How Holidays Can Harm Your Teeth

November 18, 2019

With Thanksgiving coming, the holiday season is about to begin. It’s a wonderful time of year full of celebration with family and friends, as well as sweet treats and indulgent meals. These holiday meals can be hard on your teeth, causing tooth decay, gum disease, and in some cases, mouth injuries.

As your top provider of orthodontic and dental care in the Pittsburgh area, Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics has put together a handy guide to protecting your teeth this holiday season.

Desserts and Candies Can Damage Your Dental Work

While many people like to indulge in sweet treats during the holiday, some of these treats can cause damage to your dental work and can also increase your risk of developing tooth decay because they get stuck in between your teeth and to your enamel.

Foods to avoid:

Toffee
Taffy
Peanut Brittle
Dried Fruit
Caramel compounds

These sticky treats can loosen your fillings or may cause dental work to fall out completely. These types of food can also damage porcelain veneers, dental bonding, and other cosmetic or restorative dental work, which can lead to an expensive dentist visit after the holidays.

Hard Candies Can Crack or Chip Your Teeth

Other sweet treats such as hard candies and nuts may chip your teeth, especially if your teeth are already weakened due to existing tooth decay, gum disease, or poor oral hygiene. Other food such as caramel-based candy, popcorn kernels, and ice cubes may also chip or crack your teeth. Even if your mouth is healthy, you are still at risk for chips or cracks caused by these hard foods.

You may also experience an infection or a tooth abscess if you get food, such as a popcorn kernel stuck in your tooth. Brushing and flossing your teeth can help, but some may require antibiotics and emergency dental care to resolve the issue. Be sure to contact Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics for emergency dental care if you experience a chip or crack in one of your teeth.

Don’t Use Your Teeth as a Tool

It is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but be sure to use the proper tools for tasks such as cutting wire, opening gifts, cracking nuts, or opening beer bottles. Don’t use your teeth to complete these tasks because it can easily lead to chipping or cracking your teeth. By using scissors or other tools to complete these tasks, you can avoid dental treatment and procedures such as:

Gum Treatment
Dental Implants
Root Canals
Dental Crowns

Professional Dental Care Services in McMurray

At Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics, McMurray patients can visit orthodontist Dr. Natalie Severns or Dr. Chris Severns, who provides family and cosmetic dentistry, for all their orthodontic and dental care needs this holiday season. Have a holiday dental emergency? Contact Severns Dentistry & Orthodontics at (724) 942-8300.

The post How Holidays Can Harm Your Teeth appeared first on Severns Dentistry and Orthodontics.

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Author: Natalie Severns, DMD

Upon graduating from the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, Dr. Severns specialized in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine. She then did an externship in London, England, at the prestigious Guy’s Hospital. At this hospital, she learned top therapies in Dentofacial Orthopedics to provide her patients with the best possible facial esthetics.

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What Causes Teeth Sensitivity and How to Manage It?

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Tooth sensitivity can be a frustrating and painful experience, often triggered by everyday activities like eating, drinking, or even brushing. For many, the sharp, temporary discomfort can feel like a mystery, leaving them unsure of how to find relief. Understanding the causes and treatment options for tooth sensitivity is the first step toward a pain-free smile. At Severns Dentistry, we provide comprehensive care to address dental concerns, including tooth sensitivity, and our team is here to help you manage this common condition. If you’re seeking expert dental care or need an orthodontist in McMurray, we’re here to ensure your oral health remains a top priority. Common Causes of Tooth Sensitivity Tooth sensitivity, also known as dentin hypersensitivity , occurs when the underlying layer of your teeth (dentin) becomes exposed. This can happen for several reasons: 1. Enamel Erosion The enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth. When it wears down due to aggressive brushing, acidic foods, or teeth grinding, the dentin underneath becomes exposed, leading to sensitivity. 2. Receding Gums Gum recession can expose the roots of your teeth, which lack protective enamel, making them more vulnerable to sensitivity. 3. Tooth Decay and Cavities Damaged or decayed areas of your teeth can create pathways to the nerve endings in the dentin, resulting in sensitivity. 4. Cracked or Chipped Teeth Cracks or chips in a tooth can expose the dentin or even the inner pulp, causing sensitivity and sometimes severe pain. 5. Post-Orthodontic Treatment Sensitivity After orthodontic adjustments or treatments, some patients experience temporary sensitivity as their teeth and jaw adapt to new alignments. 6. Acidic Foods and Beverages Frequent consumption of citrus fruits, soda, and other acidic items can erode enamel and increase sensitivity. 7. Teeth Whitening Products Some over-the-counter whitening treatments can temporarily irritate the teeth, especially if the enamel is already compromised. How to Manage Tooth Sensitivity Managing tooth sensitivity often begins with identifying and addressing the root cause. Here are some tips and treatment options to help alleviate discomfort: 1. Use a Desensitizing Toothpaste Toothpastes specifically formulated for sensitive teeth can block the pathways that lead to nerves, reducing sensitivity over time. Brands like Sensodyne are popular for this purpose. 2. Practice Gentle Brushing Switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle, circular motions when brushing. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can wear down enamel and irritate gums. 3. Limit Acidic Foods and Drinks Reducing your intake of acidic items can help prevent further enamel erosion. Drinking through a straw can minimize contact with your teeth, and rinsing with water afterward can neutralize acids. 4. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease, cavities, and other issues that contribute to sensitivity. 5. Dental Sealants or Bonding For exposed dentin or worn enamel, your dentist may recommend sealants or bonding materials to protect sensitive areas. 6. Fluoride Treatments Professional fluoride applications can strengthen your enamel and reduce sensitivity. 7. Address Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) If grinding your teeth at night is causing sensitivity, your dentist may recommend a custom mouthguard to protect your enamel. 8. Orthodontic Care For those dealing with misalignment or jaw issues contributing to sensitivity, consulting an orthodontist in McMurray can provide long-term relief and improve overall dental health. When to See a Dentist If your tooth sensitivity persists or worsens despite at-home care, it’s important to schedule an appointment with a dental professional. Severe or ongoing sensitivity can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as: Advanced gum disease Deep decay or infection Significant enamel loss At Severns Dentistry, we offer personalized treatment plans to address sensitivity and improve your oral health. From preventive care to advanced solutions like sealants and orthodontic treatments, our team is equipped to help. How Orthodontics Can Help with Sensitivity Misaligned teeth or bite issues can contribute to uneven wear on enamel, gum recession, and increased sensitivity. Working with an orthodontist in McMurray can correct these issues, reducing sensitivity and preventing further damage. Treatments like braces or aligners can also improve overall oral health by making teeth easier to clean and less prone to decay or gum problems. Preventing Tooth Sensitivity While tooth sensitivity can often be managed, prevention is always the best approach. Here are a few tips to keep your teeth healthy and sensitivity-free: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. Floss regularly to remove plaque and prevent gum disease. Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. Visit your dentist or orthodontist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. Trust Severns Dentistry for Your Dental Needs If you’re struggling with tooth sensitivity or need orthodontic care, the team at Severns Dentistry is here to help. We offer comprehensive dental services, including expert care from an orthodontist in McMurray, to ensure your smile stays healthy and strong. Schedule an appointment with Severns Dentistry to learn more about managing tooth sensitivity and improving your oral health. Let us help you smile with confidence!