Dr. Cecil Lamberton
It is common to grind or clench your teeth occasionally. But some people – perhaps as many as 30% of us – grind so incessantly and with such force that their dental health is affected. Though tooth-grinding – “bruxism” in dental terminology – typically relates to stress or anxiety, it could also be a result of incorrect tooth alignment. For that reason, you may want to bring it up with your dentist or orthodontist at your next visit.
First, some general information.
If you’re experiencing the discomfort of dry mouth – hoarseness, frequent thirst, a sticky feeling, problems swallowing, bad breath – don’t dismiss it as merely a nuisance. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can lead to an array of oral conditions you don’t want, including increased plaque, gum disease and tooth decay as well as certain mouth sores and oral yeast infections.
You can acquire dry mouth from several sources – some illnesses, prescription and over-the-counter medications, smoking, radiation therapy, nerve damage and simple aging. Whatever the cause, the result is too little saliva for good oral health.
Ouch! An aching tooth can be excruciating, but it may not mean you have a cavity. If hot or cold foods – iced or steaming tea, for two examples – cause sharp pain in a tooth, or if you experience pain when you floss, you may have what dentists call “sensitive teeth.”
You may think of teeth as being composed just of hard enamel. But underneath the thin enamel layer is dentin, a softer substance made up of microscopic tubules, like tiny tunnels. These tubules connect with your tooth nerves. If the dentin becomes exposed, hot, cold and acidic foods may reach a nerve and cause pain.
What causes dentin to become exposed? Tooth enamel can be worn down over time or gum disease – gingivitis or periodontitis – can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth and reveal the roots.
When you experience aching teeth, your first step is to see your dentist to determine if your pain is the result of decay. If it is, dental treatment may take care of it. If it isn’t, there are several steps you can take to reduce the pain. Many of them you can do on your own.
