. 
  • Smoking. One of the greatest risks to oral health is smoking cigarettes or using other tobacco products such as cigars or chewing tobacco. These habits put you at greater risk of oral cancer and discolor your teeth or contribute to gum disease. If not treated, gum disease and oral cancer can lead to other major health problems that can affect the rest of your body. But that’s not all. Tobacco users also have a greater chance of tooth loss. 

We know that breaking habits can be difficult, but your dentist in Lewisburg encourages you to try your best to avoid habits that can put at increased risk of experiencing a dental emergency or other dental problems down the road. Of course, the best way to protect your smile is to visit us at least every six months.*

If you think you have a dental emergency, call your dentist. 

Serving patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, and Williamsport.

*At the time of publishing, the ADA has recommended the postponement of all preventive dental appointments. Please check your local recommendations. 

Helpful Hints to Protect Your Oral Health

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During these unprecedented times, we’ve all become much more focused on caring for our overall health. But did you know that taking care of your oral health is also a crucial part of staying healthy? Join your dentist in Lewisburg as we share some helpful hints that you can use to protect your oral and overall health now and forever.

Wash Your Hands

This important message has been spread far and wide over the past few weeks, and with good reason. Washing your hands several times a day can help remove germs and keep you healthy. It’s also important to wash your hands prior to brushing or flossing your teeth. So before you pick up your toothbrush or floss, scrub your mitts for at least 20 seconds and never put unwashed hands or fingers in your mouth. 

Don’t Bite Your Nails

Speaking of not putting your hands in your mouth, now is a great time to stop your nail-biting habit. Not only are our nails packed with dirt and bacteria that are easily transferred into our mouths when we nibble on our nails, but you can also damage your teeth from the constant biting. 

Protect Your Toothbrush

Maintaining a good oral hygiene routine has always been important, and your dentist in Lewisburg still recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day. But you also need to protect your toothbrush from damage and bacteria buildup. To do this, make sure you store your toothbrush properly. This means keeping your toothbrush away from other ones in your house — a few inches will do. You should also store your toothbrush upright with the bristles at the top and keep it uncovered. Avoid cross-contamination by never sharing your toothbrush with anyone, as that can lead to an unhealthy exchange of bodily fluids. 

Replace & Disinfect Your Toothbrush

If you do happen to get sick, you should invest in a new toothbrush once you feel better. In the meantime, you can disinfect your toothbrush using a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. In fact, a peer-reviewed study has found that 0.5% hydrogen peroxide effectively reduces coronavirus infectivity. To make this mixture for your toothbrush, follow these steps:

  • Mix 1 fl oz of 3% hydrogen peroxide with 5 fl oz of water
  • Soak your toothbrush in the mixture for 10 minutes. Dump out the mixture. 
  • Rinse your toothbrush prior to brushing. 

Even if you haven’t been sick but your toothbrush is 3-4 months old, or if the bristles are frayed, you should still purchase a new toothbrush. 

At this time, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends postponing any routine dental care for three weeks. Please know that your dentist in Lewisburg is eagerly awaiting the day when we can actively see all of our patients again in our clean and safe office. Until that time, take care of your oral health at home to protect your teeth and your overall health. 

We’re happy to serve patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby communities. 

The Importance of Regular Dental Cleanings

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Everyone knows that your bi-annual visits to the dentist help get your teeth squeaky clean. After all, they’re called hygiene visits for a reason. But your dentist in Lewisburg believes that these twice-a-year appointments are more important than the cleaning alone. In fact, your bi-annual dental appointments do so much more. 

Prevention is Key

Every six months, you head on over to your dentist’s office for your cleaning, and in between those appointments, you make sure to brush and floss your teeth every day. So why, exactly, does your dentist in Lewisburg need to see you two times a year (at least)? Isn’t that a little much? Quite the opposite. Your dental checkups and cleanings serve a bigger purpose and can help identify and treat any lingering problems related to your oral health as well as keep your overall health protected. How? We’re glad you asked. 

The Truth is in The X-Rays

You’re probably familiar with getting dental x-rays taken at least once a year, and these images can tell your dental team a lot about what’s going on below the surface. Your dental hygienist and dentist will review your x-rays in detail will be able to see things such as decay that is not yet visible to the naked eye, the overall health of your gums, as well as identify an abscess before you may even know you have it. As a result, your dental team will be able to treat any problems early, before they have a bigger effect on your oral health or even your overall health. 

