Tooth Decay and Sensitivity

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
 
What happens when tooth enamel is damaged? The exposed part underneath becomes vulnerable to decay. Cavities aren't the only problem.

Teeth with damaged enamel can become sensitive to extreme temperatures. Suddenly, eating ice cream or sipping hot coffee can be painful or unpleasant.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Dentist Bartlett TN
Bartlett Dental Associates
Tel: 901-388-9883
3105 Kirby Whitten Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
USA

How Enamel Protects Your Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?

Enamel is kind of like the shell of an egg: it protects the softer, more vulnerable part of the tooth inside.

But unlike an eggshell, the thin layer of enamel is tough. In fact, enamel is the hardest substance in the body. It can withstand decades of biting, chewing and crunching -- with some luck and good dental care.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Dentist Bartlett TN
Bartlett Dental Associates
Tel: 901-388-9883
3105 Kirby Whitten Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
USA

Grinding Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?

Another cause of tooth enamel damage is bruxism -- or teeth-grinding. Over time, the constant clenching and friction can wear down or fracture the enamel. In this slide, teeth grinding has ground down the upper and lower front teeth.

Bruxism is often worst when you sleep -- that's when you can't control it. Reducing stress may help. Some people wear a special mouth guard to bed.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Dentist Bartlett TN
Bartlett Dental Associates
Tel: 901-388-9883
3105 Kirby Whitten Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
USA

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Opening Stuff With Your Teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

 

Dentist Bartlett TN
Bartlett Dental Associates
Tel: 901-388-9883
3105 Kirby Whitten Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
USA

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Bedtime Bottles

It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It's best to keep bottles out of the crib.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Bartlett TN
Bartlett Dental Associates
Tel: 901-388-9883
3105 Kirby Whitten Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
USA

Habits that Wreck Your Teeth: Cough Drops

Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn't mean they’re healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Bartlett TN
Bartlett Dental Associates
Tel: 901-388-9883
3105 Kirby Whitten Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
USA

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Bartlett TN
Bartlett Dental Associates
Tel: 901-388-9883
3105 Kirby Whitten Road
Bartlett, TN 38134
USA