If any areas of tooth decay or periodontal health problems are detected he will help you understand the necessary treatment or preventative measures. Tooth enamel that shows signs of demineralization might be addressed by performing a fluoride treatment to help prevent future dental caries.

This can be done at the end of the appointment by pouring a small amount of concentrated fluoride gel into trays. They will be inserted into your mouth along with a suction wand. You will need to lightly bite down to hold them in place for a few minutes. The concentrated fluoride will then saturate the microscopic pores of your tooth enamel.

Afterward, you should try to abstain from eating or drinking for at least a half an hour to allow the fluoride to fully saturate the microscopic pores of your tooth enamel.

If you live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and you are due for your next dental checkup, you should call 616-453-0002 to set up an appointment at MI Roots Family Dental.

The post A Fluoride Treatment Can Be Included in Your Regular Dental Checkup first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Side effects of tooth sensitivity are generally related to tooth breakdown, so if you’re hurting from tooth sensitivity it could be an early indication that your pearly whites are decaying. When teeth erode, chewing, swallowing and speaking all become very hard, and the welfare of your oral cavity (and probably your body as well) will be thrown. In children and a few adults, tooth sensitivity could lead to a diminished impulse to eat and resulting weight issues.

Tooth sensitivity does not have formal classifications for seriousness, but you can think of the disorder as coming in two kinds: normal sensitivity and hypersensitivity. Chompers are shaped to give some feedback to stimulation like heat, so if you feel a bit of sensation to the pearly whites when you’re chomping, you’re experiencing normal tooth sensitivity. If you suffer excruciating uneasiness to the pearly whites when chomping away at food, you are likely experiencing dentin hypersensitivity.

Do you need some assistance? Call us at 616-453-0002 now to pencil in an appointment with Dr. Joseph Szymczak and the Grand Rapids, Michigan, MI Roots Family Dental team.

The post What are the Side Effects of Tooth Sensitivity? first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Headaches

Morning headaches are often caused by nighttime teeth grinding. Also known as bruxism, this is where you grind your teeth while you sleep, which can wear down tooth enamel if left unchecked. You may need a night guard (a mouth guard worn at night) to protect your teeth against erosion or cracks (as well as headaches).

Gum Inflammation

Chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and the surrounding tissue is a sign of gum disease, or gingivitis. Swollen or inflamed gums are the early signs of gum disease. Left untreated, it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Tooth Sensitivity (Hot vs. Cold)

If your teeth hurt whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold, you may have a cavity, or even gum recession, which allows the sensitive layer of dentin under the enamel to be exposed.

White Spots

White spots on your tooth enamel are actually early signs of dental decay. You may have a cavity even if you don’t feel pain or show any symptoms.

Toothache

Tooth pain that doesn’t go away indicates that you may have a cavity. This is a hole in the tooth that may reach the tooth pulp, where the nerves may be exposed, causing pain.

Canker Sores

Ulcers in the mouth, or canker sores, have a variety of triggers ranging from emotional stress, allergic reactions, or injury, and typically go away on their own. If they persist or are unusually large, this may indicate something more serious.

Tartar

Tartar is the hard, white-looking mineralization that occurs at the gum line, where the teeth meet the gums. Tartar is hardened bacterial plaque which requires removal by a dental professional using scaling tools.

Halitosis

Prolonged bad breath, or a “metallic” taste in the mouth is caused by bacteria in the mouth and can be an indication of gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, don’t brush them off! Prevention is key, but early intervention is also important. If you would like to schedule a visit with our dentist to help restore your healthy smile, please call the team of Dr. MI Roots Family Dental in Grand Rapids, Michigan at 616-453-0002 today.

The post See Your Dentist If You Experience These Signs first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Tooth sensitivity is a painful, inconvenient, and bothersome condition that is very common nowadays. It generally occurs when the gums pull back from your teeth, expose your roots, and allow easy access to the tooth nerves. Other things that cause tooth sensitivity include:

• Worn teeth
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Teeth-whitening products
• Plaque buildup
• Teeth-grinding habits
• Age
• Acidic foods
• Dental work
• Long-term mouthwash use

Luckily, with the modern dental technology available in the world today, all of these problems are treatable. Some treatments include:

At home

• Brushing and flossing regularly
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Using desensitizing toothpaste
• Watching what you eat
• Using fluoridated dental products
• Refraining from grinding your teeth
• Visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning

Professional treatments

• Dental bonding
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Root canal treatment
• Dental inlays
• Surgical gum grafting
• Gum disease treatments

With these treatments and the help of your dentist, you will have the smile you are looking for. So, to take that first step toward improving your oral health, call our office today and schedule an appointment with our caring dentist! We look forward to helping you find the comfort you deserve.

The post What You Can Do About Your Sensitive Teeth first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.