Gum Disease

Let’s say that your dental x-rays show some concern with your gums. Perhaps your gum pockets are too deep or your gums bleed when you brush or floss. Usually, those are the top signs that gum disease is lurking. Gum disease is an infection in the gum tissue and can be treated if caught early. However, if it’s left untreated, gum disease can cause problems in the mouth as well as the rest of the body. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of: 

  • Tooth loss
  • Heart disease
  • Respiratory disease
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke 

Seeing your dentist in Lewisburg twice a year can help diagnose and treat gum disease before it has a chance to affect the rest of your body. 

It’s About Than Just Teeth

There’s a very clear connection between oral health and whole-body health. Besides the risks of gum disease discussed above, many other health problems may first show signs in the mouth. Some of the things that can be identified at your bi-annual dental visits include, but are not limited to, diabetes, kidney disease, certain cancers, and heart disease. So while your dental team is certainly focused on getting your teeth clean during your appointments, they are also keeping an eye out for other possible problems that can affect your overall health. As with many health problems, the earlier these conditions are properly diagnosed and treated, the more successful treatment tends to be. That’s why we want to see you every six months, so we can proactively protect both your oral health and overall health. 

The truth is, your dental team is an extension of your healthcare team, and your dental cleanings are the best way to prevent any serious problems from affecting your body. Besides maintaining a good at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing, make sure to see your dentist at least twice a year. 

Accepting new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas. 

Best Foods for Teeth

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nutrition monthNational Nutrition Month, which is celebrated every March, strives to help Americans better understand how eating right can help keep them healthy. While it’s certainly true that what we eat affects our overall health, your dentist in Lewisburg wants you to know that our food choices also play a key role in our oral health. 

Understanding Nutrition

Most of us know that proper nutrition involves increasing the intake of vegetables and decreasing foods that contain a lot of sugar or fat, but outside of those basics, nutrition isn’t really well understood. The truth is, nutrition is complicated and recommendations vary from person to person based on age, gender, height, weight, as well as activity level. Nutrition is so confusing that the Food Pyramid Guide from the United States Department of Agriculture has changed two times since it was originally created in 1992. However, the Department of Agriculture is trying to simplify nutrition and has created a website called MyPlate. This is the best place to find out what’s best for you and your family’s nutritional needs. Now, even though nutrition as a whole can be complicated, you’ll find that some of the simple basics you already know are the same. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.

The Connection Between Good Nutrition and Good Oral Health

Focusing on choosing good foods is beneficial for overall and oral health, just like how eating too much bad food can negatively affect both. Take your Lewisburg dentist’s least favorite thing — sugary foods and drinks, for example. Sugar is high in calories and can cause weight gain and an increased risk for heart disease. Sugar also poses dangers to our mouths by fueling bacteria and causing them to release an acidic byproduct. This acid easily eats away at tooth enamel which makes teeth more susceptible to decay, cavities, and sensitivity. One of the harder parts of nutrition is understanding that just because a food doesn’t taste sweet doesn’t mean there isn’t a risk of sugar complications. Take carbohydrates as an example. Carbs are sneaky and result in something called the hidden sugar effect. They break down into simple sugars as we eat them, which again fuels mouth bacteria and increases the likelihood of decay. 

What Should You Eat to Protect Your Teeth?

There are plenty of tooth-friendly foods to choose from, and many aren’t only nutritious but also delicious. When picking foods and snacks for your family, try some of these foods that are good for your oral health: 

  • Cheese
  • Fatty Fish
  • Poultry
  • Eggs
  • Vegetables
  • Water

There is a direct correlation between what we eat and how healthy we are. This also applies to how healthy your mouth is. Select foods and portions from your MyPlate recommendation, limit your intake of sugary foods, including carbs, and drink plenty of water to help fuel your body and protect your overall and oral health. 

Lastly, don’t forget to also brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist in Lewisburg to further keep your teeth in tip-top shape. 

Accepting new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas. 

Why You Should Always Brush Your Tongue

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boy and dad brushing teethYour dentist in Lewisburg may spend a lot of time talking about the health of your teeth and the best way to take care of them. After all, dentists are responsible for doing everything they can to make sure your pearly whites stay strong for a lifetime. But there’s another part of your oral health that’s often forgotten but shouldn’t be ignored — your tongue. 

Fast Facts

Your tongue is a fascinating part of your body and is responsible for a lot of important things. In fact, your tongue helps you speak, chew, and swallow. It’s also one of the strongest muscles in your entire body! But your tongue can also hide some dangerous bacteria, and if you don’t care for your tongue properly, these bacteria can cause a lot of problems. 

