Foods That Can Damage Smiles in The Woodlands

There are many foods that can cause damage to teeth and some are more obvious than others. While it’s never surprising to hear dentists talk about how bad sugar is for your teeth, there are other foods that should also be covered when discussing healthy eating habits for your smile. At The Woodlands dental office of Shirley E. Cagle, DDS, FAGD, we want to educate our patients on the other types of food that can be harmful to your oral health.

Sticky foods, including sticky sweets, are some of the most dangerous foods for teeth. Sweet sticky foods are not only harmful because of the sugar, they’re also bad for teeth because of the texture. The stickiness of foods like caramel and taffy tends to cause the food, and the sugar found in the food, to linger on teeth. This can cause teeth to become more susceptible to decay and cavities. Sticky foods can also cause trouble for dental restorations, even pulling out fillings or loosening crowns.

Hard foods, like popcorn or ice, can also damage teeth. While teeth are strong and made to help us chew, they can’t withstand everything. Chewing on crunchy foods can put a lot of stress on your teeth and can even result in broken teeth in The Woodlands. Habitually crunching ice cubes or accidentally finding that hidden popcorn kernel can also cause tooth cracks, chips, and damaged restorations.

Highly acidic foods, like lemons and soda, are also damaging to teeth. The acid can cause tooth enamel to erode, which increases the chance of decay and cavities. Surprisingly, you shouldn’t brush immediately after eating acidic foods. It makes it easier for the acid to penetrate the enamel. Instead, rinse with water and then brush about an hour later.

At our dental office in The Woodlands, we want to help keep smiles protected and healthy. One of the best ways to do that is to routinely examine our patients teeth. When you keep your regularly scheduled appointments, we are able to monitor your oral health and protect your teeth from the damaging effects of food and drink. If you’re due for a check up - especially if you like to chew on ice or snack on sticky or acidic foods - schedule an appointment with us today. We look forward to seeing you!

Easing Sensitive Tooth Pain in The Woodlands

Having sensitive teeth is one of our patients’ most common complaints. In fact, at least 40 million adults in the US suffer from it. But why do your teeth become sensitive in the first place, and how can you ease the pain it causes? At Shirley E. Cagle, DDS, FAGD we’re here to help.

Teeth can become sensitive when the hard enamel of your teeth wears down or your gums recede, which causes the tiny tubes located in the dentin (the layer of tissue found beneath the hard enamel, containing the inner pulp) to be exposed. When this happens, the nerves are easily irritated and the result is sensitive tooth pain that is felt when eating or drinking hot or cold food, touching your teeth, or exposing them to cold air.

How to Avoid Sensitive Teeth in The Woodlands

There are some habits that make you more susceptible to having sensitive teeth. Eating or drinking foods that are highly acidic, such as citrus fruits or soda, can increase your risk of sensitivity. Avoid brushing too hard and don’t use a hard-bristled toothbrush. Also, ingredients in some whitening toothpastes may also lead to, or increase, sensitivity.

How Do You Treat Sensitive Teeth?

Easing the pain associated with sensitive teeth can be done by using a desensitizing toothpaste or by visiting our office for sealants and fluoride as both help with desensitizing. And if your teeth are really sensitive for prolonged periods and the pain becomes worse with hot and/or cold temperatures, it’s best to come see us at Shirley Cagle, DDS, FAGD as soon as possible. We will perform a full evaluation to make sure the pain isn’t associated with a cavity or abscess and we’ll help to ease your sensitive tooth pain.

If you’re experiencing sensitive teeth in The Woodlands, contact us today. We look forward to seeing you!