However, there are other prescription and over-the-counter medicines that cause more than
just dry mouth. The following medications have the potential to hurt your smile, so be informed
about the risks before using!

Antihistamines

Taking antihistamines such as allergy medications can inhibit salivary glands from working
properly, which means you have less saliva in your mouth. Since saliva helps to protect teeth
from acids that can cause tooth decay, having dry mouth makes it more likely that you’ll have a
cavity during your next checkup!

Decongestants

Used to help relieve congestion during illnesses, decongestants are also known to cause dry
mouth. In addition, mouth breathing during this time of nasal congestion can dry out the oral
cavity even more.

If the decongestant you take is in a liquid form, chances are this syrup contains a type of
sweetener that can further contribute to tooth decay.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Calcium channel blockers are used to treat heart conditions such as abnormal heart rhythms as
well as high blood pressure.

These prescription medications can reduce saliva and cause dry mouth, but they can also cause
an overgrowth of gum tissue. Your gums may appear to be thicker or actually begin to grow
over your teeth. Gum overgrowth can interfere with oral hygiene and should always be
addressed by your dentist!

Antidepressants

While antidepressant medications have been known to cause dry mouth, these medications are
also associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis.

People who have osteoporosis may lose alveolar bone in their jaw which helps to support
teeth. Osteoporosis may also affect the healing of future restorative work such as dental
implants.

Some antidepressants have also been linked to an increased risk for teeth grinding, making it
important to get regular checkups with your dentist.

Pain Medications

Pain medications have long been known to cause dry mouth, which can lead to enamel erosion
and tooth decay. People who are taking these medications temporarily might not have cause
for concern, but patients taking these medications long-term need to be aware of this risk and
follow up with their dentist as needed.

Aspirin

Taking aspirin regularly can make it more likely for your gum tissue to bleed, as aspirin is a
blood thinner. Evidence is mixed on how exactly aspirin affects your teeth, however.

If you take aspirin and are seeing bleeding gums, don’t stop taking aspirin unless directed by
your doctor. However, you should follow up with your dentist to ensure the bleeding isn’t being
caused by an underlying issue such as gum disease.

Oral Contraceptives

Since gum tissue is sensitive to hormones, oral contraceptives can cause changes in your gums
that are similar to women who are pregnant. You may have symptoms that mimic gum disease,
such as swollen or bleeding gum tissue that’s sore to the touch.

Getting your symptoms evaluated by a dentist can determine if gum disease is present and if
you need treatment to get your gums back to normal!

While medications are certainly necessary at times, it’s important to be informed of the risks so
that you can take the best care of your body and your smile. When it comes to these very
common medications, be aware of how they can affect your oral cavity, and always follow up
with your dentist to protect your smile!

The post Medications That Could Be Affecting Your Dental Health appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Depending on the severity of your cracked tooth, your treatment may be cosmetic or it may
require an additional procedure to save your tooth. What happens once you crack a tooth?
Here’s what you need to know.

Tooth Bonding

If the crack in your tooth only extends as far as the enamel, you may be able to forgo treatment
or you may need tooth bonding.

Tooth bonding—also called dental bonding—is a form of treatment in which a tooth-colored
resin is bonded to your tooth to protect it from further damage as well as to fill in chips and
cracks.

Tooth bonding will not be ideal for every cracked tooth, but it can be used to repair certain
cracks and stop them from getting worse. Visiting your dentist can help you determine if this
treatment is for you!

Root Canal

When a crack extends beyond the enamel and into the softer tissues of the teeth, it’s likely that
you’ll need root canal therapy to prevent an infection in your tooth. When a crack leads inside
the tooth, it can be a gateway for bacteria and food particles to enter your tooth and cause an
infection.

Depending on your unique case, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy with a dental
crown affixed to the end of the tooth to protect it from further damage. During a root canal,
your dentist will remove the inner pulp of your tooth to prevent an infection, or if the crack has
been present for some time, remove a potentially ongoing infection.

Since cracks have the potential to spread, it’s important to secure protection for the tooth in
order to avoid an extraction and save your natural tooth.

