Do You Experience Teeth Sensitivity When Brushing?

"Tooth sensitivity is unfortunate and can be a nuisance", states Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice. When you want to go and enjoy an ice tea with a friend or drink coffee on a Saturday you may think twice before reaching for that drink due to the fear of sensitivity. Here are some things you can do to help:

Ask your DDS for a recommendation for toothpaste. There are specially designed toothpastes for individuals who have sensitivity. You’ll want to check with your dentist first if you are unsure which type to use, as there are multiple brands with different flavors. You’ll want to find toothpaste that is going to work specifically for you. 

See your dentist regularly for cleanings - many times that's the cause.  If you have not had a cleaning in awhile it is important to get this taken care of. As decay builds up on the enamel of the teeth, or when periodontal disease gets worse, your teeth become even more sensitive.

If you have recently whitened your teeth, try using fluoride after your whitening session. There are two layers on your teeth. One is enamel, the hard outer shell, and the other is dentin. "Dentin is softer and can become exposed when you whiten your teeth," Dr. Rice. After you initially whiten you are more susceptible. Make sure to follow the directions on when to eat and drink after whitening. If you wait to consume something it can lesson the impact of the sensitivity.

What Is Depigmentation?

Pigmentation is the color of the skin, and depigmentation is a procedure which allows for the skin's color to be changed. Some people may not be happy with the color of their gum tissue and want it lightened. This can often be the case when a person has an amalgam tattoo, but can also be true for others.  Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice is able to treat this condition by using a specialized laser.   

 

 Depigmentation allows for lightening the skin's color in the mouth.  An amalgam tattoo is a coloring of the skin or gum tissue where you may have a filling. It can be grey, blue or black and can look like you have a tattoo in your mouth. "It can be embarrassing when you open your mouth and there is a spot in your that looks like decay,"Dr. Denine Rice.

This is a unique procedure and you may find it is difficult to find someone with experience. As with any procedure, you will want to ask your dentist for photos of other patients they have conducted this procedure with.

4 Dangers of Not Brushing

Not brushing your teeth is unfortunately not an option if you want a clean healthy smile, because brushing is the only method for removing food from the surfaces of the teeth.

1.     Brushing reduces bacteria which can cause decay

         a.  Brushing your teeth for two minutes in slow circles allows the food to be removed from the surfaces of the teeth. Any food left on your teeth for too long turns to sugar, which eventually turns to acid that attacks your tooth enamel.  

2.     Brushing reduces bacteria which can cause periodontal disease

            a. When acid and decay build up on the teeth it allows for bacteria to enter the gums and begin to cause problems for your gums eventually leading to periodontal disease.

        

3.     Calculus and plaque left on teeth can cause sensitivity

         a. When calculus builds up on the teeth, eating the enamel, it can lead to sensitivity. The hard enamel coating on your teeth is what protects against sensitivity. If you have less enamel protecting your teeth you expose your mouth to the elements of hot and cold.

4.     Bad breath

         a.  Bad breath is not an attractive quality nor is it respectful for individuals who have to be in close proxemity of you. "Brushing with minty flavored toothpaste on a regular basis can help prevent this social faux pas from occurring," says Dr. Denine Rice.

Four Ways My Periodontist Can Help Improve My Smile

1. Tissue grafting - replace tissue that may have receded.

         A.  Tissue grafting can be a fantastic way to help support teeth if you’re smile is not up to your standards and your gums have receded. This procedure allows for tissue to be taken from inside your mouth and placed on your gums in order to rebuild any areas where you have root exposure or your teeth are not holding securely.

   2. Gum contouring - removes tissue to even out a smile line

            a. Do your gums look uneven in spots? Or are they larger in other areas? Gum contouring is a procedure which removes extra tissue in order to even out your smile and create the beautiful look you desire," suggests periodontist Dr. Rice.

   3. Implant surgery - to replace missing teeth

            a. Missing teeth are not only a cosmetic concern; but an overall health concern. If you have missing teeth, implant surgery may be the option you are looking for to replace the missing teeth while restoring your lovely smile.

   4. Depigmentation or removal of amalgam tattooing of gum tissue

            a. Depigmentation is a procedure that can change the color of your gum tissue. If your gum tissue is different shades or darker in color than what you would prefer this simple procedure can allow you to reach the color you desire. Dr. Denine Rice says, "amalgam tattooing is a blue or darker coloring of the skin that comes from amalgam fillings having been placed. At times it can be mistaken for a melanoma because it is usually on the lower part of the gums. This too can be removed in order to ensure you have the healthy looking smile you desire.

Is Gum Graft Surgery Considered Cosmetic Surgery?

