WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT TOOTH SENSITIVITY?

We often have patients coming into our dental office wondering why a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee becomes such a painful experience or why brushing or flossing makes them wince or cringe. The answer, usually, is sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when the underlying dentin layer of the tooth is exposed in the oral cavity, and most people will experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives.

Why do people experience tooth sensitivity and how do you know if tooth sensitivity is something to be worried about? The most common cause of the sensitivity is exposure of the dentin, which is the layer surrounding the tooth’s nerve. Contributors to tooth sensitivity include teeth whitening and dental work such as fillings, periodontal treatment, and the placement or adjustment of braces. These are temporary and should be of no concern.

Permanent hypersensitivity, however, may require treatment at with Dr. Alina Bergan DDS. The first step is to determine the cause, and that begins with a visit to our Cedarhurst office.

The reasons your teeth may become sensitive vary, but possible causes include:

·         Brushing too hard

·         Tooth decay (cavities) near the gum line

·         Cracked or fractured teeth

·         Fillings that are worn

·         Gum (periodontal) disease, or recession of the gums

·         Worn tooth enamel

·         Consuming acidic foods

Dr. Alina Bergan and our team want you to know that sensitive teeth can be treated, and the type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Dr. Alina Bergan may suggest one the following treatments:

·         Using a desensitizing toothpaste, which contains ingredients that seal off the microtubules inside the exposed dentin to reduce tooth sensitivity

·         Fluoride gel, which strengthens compromised tooth enamel, helps prevent tooth decay, and decreases hypersensitivity of the teeth

·         A crown, inlay, or bonding, which is used to treat tooth decay and prevents sensitivity

·         A surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this procedure will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.

·         Root canal: If you are experiencing severe and persistent sensitivity which cannot be treated by other means, Dr. Alina Bergan may recommend you undergo a root canal to eliminate the problem.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call today at 800-223-0801 so that Dr. Alina Bergan in our Cedarhurst, NY office can provide you with some much-needed relief!

You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.

FUN THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR OLD TOOTHBRUSH

Dr. Alina Bergan and her staff recommend that you replace your worn-out, germy toothbrush with a new one every three months. But most people either forget or resist getting rid of something that is still “working” for them. So we thought, maybe if they had a few ideas for putting that old toothbrush to good use, more people would take our advice? To encourage good oral practices, we offer these fun ways to repurpose your used toothbrush:

1. Let your little budding artist create a masterpiece with some paint and your old toothbrush.

2. Give yourself a facial by scrubbing oily areas on your face with your toothbrush. The bristles are perfect for removing embedded dirt and oil that clogs pores.

3. Pamper your hamster or ferret by brushing his fur with an old toothbrush.

4. Dab a bit of Vaseline on the bristles and comb your eyelashes: instant glamour!

5. Did you notice a few gray hairs sprouting from your hairline this morning? Old toothbrushes were made for touch-up dye jobs; also works for dyeing your eyebrows, too!

6. Instant chap lip fix. Slough away dry skin by using a toothbrush on your lips.

7. Old toothbrushes are great for spot-cleaning just about anything.

8. Is your dog’s breath making you wish he didn’t like to cuddle? Try brushing his teeth with your old toothbrush so that his kisses (and breath) are more tolerable.

9. Give your fish the cleanest tank in the neighborhood by scrubbing it with your old toothbrush.

10. Garden uses: Remove the bristles and you have instant small plant stakes!

For more information on oral health, toothbrush repurposing tips, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Alina Bergan, at her convenient Cedarhurst, NY office call 800-223-0801. You can book online http://www.alinabergandds.com.