Extraction

In the event that the crack in your tooth leads below the gumline, your tooth may need to be
extracted. These are cracks that extend vertically down the tooth and towards the tooth’s root
and may be referred to as a split tooth.

In many cases, a split tooth is the result of a crack that’s been there for some time and has
extended down the tooth. Unfortunately, for many patients, the tooth in question will need to
be removed to prevent infection.

If you notice a crack in your tooth, getting it evaluated by a dentist as soon as possible can help
you receive the treatment you need to save your tooth!

Whether you have a superficial crack in your teeth or a deeper crack that’s causing you pain
and discomfort, it’s important to get in to see your dentist as soon as possible. In some cases, a
cracked tooth is considered an emergency and should be evaluated that same day. Getting
prompt treatment can help you protect your cracked tooth to save your smile!

The post Cracked Tooth? Here’s What May Come Next appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

The causes of tooth discoloration are numerous and may be influenced by an internal or
external factor. Here, we’ll see how tooth enamel can be influenced by several elements to
make your teeth turn an unattractive yellow color.

Certain Foods

One external factor affecting tooth color is certain foods and drinks. Tooth enamel is porous
and can easily be stained, although fortunately, many of these stains are just on the surface and can be removed through regular brushings and professional teeth cleanings.

Coffee, tea, and wine are the worst offenders for making teeth turn a yellow or brownish color, but in truth, any food that has a deep hue has the potential to stain your teeth. These surprising tooth stainers include berries, beets, and tomatoes.

Acidic foods and drinks are also culprits when it comes to staining teeth. The acid in foods such as lemons and drinks such as soda can wear away the tooth enamel, making it easier for staining to occur and also allowing the yellowish color of your dentin—the softer layer beneath your tooth enamel—to come through.

Not Getting Professional Cleanings

Since professional cleanings can remove most surface stains, skipping those dental
appointments can cause buildup of stains and plaque which can result in teeth appearing more yellow. In addition, if you’re not brushing and flossing regularly at home, you’re allowing your teeth to accumulate more stains, plaque, and bacteria that can affect your tooth color.

Getting a professional teeth cleaning at least once a year or as recommended by your dentist can help prevent the build-up of surface stains to prevent your teeth from turning yellow. If you have deeper stains, you dentist may suggest a professional whitening to help remove them.

Antibiotics During Tooth Formation

Your tooth discoloration may be coming from an internal source—for instance, when the dentin turns a brownish yellow color. This typically happens in children who take antibiotics while their teeth are still developing, namely the antibiotics tetracycline or doxycycline.

If you had antibiotics younger than age 8, you may have teeth that are naturally darker. In
addition, women who take antibiotics during their second trimester of pregnancy and later can cause their child to have discolored or darker teeth.

Genetics

Genetics may also affect your tooth color. You may naturally have tooth enamel that’s thinner, which can allow the dentin to show through. This can not only make for weaker teeth that are susceptible to sensitivity and decay, but can also cause teeth to have a yellower appearance.

People who have naturally thicker and stronger tooth enamel may have brighter and healthier teeth. Since tooth enamel can be affected by oral care habits and the foods we eat, genetics is only partially responsible in many cases. Your dentist can help you have a stronger, whiter smile!

Are you worried about your teeth turning yellow? When teeth begin to take on a more
yellowish appearance, it’s time to seek professional help. Contact your dentist today to learn how you can make teeth appear brighter and whiter in just a few simple steps!

The post Why Are My Teeth Turning Yellow? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Here are a few signs and symptoms that might be trying to tell you that you have an improper
bite and need treatment to feel better!

Your Teeth Don’t Align

Sometimes detecting an improper bite is as simple as noticing that the teeth are crooked or do
not line up properly, or, are uncomfortable when smiling. In fact, seeing an improper bite may
be most apparent when you smile, although not everyone will have a noticeable misaligned
bite. Your dentist will be able to tell and help you with treatment or can refer you to an
orthodontist for treatment if necessary.

