Is Tooth Sensitivity Wreaking Havoc On Your Life?

If biting into an ice cream cone or drinking from a cup of hot coffee creates a painful experience, you may have sensitive teeth. Let’s take a closer look at this condition.

Teeth sensitivity is one of the main issues that dental patients report. Enjoying anything that is hot or cold can lead to extreme discomfort for some patients, while others have no issues with temperature but find smiling in the wind unbearable. Whatever the trigger, too many sufferers put off their hygiene appointments due to the fear of uncomfortable teeth cleanings.

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.
Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity. See more at Mouth Healthy

Communicate With Your Dental Team

If you are experiencing any sensitivity issues, the best thing you can do is let your dentist and hygienist know. Take note of where and when your sensitivity issues occur so you can describe the circumstances during your next dental visit. Your dental team can use the clues you provide to start the search for the cause, determine why it is happening and set the best course of treatment. Helping your teeth look and feel their very best is what Dr. Robert Harrell and his talented team at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne do every day.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive teeth can be caused by the following dental issues:

• Worn tooth enamel from using a hard toothbrush and using a hard grip while brushing aggressively.
• Tooth erosion due to highly acidic foods and beverages.
• Tooth decay, worn leaky fillings and broken teeth that expose the dentin of your tooth.
• Gum recession that leaves your root surface exposed.
• Grinding your teeth at night.
• Post dental treatment sensitivity – common, but temporary, especially with procedures such as crowns, fillings and tooth bleaching.

 

Preliminary Dental Treatment

Having a conversation with your dentist is the first step in finding relief from your discomfort. Describe your symptoms, tell your dentist when the pain started and let him or her know if there’s anything that normally makes it feel better, such as warm compresses.

After your dentist determines the reason for your sensitivity, he or she will treat the underlying cause. Treatment may be as simple as fixing a cavity or replacing a worn filling. However, if your discomfort comes from gum loss exposing root surfaces, your dentist may suggest a gum graft that a periodontist would conduct to protect the root surface and support of the tooth. More details at Colgate

Unknown Night Grinders

Tooth grinding is another major cause of sensitivity. Many patients are shocked to find out that they grind their teeth because they only do it while sleeping. The tell-tale smooth grooves and flat, worn crowns typically lead to this surprising discovery during a regular dental check-up. If you are experiencing sudden sensitivity, sleep apnea, headaches or a sore jaw upon waking, it might be time to make a near-date dental appointment, even if your regular cleaning is just a few months away. The grinding at night can lead to exposed root surfaces that cause sensitive teeth. Wearing a custom mouth guard to sleep can help you protect your teeth.

Voted one of Charlotte’s best dentists year after year, Dr. Harrell is ready to give you the brilliant, healthy smile you’ve always dreamed of. Call Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne today at 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on this page to set up a new patient exam or dental cleaning. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Road closed – Alternative Entry until ~Aug. 22

The Stonecrest side of our Business Park (Colony at Piper Glen) will be closed from August 1st – approximately August 22nd.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Here is the alternative route:

1. Drive towards Rea on Piper Station Drive
2. Left onto Rea Road
3. Left onto Ballantyne Commons Parkway
4. Make 1st U-turn and head southwest on Ballantyne Commons
5. Make immediate right into Colony at Piper Glen

 

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Fruit Sugars: The Secret War On Your Teeth

How many times have you gone to your dental checkup expecting perfect results only to discover that early decay has been detected? Many patients are shocked to learn that a follow-up appointment for tooth-colored fillings looms in the near future. “But, I hardly eat any candy and never drink sugary soft drinks,” is a common response by bewildered patients. Many have no idea just how much sugar they are actually consuming on a daily basis. In fact, one common source of excess sugar is considered very healthy by conventional wisdom.

Fruit Sugars: Hidden Gremlins

If you believe your teeth are free from the ravages of sugar because you don’t partake in daily cupcake consumption, think again. For example…

If you take away the most nutritious parts of a fruit, what are you left with? Sugar water and natural flavors, aka fruit juice.

When a fruit is juiced, all of the sugar comes out of it and into the solution of juice.  This sugar is no different than much of the sugar that is in candy today.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry even recommends restricting the amount of fruit juice that you give your small children to less than one cup per day.  They have recognized the devastating effects that fruit juice can have on kids’ teeth.

Is Dried Fruit Good for Your Teeth?

Dried fruit is a convenient, portable snack. It would be an ideal alternative to eating fresh fruit if it weren’t for one thing: Dried fruit is not good for your teeth. For instance, you may be surprised to learn that grapes have relatively little affect on your teeth, but when dried into raisins they can cause cavities. Let’s take a closer look at why dried fruits are an issue.

1 – The sugar is super-concentrated. When you dry fruit, almost all of the water is lost, but no sugar is lost.

2 – Dried fruit is very sticky. I used to eat dried mangoes all of the time and found that they kept getting stuck in my teeth.

