Michael J Morris, DDS

Posts for tag: Sensitive Teeth

By Michael J Morris, DDS
September 03, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Sensitive Teeth  
ReducingToothSensitivitywillDependontheCause

If you're one of over 30% of Americans who wince in pain when eating and drinking certain foods and beverages, you may have tooth sensitivity. Although there are a number of possible causes, the most common place to look first is tooth dentin.

Lying just under the enamel, dentin consists of tiny tubules that transmit sensations like pressure or temperature variation to the nerves of the inner pulp. The enamel, the gums and a covering on the roots called cementum help dampen these sensations.

But over-aggressive brushing or periodontal (gum) disease can cause the gums to shrink back (recede) and expose the dentin below the gum line; it can also cause cementum to erode from the roots. This exposure amplifies sensations to the nerves. Now when you eat or drink something hot or cold or simply bite down, the nerves inside the dentin receive the full brunt of the sensation and signal pain.

Enamel erosion can also expose dentin, caused by mouth acid in contact with the enamel for prolonged periods. Acid softens the minerals in enamel, which then dissolve (resorb) into the body. Acid is a byproduct of bacteria which live in dental plaque, a thin film of food particles that builds up on teeth due to poor oral hygiene. Mouth acid may also increase from gastric reflux or consuming acidic foods or beverages.

Once we pinpoint the cause of your tooth sensitivity we can begin proper treatment, first and foremost for any disease that's a factor. If you have gum disease, we focus on removing bacterial plaque (the cause for the infection) from all tooth and gum surfaces. This helps stop gum recession, but advanced cases may require grafting surgery to cover the root surfaces.

You may also benefit from other measures to reduce sensitivity: applying less pressure when you brush; using hygiene products like toothpastes that block sensations to the dentin tubules or slow nerve action; and receiving additional fluoride to strengthen enamel.

There are effective ways to reduce your tooth sensitivity. Determining which to use in your case will depend on the cause.

If you would like more information on tooth sensitivity, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Treatment of Tooth Sensitivity: Understanding Your Options.”

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By Michael J Morris, DDS
July 10, 2015
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Sensitive Teeth  

Find out the repercussions that eating certain summery snacks could have on your smile.

It’s summer time. Time to enjoy beach vacations, backyard cookouts and delicious treats. While some summer foods are safe for your smile there are some that can wreak havoc on healthy teeth. If you don’t want to be visiting your Spring, TX dentist Dr. Michael Morris Sensitive Teeththis summer to have a cavity filled, then you may want to stay away from some of those sugary popsicles!

Why are popsicles bad for my teeth?

This is probably the question on everybody’s mind. After all, these popsicles can be so refreshing after a hot day spent outdoors. So, how bad are popsicles for your teeth and why should you avoid them?

Popsicles, just like some other delicious snacks we consume during the summer, are chock full of sugar. The bacteria on our teeth love sugar as much as we do. Every time we take a lick of that popsicle, the bacteria begins to break down the sugar into acid. This acid is what damages our healthy tooth enamel, destroying and demineralizing it. Over time, this can cause decay to form. Plus, you spend more time exposing your teeth to the sugar when you have a popsicle because you tend to savor it longer than bite-sized snacks. The longer you expose your teeth to sugar, the more damage it causes your smile.

Aside from the detrimental effect sugar has on your teeth, the artificial dyes in these brightly colored popsicles can also stain your teeth and make them look dull and yellow. And if the popsicle is frozen solid and you try to bite off a portion, this can damage your teeth, much as it damages them when you crunch ice.

Healthier alternatives for healthier smiles

So, what can you do if you want to enjoy these refreshing treats but don’t want to deal with an exorbitant dental bill? The best option is to avoid these snacks altogether; however, we know how difficult this can be. Therefore, a kinder route is to buy sugar-free popsicles instead. You can still enjoy cooling down with these popsicles, but you won’t have to worry that your Spring, TX dentist will find decay during your next visit.

While a diet that’s low in sugar can certainly go a long way to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, it’s still important to see your Spring, TX dentist twice a year for your biannual cleanings and exams. If it’s time for your visit, call our office today. Summer can go by in the blink of an eye, so don’t forget to schedule your upcoming appointment with us!

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Louetta and Spring, TX Family Dentist
Michael J Morris, DDS
9318 Louetta Road Suite 600
Spring, TX 77379
(281) 379-6939
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