Why Your Teeth May Be Sensitive

Sensitive teeth can be a real pain and frustrating to deal with. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we are able to talk with you to find out why your teeth may be experiencing sensitivity. Until your appointment with us, check out some of the reasons why it may be happening and evaluate your habits to see if changing them could help.

It is important to see your dentist if you are experiencing sensitive teeth because we need to check to see if it is a cavity or an infection. If it’s not, it is most likely due to worn down enamel. Here is how that can happen:

Brushing Too Hard to Too Soon

When brushing your teeth, you do not have to scrub hard. A light touch with soft bristles is all that is needed to remove plaque. It is more about the technique you use than the strength you use. In addition, do not brush your teeth too soon after eating or drinking anything but water. The acid in our food softens our enamel and if we brush before it hardens again, we could brush away enamel.

 

More Acid

Speaking of the acid in our food, sometimes sensitivity can be caused simply because we are eating too much acid. Pop, candy, and energy drinks contain a lot of acid so make sure these are enjoyed sparingly. Also, while tomatoes and citrus fruits are good for our health, they should also be consumed in moderation. It can also help to rinse your mouth out after consuming foods and drinks with a high acidic content.

 

Grinding Your Teeth

If you notice that you wake up with a sore jaw or sore teeth, you may be grinding and clenching your teeth at night. Some patients even notice themselves doing it during the day. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, see us for a protective night guard.

 

Sensitive teeth can create pain and make you want to avoid some of your favorite foods like cold ice cream or hot apple cider. To schedule an examination with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Coping with Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified. People with dental phobia have an awareness that the fear is totally irrational, but are unable to do much about it. People with dental phobia usually go to the dentist only when forced to do so by extreme pain. If you suffer from dental phobia, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care will ease your dental fear in a compassionate, friendly atmosphere.

There are varying degrees of dental anxiety and phobia. At the extreme, a person with a dental phobia may never see a dentist. Others may force themselves to go, but they may not sleep the night before. It's not uncommon for people to feel sick — or, in some cases, to actually get sick — while they're in the waiting room. New dental tools and products make it easier to calm dental anxiety; however, to truly calm your fear, a little distraction goes a long way. iPods for your listening pleasure, big-screen televisions, iPads and virtual reality glasses that put your eyes and mind in another realm are common items in the modern dentist’s office.

If you have a fear of the dentist’s office, please inform us while scheduling your appointment. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry

The application of lasers in dentistry gives our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care plenty of opportunities to perform a wide variety of dental procedures that they otherwise may not be capable of performing. Dental lasers can be used to reduce the comfort of canker and cold sores as well as expose partially erupted wisdom teeth, and help treat tooth infections. In dentistry, lasers are a safe and effective way to provide patients with precision treatment that minimizes pain and recovery time.

There are several advantages to laser dentistry. For example, dentists may not need to use a drill or administer anesthesia in some procedures, allowing patients to be more relaxed. Laser procedures are more precise and can reduce symptoms and healing times associated with traditional treatments. In addition, lasers can reduce the bacteria in both diseased gum tissue and in tooth cavities, and control bleeding during surgery.

If you have further questions regarding laser dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

How Invisalign Moves Teeth

At Alta Loma Dental Care, our doctors want you to have the healthiest smile achievably possible, and sometimes that may require straightening your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, the Invisalign straightening method includes no irritating brackets in the mouth; however, they do have attachments known as “bumps.” These bumps assist the aligners in moving the teeth to where they need to be once the treatment plan is completed.

These “bumps” are small tooth-colored dots of dental bonding (white filling material) that are placed in specific locations on specific teeth. They may be rectangular, square, circular, or triangular in shape. The shape and orientation of a button are dictated by the purpose it serves, such as tooth rotation, translation, intrusion or extrusion. These attachments assist with the process, as well as how they’re placed and what they look like. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth gently and gradually begin to shift into place. Approximately every two weeks, you will begin wearing a new set of aligners, discreetly advancing you to the next stage of your treatment.

If you are searching to straighten your smile, give us a call to discuss your orthodontic treatment options. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.