You Have Jaw Pain

When your upper and lower jaw don’t quite fit together, it can put more pressure on the joint
that connects your jaw to your skull. Most patients have heard of this joint, called the
temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Improper bites play a big role in TMJ pain and symptoms,
making it important to address the root cause of your discomfort rather than just living with the
problem.

An improper bite can cause the joint to become strained and can put pressure on the joint,
which can cause sore jaw muscles, jaw pain, and even headaches. If you’re experiencing any of
these symptoms, an improper bite may be to blame!

You Grind Your Teeth

Teeth grinding, also referred to as bruxism, is an unfortunate common habit. It’s also one that’s
extremely dangerous to your smile and can cause irreversible wear on your natural teeth. If you
have a misaligned bite, you may be more likely to grind your teeth since your teeth won’t fit
together properly.

Since bruxism can cause premature wear of the teeth, tooth sensitivity, inflamed gum tissue,
and even tooth loss, you should never wait to seek help this worrying habit that could be a
symptom of an improper bite!

You Have Uneven Tooth Wear

Teeth that fit together in a proper bite should wear evenly as the years go by. Teeth that don’t
fit together will often experience uneven tooth wear, which can cause some teeth to wear
down more than others. Unfortunately, this premature wear can also cause tooth sensitivity
and decay. When the enamel is worn away, your tooth is no longer protected, which gives rise
to a host of dental problems. A misaligned bite is often to blame for uneven tooth wear.

Fortunately, many children receive orthodontic care which can correct their bite as they enter
adulthood. However, it’s never too late to receive the care you need to correct your bite even
as an adult. Schedule a consultation with your dentist or orthodontist today to discover if the
symptoms you’re experiencing are resulting from an improper bite that can be treated!

The post How Do I Know If I Have an Improper Bite? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Knowing the different parts of a tooth can help us better understand our teeth and hopefully take better care of them! Here are the different parts of a tooth.

Enamel

The outermost layer of your tooth is made up of enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. The visible part of your tooth that the enamel covers is called the crown of the tooth.

Tooth enamel is your tooth’s first defense against decay and bacteria. Although it can’t regrow once it’s been fully formed, it can re-mineralize, helping it remain strong against cavities that result from tooth decay.

Enamel is translucent, shiny, and protects your teeth from decay and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures!

Cementum

Cementum is a hard tissue covering your tooth roots, or the part of the tooth that rests below the gumline. This material is typically a pale yellowish color.

Although not as sturdy as enamel, it does have a bone-like consistency. When cementum
becomes exposed due to gum recession, it can be extremely sensitive to hot and cold, making tooth sensitivity a symptom of receding gum tissue.

Dentin

Like cementum, dentin isn’t as hard as enamel. Unlike cementum, dentin makes up the majority of your tooth.

Dentin rests underneath your enamel and cementum and maintains a bone-like consistency
much like cementum. Dentin protects the inner chamber of the tooth, which contains the pulp, and can be extremely sensitive to both bacteria and temperatures if the enamel is not there to cover it.

This is why people who have compromised tooth enamel due to decay or teeth grinding tend to have more cavities and sensitive teeth.

Pulp

The pulp is in the heart of the tooth and contains the only soft tissue of the tooth. Everything the tooth needs to live is in the pulp, including its blood supply and nerves.
The pulp resides in two places: the pulp chamber, which is in the crown of the tooth, and the pulp canals, which extend down into the roots of the tooth.

The tooth’s pulp is an extremely sensitive area that is susceptible to infection if it becomes
damaged, which can lead to the death of the tooth. If this happens, you’ll likely need root canal therapy to keep your tooth, or an extraction may be required.

Understanding more about your tooth’s structure can help you better understand how decay works and how important it is to protect your teeth from damage. Eating a healthy nutritious diet and keeping up with your oral care routine can help your teeth do what they do naturally—resist bacteria and tooth decay for a healthy smile!

The post Smile 101: What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

How does dental fluorosis happen and what can you do about it? Here’s what you need to know about this condition that can impact your smile.

Dental Fluorosis Happens in Childhood

Essentially, dental fluorosis is a hypomineralization of the tooth enamel. This is caused by consuming too much fluoride in childhood while your teeth are still developing.

