What’s Causing My Tooth Sensitivity?

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Tooth sensitivity can be upsetting and painful. Sometimes tooth sensitivity sets in naturally as teeth age, other times, sensitivity is a symptom of a larger problem. If your teeth are unusually sensitive, knowing the cause of your tooth sensitivity can help you decide how to treat the problem. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help you decide what to do.

What Are the Causes of Tooth Sensitivity?

There are many things that can cause tooth sensitivity. Below are some of the most common causes.

Gum recession. Gum recession can occur due to periodontal disease and when the teeth are brushed too hard. When the gums pull away from the teeth, this can cause tooth sensitivity.

Bruxism. If you grind your teeth at night, this is a condition known as bruxism. Bruxism can cause your tooth enamel to erode, which can cause tooth sensitivity.

Brushing too hard. Like bruxism, brushing too hard can cause the tooth enamel to erode, thus leading to sensitivity.

Mouthwash. Some mouthwashes can be acidic, which can cause the teeth to become sensitive. If you have sensitive teeth, ask your dentist to recommend a neutral mouthwash.

Cracks in tooth enamel. Cracks in the tooth enamel can cause pain and sensitivity, depending on the where the crack is and how deep it goes.

Teeth whitening products. Teeth whitening products can, over time, cause tooth sensitivity. Your dentist can help you get your teeth whitened without causing this sensitivity. Talk to your dentist for more information.

What Can I Do About Tooth Sensitivity?

If you’re concerned about your tooth sensitivity, start by contacting a dentist for a dental exam in North Little Rock, AR. Your dentist can help you determine the cause of your sensitivity. Call Mounts Dental Care to schedule an appointment.

Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Brush My Teeth?

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Bleeding gums can be a frustrating problem to have. If your gums bleed when you’re brushing your teeth, this could be a symptom of a larger problem that needs treatment. Your dentist in North Little Rock, AR can help you determine the cause and what can be done about it. Here’s what you need to know.

What Causes Gums to Bleed When Brushing Teeth?

Gums typically bleed when plaque builds up at the gumline, causing inflammation and irritation due to a condition called gingivitis. Your gums may also bleed if your gingivitis progresses to a more serious condition called periodontitis. Periodontitis is a condition that can cause bad breath, inflammation of the gums and deterioration of the bone that holds the teeth in place.

There are other causes of bleeding when you’re brushing your teeth:

  • Pregnancy. Pregnancy causes an increase in blood volume, so bleeding after brushing is a common problem that pregnant women experience.
  • Brushing too hard. If you’re brushing too hard, or if you’re brushing with a toothbrush that has stiff bristles, your gums may become injured. This can cause them to bleed.
  • Blood thinning medication. Blood thinning medications like ibuprofen can cause bleeding when you brush your teeth.

How Can I Tell if I Have Gingivitis or Periodontal Disease?

If you’re concerned you have gingivitis or periodontal disease, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can diagnose your condition and help you get treatment. If you don’t get treatment for your condition quickly, your condition could become more advanced, which can lead to problems like loss of a permanent tooth.

If you have periodontal disease, it’s important to get dental treatment in North Little Rock, AR as soon as possible. Your dentist at Mounts Dental Care can diagnose your condition and provide treatment. Here’s what you need to know.

 

What do Bleeding Gums Mean?

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Taking care of your teeth is important to your overall health. It can help prevent gum disease and other dental problems. When your teeth and gums are healthy, they do not bleed. If you do have bleeding gums, you should see your dentist in North Little Rock, AR. Common reasons for bleeding gums include:

Brushing Too Hard

The simplest explanation for bleeding gums is either using too much force while brushing or using a toothbrush with too-hard bristles. When brushing your teeth, make sure to use a soft or medium-bristled toothbrush. Brushing with a stiff bristle can irritate your gums and damage the soft tissue. Don’t apply excessive force. If gums are bleeding, try being more gentle while brushing.

Vitamin Deficiency

Some people also have vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin C. Vitamin C is important for strong and healthy gums. Taking multivitamins and eating foods rich in vitamin C may help.

Side Effect of Medication

Certain medications may also cause bleeding gums. They include blood thinning medications, over-the-counter pain relievers, and ibuprofen, and certain other prescription medications.

Plaque Build-Up

One of the more common reasons for bleeding gums is plaque build-up at the gum line, or under the gum line. If your gums continue to bleed after addressing the possibilities mentioned above, chances are that you have plaque build-up. This is a precursor to some severe gum issues, and a visit to the dentist is needed to remove the plaque. Otherwise, you run the risk of developing tartar accumulation, gum disease and worse.

Contact your dentist in North Little Rock, AR for help diagnosing and treating your bleeding gums. The sooner you get help, the more likely it is that you and your dentist will be able to prevent a more serious oral health situation from occurring.

Implants FAQ: What You Need to Know

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If you’re missing a tooth, then a prosthetic tooth can help restore your smile. For many dental patients, implants are the top choice for tooth replacement. Below is an FAQ to provide you more information about implants and how they can help you. If you have more questions, your dentist in North Little Rock, AR can tell you more. Call Mounts Dental Care today.

What is an Implant?

An implant is a prosthetic tooth that can be used to fill a single gap or multiple gaps in your mouth. Implants are installed in the jaw and fused with the bone before a crown is placed on top.

Who Needs an Implant?

You can benefit from an implant if you’re missing one or more teeth. It’s important to fill the gap in your mouth because teeth shift in the jaw over time. If you leave an empty gap between two teeth, they will eventually move to fill in the empty space, causing tooth misalignment.

Do Implants Look Natural?

Implants are designed to look natural. In fact, the crown that your dentist orders for your teeth will be custom-made to fill the space in your mouth. Most crowns are tooth-colored. Your dentist will order a crown that is made to match your other teeth in color. This way, no one will be able to tell that the implant isn’t a natural tooth, just like your other teeth.

How Are Implants Maintained?

Implants are brushed and flossed, just like regular teeth. Use a non-abrasive implant-safe toothpaste to keep your implant clean. When you come in for dental examinations, your dentist will check on your implant, just like your other teeth.

Have more questions about implants in North Little Rock, AR? Call today to make an appointment.