When you visit your periodontist there may be procedures that feel cosmetic in nature. Dr. Denine Rice and her team realize there may lots of questions regarding this and so they make sure to sit down with all patients to explain the importance of gum graft surgery and why some insurance plans may not cover the procedure. Gum Graft surgery, when it is completed for a more cosmetic look or to improve the overall look of your smile can be seen by your insurance company as a cosmetic procedure – and plans vary on whether cosmetic procedures are a covered benefit or not.  Still there are reasons why it may be recommended that you have this procedure done which your insurance plan may not consider cosmetic surgery.

If you are in need of restoring stability in order to save the tooth. While a secondary benefit is a great looking smile, the reason for the procedure is to save the tooth. This procedure is not seen as cosmetic but necessary in order to protect the tooth and not have them removed. A secondary reason is due to trauma of the face and mouth. Sometimes, accidents happen, and if this is the case with you, and you have done damage to the gum tissue, a gum graft can rebuild the gum area in order to help restore function to your teeth and mouth.

Dr. Rice may also suggest the procedure, “If your gums are thinner in certain areas this can eventually lead to loose teeth or sensitivity when eating and drinking. If a gum graft procedure is completed it can help build up the gum area in order to protect the teeth.” Insurance companies usually do not consider this a cosmetic surgery.

If you are concerned about your benefits it is always important to check ahead of time with your insurance company to know what they will and will not pay for. If you have any questions about your gum graft procedure, call Dr. Denine Rice & her team today.

           

5 Tips When Flossing From Your Periodontist

1.     Buy floss that tastes good to you. Nothing is worse than trying to convince yourself that you should participate in something day in and day out when the taste of it is horrible. You want floss that is calling your name in the morning and in the evening.

2.     If fingers or dexterity are an issue, use floss pics. We know that flossing is a habit that has known health benefits. It’s important to stay focused on what matters when flossing, and that is getting the job done correctly. If you struggle to get the floss to your back molars that is a critical area where trouble may be brewing.

3.     Start with a string of floss that is 18 inches long. When flossing, shorter is not better. You need the adequate length to make sure that you can get between all of your teeth.

4.     Flossing can be done before or after brushing-but it should be done daily. Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, suggests to her patients, “You only have to floss the teeth you want to keep.” If you’re not brushing once a day, you run the risk of developing deep pockets that harbor bacteria and eventually lead to periodontal disease.

5.     Wrap floss around your fingers and move the floss as you move through the mouth. You don’t want to wrap the floss around your fingers to the point where it is cutting off circulation.  You do want the floss to be tight enough to stay around your finger for you to be able to move the floss between your teeth. Gently move between each set of teeth. When you get to the next set, wrap the floss around your finger, which will allow for a clean surface to floss with.

Floss is one of the underused products sitting in bathroom drawers and under sinks. Yet, it is one of the most important items you’ll ever use. Floss daily and your gums will thank you.

Recovery From Gum Graft Surgery

Gum graft surgery may be recommended if you have gum recession that is impacting the look of your smile or is causing you tooth sensitivity. There are three most often used procedures, one of which includes your own tissue to be removed in order to add it to the area around the tooth. "Some people do not have their own tissue removed, they have tissue from a tissue bank," Dr. Denine Rice. No matter which choice you make, you are sure to have your smile back shortly after your procedure.

Once the procedure is completed and you are sutured, you’ll be able to leave the office and, depending on the amount of pain and medication used during the procedure, go on with your day. However, if you were given a mild sedative to help you relax, you will need to have a friend drive you home. 

Once you get home, before you eat, drink or brush you will want to review the instructions given to you by your dentist. You may be restricted to only consume certain foods, especially the first few hours after the surgery. You will not be able to brush and floss the area until after the entire area is healed.

Risk of infection can be higher during the healing time because you are not able to brush and floss the particular area. However, there is a special mouthwash that you can rinse with in order to control the level of bacteria during this time.

What To Expect During Gum Graft Surgery:

Have you recently looked in the mirror and noticed grey or black around the crowns of your teeth? Or are your gums lower in the front than they used to be? Are you changing what you eat and drink due to sensitivity? If you are, do not continue to suffer. There are options that can enhance the health of your smile as well as the look. The changes you may not have noticed right away because gum recession usually occurs over time.

Gum graft surgery is recommended when you have been in a situation where your gums have receded around a tooth and you need to rebuild the gum tissue up,  or if you have been in an accident that has damaged the mouth in some way. Gum recession usually happens slowly over time. However, once your gums have receded to the point where the root is showing, you may have increased sensitivity and your smile may not look the way you want.  Gum graft surgery is not a long procedure and there are three different types. “While it takes a while to heal, it is a simple process that really improves the look of your smile,” says Dr. Denine Rice.

Whichever type of procedure is chosen, it will help enhance your smile. If you have gum recession, call one of  the Inland Empire’s Favorite Periodontists, Dr. Denine Rice today to discuss your options.