Dental fluorosis can only affect teeth that are still forming underneath the gumline. Once teeth erupt through the gumline, fluorosis cannot happen. It only happens during the developmental stage, so a risk for dental fluorosis exists until about age 8.

Excessive consumption of flouride could be from any source, including swallowing toothpaste or consuming too much drinking water that’s been treated with fluoride. Your dentist can help you determine the proper amount of fluoride needed for your child—not too much and not too little—to help prevent dental fluorosis in children.

Does Not Affect the Health of Teeth

Dental fluorosis isn’t an oral disease and doesn’t actually affect the health of your teeth. In many cases, the visual effect of dental fluorosis is so subtle that it won’t need treatment. Sometimes the effect of fluorosis can’t be seen by anyone except your dentist during checkups. Other times, the chalky appearance of the white marks on your teeth will be visible to anyone who sees your smile. In this event, you’ll likely want to get your dental fluorosis treated to minimize the appearance.

Treatment for Dental Fluorosis

Although dental fluorosis can be treated, the white marks are permanent and cannot be made to totally go away, although you may be able to minimize or eliminate the appearance of these marks.

You have several treatment options that you can discuss with your dentist, including:

 Teeth whitening. This can help remove surface stains and minimize the appearance of your fluorosis, especially if it’s subtle.

 Dental bonding. This is a good form of treatment when dental fluorosis is limited to certain areas. Bonding involves using a composite resin that bonds to the tooth enamel to minimize or cover up the appearance of your fluorosis.

 Dental crowns. For some patients, this may be the only option to minimize the fluorosis or completely cover it up.

 Dental veneers. Veneers are a good option when fluorosis is extreme and is visible to the naked eye. It’s important to discuss this option thoroughly with your dentist, as this treatment is irreversible.

 Microabrasion. This involves abrading off the surface layer of the enamel. This will help normalize your appearance but you will lose some enamel in the process.

You may also have the option of combining treatments to effectively treat your dental fluorosis. Regardless of how dental fluorosis has impacted your smile and your confidence, you can talk with your dentist about treatment options to help normalize your smile. Are you ready to minimize the appearance of your fluorosis? Schedule a consultation with your dentist to reveal your beautiful smile!

The post What Is Dental Fluorosis and How Is It Treated? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Cavities that result from tooth decay don’t form overnight. There are stages of cavity formation that happen before you notice pain or that gaping hole in one of your teeth. This is why visiting your dentist is so important—they’re experts at spotting tooth decay before it has a chance to become a full-blown cavity!

Here are the stages of tooth decay that will form a cavity if left untreated.

Demineralization

Your enamel relies on minerals to stay strong. This is why certain nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D can help strengthen tooth enamel while harmful foods such as those that contain sugar will weaken tooth enamel.

In fact, tooth enamel is porous, so acidic substances can weaken tooth enamel for periods of time—this is why waiting for 30 minutes to brush after a meal is important.

When demineralization of the enamel happens, this means your enamel has lost some of its nutrients, such as calcium, and is now weakened by this as well as plaque. The enamel will wear away in a process called demineralization. Tooth decay is still preventable at this stage in the process.

Demineralization will often manifest as white areas on the teeth—don’t get this confused with dental fluorosis. These white spots may actually mean a cavity is on the way!

Enamel Damage

Now that the enamel has been demineralized, it will actually start to deteriorate. At this stage in the process, healthy minerals aren’t able to restore the enamel to its original state. The decay will continue without treatment, and you may see the white spot turn into a brownish area where the enamel is being eaten away by plaque, bacteria, and harmful acids.

During this stage, your cavity will be visible on an x-ray and your dentin will also become exposed, which can result in increased sensitivity and perhaps pain. A filling can treat your cavity at this point to protect the tooth from further damage.

Soft Tissue Damage

After the decay has eaten through the enamel, it’ll begin to affect the softer tissues of the tooth, such as your dentin and pulp. Dentin is the layer underneath your enamel. If the decay moves to this level, you may begin to experience pain and sensitivity and the only treatment that’ll remedy your tooth decay is a filling.

