Summer is in full swing and what’s better than smoothies, fruit salads, ice cream and anything grilled? This month was just filled with running around the Boston area trying new foods with my co-residents. If you’re ever looking for a great day trip, check out the Hammond Castle and Lobsta Land in Glouchester, MA. Beautiful views of Cape Ann AND some fabulous seafood paella… my favorite 🙂
Hope you all are enjoying your summer so far. This time of the year, we see more dental emergencies (trauma) in the pediatric department. Kids are more active, riding bikes and playing sports so the chances for injuries are much greater. Sensitivity to chilled foods is also common during this season. If the taste of ice cream is sometimes a painful experience for you, some causes may include: tooth decay (cavities), worn or broken fillings, fractured teeth, exposed tooth roots, gum disease, tooth abrasion (wear).
In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns (white part) of your teeth. Underneath both the enamel and cementum is dentin. Dentin contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic foods to reach the nerves inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.
Here are some of the ways to keep your chompers healthy this summer:
- Go see your dentist: There can be a more serious, underlying issue causing your sensitivity.
- Have the # for your dentist handy: If your child does break or lose a tooth from an accident like falling off a bike- you want to find the fragment or tooth and hold by the white part (crown), place in milk or saliva. For young children, reimplantation or holding it in their mouth may not be recommended in case the tooth becomes swallowed. If there is no milk or cup around, try to handle the tooth as less as possible, and check the tooth next door for proper positioning if you attempt to reimplant youself. Seek care right away if break tooth. Teeth that have been out for the least amount of time have the best prognosis!
- Sports Mouthguards: must be worn and fit properly to serve their purpose.
- Desensitizing toothpaste: TP like Sensodyne, contain compounds like potassium nitrate, which help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. The benefits usually kick in after a week or two of use.
- Fluoride gel: An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel.
- A crown: If your dentist tells you that big fillings have failed, or there’s a cracked tooth, then sometimes a full coverage crown may be necessary to preserve remaining tooth structure. This will help with sensitivity because the dentin will not be exposed to the oral environment.
- Surgical gum graft: If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
- Change your toothbrush: A soft toothbrush with gentle brushing can help massage and firm up the gums.
- Root canal: If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.
Proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Sugary drinks and sticky foods left on the teeth can be broken down by the bacteria on the teeth which produce an acid. This acid essentially melts the tooth depending on how long the “acid attack” lasts. The good news is that there are protective foods that you can have to keep the teeth clean and healthy. Any crunchy fruits and vegetables, especially arginine containing are very beneficial. Arginine helps control the growth of bacteria and fungi in the mouth, thus reducing risk for cavities. It is commonly found in eggs, dairy, grains, beans, and corn. Many people think that sensitive teeth are something that they must live with, but there are easy ways to decrease that pain when enjoying all the yummy hot or cold foods and beverages this summer.
Ta ta for now fellow foodies,
Lynne
*The information posted in this blog is based on professional opinion and should not be used to replace seeing your dentist.