Sensitive Teeth
Sensitive teeth can be caused by several factors.  Many people with sensitive teeth have oral habits such as clenching their teeth tightly together or grinding (bruxism).  It is not uncommon for a patient to clench or grind their teeth and not be aware of it.  If you find yourself with sensitive teeth, pay attention to signs such as sore face, neck and shoulder muscles particularly in the morning.  Occlusal guards, commonly called “night guards” can help.

Another cause for sensitive teeth can be root exposure.  Sometimes bonding over these areas can help.  Use of topical fluorides and softer toothbrushes are usually helpful, as well as avoidance of tartar controlling toothpastes.  Sensitive teeth can be an indication of a dental problem, such as a cavity or a hypersensitive tooth nerve, so you should seek advice from dental professionals.

Bad Breath
Bad breath (oral malodor, halitosis) has many causes.  It is most commonly due to a combination of food particles and bacteria incubating in the mouth at body temperature.  Improved oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping) is usually effective in controlling this embarrassing problem.  Our hygienists are trained to help you achieve the best oral hygiene possible.

Bad breath can also be caused by periodontal disease, which is an infection found in the gum tissue.   Other dental infections or abscesses can be the culprit also.  Infected tonsils or tonsils with deep crypts are sometimes a cause of bad breath.  Loose or ill-fitting fillings, crowns, partials, or dentures should be evaluated as well.  Occasionally medical problems, such as reflux or diabetes, are a factor.

Yellow Teeth
Teeth naturally darken with age due to normal wear and tear.  The inside layer of your teeth, called the dentin layer, is yellow in color in most people.  It can be more gray rather than yellow, particularly if you ingested certain antibiotics at a young age, when the teeth were developing.  The outer layer of a tooth is made of enamel, which is a translucent white color.  Over time, slight amounts of enamel are worn from your teeth, exposing the darker inner color.  Additionally, outside stains make teeth look darker than they actually are.  Frequent consumption of food and drink such as red wine, tea, cola, coffee and berries tend to stain teeth.  Outside stains can be removed with a thorough dental cleaning.  For inner staining, tooth bleaching is a safe and effective option for most everyone, regardless of age.  There are many bleaching options available.  Talk to us about which one is best for you.