However, if your cavity is left untreated and continues to progress, it can eventually reach the pulp of your tooth. This is where all your nerve tissue lies and is essentially the heart of the tooth. If the decay reaches the pulp, an infection can quickly ensue and can cause a severe toothache as well as kill the nerve tissue inside the tooth.

If this happens, root canal therapy will likely be needed to save the tooth. Don’t wait to seek treatment if you suspect you have a cavity!

Visiting your dentist regularly can help you prevent tooth decay and catch your cavity in the demineralization process. Cavities are painful and often irreversible without a filling, so don’t wait to have your teeth checked out by a professional dentist!

The post What Are the Stages of Tooth Decay? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

In fact, aggressive tooth brushing can harm your teeth more than help. When you brush your
teeth too hard, you can actually wear away enamel over time, leading to a variety of oral health
problems. Here are a few signs and symptoms you need to be a little gentler on your pearly
whites!

Sensitive Teeth

Tooth sensitivity is no fun. Some people have such extreme sensitivity that only room
temperature foods and drinks are comfortable to consume. Tooth sensitivity can result from
enamel loss, which can happen through harsh or aggressive brushing.
Whether you have sensitive teeth already or you’re just noticing that eating ice cream or
drinking hot tea has become somewhat painful, this could be a symptom that your harsh
brushing is wearing away your tooth enamel.

Unfortunately, once tooth enamel is gone, it can’t be replaced, although sensitive teeth can be
treated with the right oral care habits and help from your dentist.

Enamel Erosion

Aggressive brushing can wear away enamel even over a short period of time. For some people,
their enamel is worn away after years of harsh brushing with a firm-bristled toothbrush. For
others, aggressive brushing immediately after a meal or drinking beverages such as soda or
juice can remove enamel.

Your dentist will be able to see if you’re missing enamel in places on your teeth. Remember
that enamel is the hard, shiny, protective layer over the softer tissues of your teeth. Without
enamel, our teeth are more prone to sensitivity, cavities, and discoloration. Regular visits to
your dentist and healthy eating can help keep tooth decay away even if you’re experiencing
enamel erosion.

Receding Gums

Gum recession is a common sign of gum disease—this happens when the gums slowly begin to
pull back from the teeth. You may see areas where the gum does not reach the tooth and
instead a brownish area remains. Gum recession can eventually expose tooth roots and lead to
painful sensitivity and even tooth loss.

However, gum recession can also happen as the result of aggressive brushing. Your gum tissue
needs to be brushed as well, but gentle brushing maneuvers will do the trick. Brushing harshly
could aggravate existing gum recession and cause gum tissue to recede further, resulting in
increased damage and sensitivity in your mouth.

If you’re experiencing signs of gum recession such as sensitivity or teeth having a longer-looking
appearance, you may be seeing a sign of gum disease and you could be worsening the condition
through harsh brushing.

Are you experiencing any of these signs and symptoms that you’re aggressively brushing your
teeth? See your dentist to determine what’s causing your symptoms and in the meantime,
invest in a soft-bristled toothbrush and gently brush your teeth. Remember that the quality of
brushing rather than the force is what’s important!

The post Signs and Symptoms You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Aggressively appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

So do porcelain veneers actually increase tooth sensitivity? Here’s everything you need to know
about veneers when it comes to temperature sensitivity for your pearly whites!

Temporary Tooth Sensitivity

Many people experience temporary tooth sensitivity after they get their new dental veneers.
This is on account of the tiny amount of enamel removed. Anywhere from a few days to a few
weeks is normal to experience mild tooth sensitivity after your new porcelain veneers are
placed. Not everyone will experience this type of sensitivity after getting their veneers.

However, if you continue to experience tooth sensitivity past two or three months, or if you’re
experiencing severe tooth sensitivity, call your dentist. This type of persistent or severe
sensitivity could be indicative of a bigger problem with your veneers, or they may not have
bonded correctly to your teeth. It’s important that you get it checked out to alleviate the
problem.