Benefits of a Clean Tongue

Every time you brush and floss, make sure to give your tongue some attention. Properly cleaning your tongue can help: 

  • Food Taste Better. As we’ve mentioned, tongues can hold a lot of bacteria. These bacteria can build up on taste buds and influence the way foods taste. By cleaning your tongue daily, you’re freeing up your taste buds to absorb all of your favorite foods so that you’re able to savor every last delicious bite. 
  • Freshen Breath. Even though bad breath can be caused by many different things, tongue bacteria are often to blame. When you don’t remove all of the bacteria build-up from your tongue, it can put off an unpleasant odor. If you notice that your breath isn’t so minty-fresh, make sure you’re brushing your tongue every day. If the bad breath doesn’t go away, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Lewisburg as it may be a sign of something more serious. 
  • Make Teeth Healthier. Your teeth are in constant contact with your tongue — all day and all night. This means that anything lurking on your tongue can easily transfer to your teeth. So when bacteria are left lingering around on your tongue, it can affect your teeth and cause decay, cavities, or even gum disease. 

How to Brush Your Tongue

It’s just as important to brush your tongue every day as it is to brush and floss. So every time you pick up your toothbrush, make sure to show your tongue some love. Proper tongue brushing includes starting from the back and gently brushing forward, then swiping your toothbrush from left to right. If you have trouble brushing your tongue, try using a tongue scraper. This little tool is also effective at removing tongue bacteria and may be easier for those with a sensitive gag reflex. 

As always, make sure you see your dentist in Lewisburg twice a year, as well as practice good oral hygiene habits at home… including your tongue. 

Accepting patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas. 

What Can You Do For Sensitive Teeth?

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SensitiveHaving sensitive teeth is an all too common problem that’s not only annoying… but painful, too. The shooting zings of pain when you eat something hot or cold can be unbearable. So what exactly can you do to help ease the pain of sensitive teeth? Let’s check in with your dentist in Lewisburg.

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Before we dive into a few ways that you can relieve sensitive teeth, let’s take a look at a few things that can cause tooth sensitivity in the first place. 

First, it’s important to know that our teeth have an outer layer called enamel. This enamel surrounds and protects the inner workings of the teeth, including the nerves. When enamel is damaged or wears away it leaves nerves exposed and can cause tooth sensitivity. Some common things that damage enamel and contribute to sensitivity include:  

 

  • Brushing Too Hard 
  • Gum Disease 
  • Damaged/Cracked Teeth 
  • Acidic Food

 

How to Ease Sensitive Teeth

We always recommend talking with your dentist about any dental problems you may have, including sensitive teeth. However, there are some ways you can ease tooth pain at home before your appointment. 

Watch What You Eat – A diet that’s high in acid can easily wear away tooth enamel and leave you at increased risk for sensitivity or more sensitivity. Also, really hot or really cold foods can make sensitivity worse so try your best to limit these foods. 

Be Careful How You Brush – It’s a common belief that we need to really scrub our teeth in order to thoroughly clean them, but the opposite is true. When you brush your teeth, use gentle, soft circles to avoid causing damage or increasing pain.  

Use the Right Tools – How we brush isn’t the only thing that can cause or increase tooth sensitivity. Using the wrong tools can also play a role. Always select a soft-bristled toothbrush and if you’re dealing with sensitivity, a toothpaste specially formulated for sensitive teeth. 

Professional, long-term treatment of sensitive teeth depends on what’s causing it. Your dentist in Lewisburg will have solutions for your specific case and may include: 

  • Fluoride – Perhaps the quickest and easiest way to help combat tooth sensitivity is with a fluoride treatment. Your dental hygienist can easily apply fluoride at your regular dental checkups to areas that are sensitive.
  • Bonding – Bonding is also an easy dental treatment that can be completed in only one office visit. It’s best used in treating decay or a cracked tooth. Essentially, your dentist will fill your tooth with a composite resin that matches the rest of your teeth. This can help alleviate pain. 
  • Root Canal – If necessary, your dental team may recommend a root canal if other treatments haven’t been successful or aren’t appropriate. But don’t worry, root canals are not the scary and painful thing you might imagine. They actually get you out of pain!

If you’re one of the Academy of General Dentistry’s estimated 40 million Americans that suffers from tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment with your Lewisburg dentist to find the best way to treat your sensitive tooth pain. 

Accepting new patients from Lewisburg, Selinsgrove, Williamsport, and nearby areas.