Possible Help for Tooth Sensitivity

If your tooth enamel has been compromised, it’s possible that porcelain veneers may actually
be able to help alleviate your tooth sensitivity. This is because dental veneers cover the teeth
and are permanently bonded to the teeth, making it impossible for hot or cold foods to reach
the damaged tooth enamel.

Your dentist can help you determine if you’re a candidate for dental veneers based on your
enamel loss. If you’re missing too much enamel, your dentist may not be able to properly bond
the veneers and therefore you may not be a candidate. Whether or not veneers can help your
tooth sensitivity will depend on your unique smile!

Should You Get Veneers?

Veneers can help with a variety of cosmetic dental issues. They can cover up severely stained
teeth that don’t respond to professional whitening treatments. They can cover gaps, pointy
teeth, or minor alignment problems. People turn to dental veneers for all kinds of reasons, but
most importantly because they provide people with a brand-new smile!

Whether or not you’re a candidate for dental veneers will depend on numerous factors. A
professional dentist can help you determine the pros and cons of getting veneers for your
smile. Your dentist can also answer any more questions you may have about veneers in regards
to tooth sensitivity. Although not everyone will experience tooth sensitivity after getting their
new veneers, many people experience at least mild sensitivity for a few days.

Are you considering dental veneers for your smile? Although dental veneers have the potential
to cause temporary tooth sensitivity, they also have the potential to correct severe tooth
sensitivity in the proper candidates. To discover if veneers could be the smile solution you’ve
been looking for, schedule an appointment with your dentist today!

The post Do Dental Veneers Increase Tooth Sensitivity? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.

Tooth enamel can be weakened through a variety of means, such as aggressive brushing, acidic foods
such as sugar, and genetics. Enamel can’t grow back or be replaced, so it’s imperative to protect your
tooth enamel while you can.

So how can you strengthen tooth enamel?

Cut Back on Sugar

Sugar is the enemy of your tooth enamel. It works quickly with the bacteria in your mouth to eat away
at tooth enamel. Sugar is present in sweets such as cakes and candy to simple carbohydrates such as
white break or crackers. Minimizing your sugar intake can be helpful to strengthening your tooth
enamel.

If you want to enjoy sweets from time to time, be sure to drink water with your food and rinse your
mouth out afterwards. Water can act as a buffer between your tooth enamel and the harmful acidic
sugar, so it can help curb damage.

Get Enough Nutrients

Having a nutritious diet is the pinnacle of having strong tooth enamel. Be sure to get an adequate
amount of calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats can help keep your
tooth enamel healthy.

Fluoride, whether consumed in drinking water or in dental care products, can help strengthen your
teeth and protect against the cavities that often come with enamel damage. You can talk with your
dentist about your sources of fluoride and whether or not they’re appropriate for your smile.

Brush Properly

Although brushing your teeth is important to prevent oral health problems, brushing the right way is
essential. Here are some crucial tips to follow to protect your tooth enamel while brushing:

 Never brush aggressively. Hard brushing isn’t needed to get the plaque off. Be gentle!

 Wait 30 minutes to brush. If you’ve just eaten, wait at least a half hour before brushing your
teeth to prevent enamel damage.

 Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Again, those firm bristles just aren’t needed to get your smile
clean.

In addition to all these things, you should brush twice a day and don’t forget to floss! Dental checkups
can also help you to have strong enamel.

Get Treatment

If you have any oral health problems, it’s essential to get treatment to protect your enamel. For
example, grinding your teeth is extremely damaging to your enamel. Your dentist can help treat this
problem to protect your smile. Gum disease, cavities, and other oral health issues can all impact the
health of your enamel. Whatever it is, getting treatment may be able to help protect your enamel from
further damage.

How healthy is your enamel? Your dentist can take a look at your smile and tell just how healthy your
tooth enamel is and if you need to take protective measures to keep it healthy. Everyone can
incorporate the above tips to strengthen enamel and have a stunning smile for life!

The post What Can I Do to Strengthen My Tooth Enamel? appeared first on Your Dental Health Resource.