3 – When fruit is dried, it releases a lot of the intrinsic sugars from inside of the fruit. These sugars are then available to feed the bacteria in your mouth, which can hurt your teeth.

4 – Dried fruit often has added sugar. This is another one of the ways that manufacturers can sneak sugar into our diet. Popular dried fruit like Craisins Dried Cranberries and many brands of dried mangoes contain added sugar. Read more at Oral Answers

Beware: Sugar is Everywhere

Whatever you do, don’t get into the habit of crawling into bed or falling asleep without completing your nighttime brushing and flossing routine. Not making time to brush for as little as a few weeks can wreak havoc in your mouth.

Q: How bad is falling asleep without brushing your teeth?

A: Most people are shocked to hear this, but going to bed without brushing your teeth is like going to bed with poop in your mouth.

How can that be? Every time you have a meal, the bacteria that naturally reside in your mouth feast on the food you eat. Just like every other living organism, these bacteria excrete waste after a meal. This waste is highly acidic and breaks down tooth enamel, causing root decay and cavities.

When you hit the sack without brushing, plaque starts to harden and calcify on your teeth. Once plaque has calcified, it’s impossible to remove with a toothbrush and floss and can only be removed by the hygienist during a teeth cleaning. More details at Ask The Dentist

We Look Forward to Seeing You Soon

At Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne you can count on receiving the most advanced, most relaxed dental visit possible so schedule your checkup today. If you are unhappy with the quality of your smile for any reason, let Dr. Robert Harrell know. He will explain your cosmetic dentistry options and help you decide which best suits your needs. In addition, a complimentary digital smile preview (an $85 value) will be created to show how your smile will look when your cosmetic dental work is complete. Call 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on this page to schedule your exam or consultation appointment.

The post Fruit Sugars: The Secret War On Your Teeth appeared first on Dentist Charlotte NC 28277 | Cosmetic | Sedation | Dental Implants | Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne.

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Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne: Your Smile Care Team

When is the last time you had a comprehensive oral exam with X-rays? For many people, the first suspicion that they may have dental issues is based on pain. This often also means that the problem has reached a critical stage because it wasn’t detected early. If it’s been a while since you’ve had a thorough dental exam, you should schedule a check-up at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne, one of the top dental practices in Charlotte. Dr. Robert Harrell and his devoted team utilize the latest technology to create and maintain gorgeous smiles.

Who needs more frequent or regular X-rays?

• Children and teenagers — Children and teens who have a history of many cavities may need X-rays every six months or every year, depending on age. So may those who have a high risk of decay for other reasons. X-rays also help to keep track of tooth development

• Adults with many fillings, crowns, bridges or other restorations — X-rays help the dentist find decay beneath your fillings and crowns or in new places

• People with periodontal (gum) disease — X-rays can reveal signs of bone loss. If this has happened, then you may need periodontal (gum) surgery

• People with dry mouth, also called xerostomia —Saliva helps keep your mouth and teeth healthy by regulating the acid levels (pH) in the mouth. In a dry mouth, the pH decreases. This causes the minerals in the teeth to break down, resulting in more cavities. Many medicines can cause dry mouth. It also can be a result of cancer treatment or a long-term disease.

• Smokers — Smoking increases the risk of bone loss around the teeth and periodontal disease.

• Users of chewing tobacco — Chewing tobacco is sweetened with sugars and can lead to more cavities. See more from Colgate

Potential Health Concerns

Many don’t realize how intricately connected their mouth is with the rest of their bodies. For example, cardiovascular health, respiratory health and being pregnant directly correlate to how healthy your mouth is.

Brushing your teeth, flossing and visiting the dentist keep your teeth and gums healthy, but maintaining good oral hygiene is also important for your overall health, research suggests.

In some cases, oral problems can be a symptom of other diseases, such as diabetes. Research has also linked gum disease to heart disease, premature birth and even knee arthritis.

“The mouth is a portal into the rest of the body,” said Dr. Donald Ratcliffe, chairman of the department of dental medicine at Staten Island University Hospital in New York. Growing research shows “there’s a relationship between the bacteria — and the inflammation that bacteria cause in the mouth — [and] a lot of other diseases,” More details at Livescience

Don’t live with pain because of fear

If your you are continually putting off your dental appointments due to anxiety and fear, we understand. This is a common issue, and one that we can address. Advise our office of your feelings and we will be able to relieve your concerns with sedation dentistry. Keeping our patients comfortable and relaxed throughout their procedures is a priority for us. We have a variety of sedation options available, from deep relaxation to full unconsciousness.

Schedule Your Check-up Today

Don’t put off caring for your smile any longer. Schedule a comprehensive dental exam with Dr. Harrell. Call 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on this page to set your appointment. We look forward to seeing you.

The post Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne: Your Smile Care Team appeared first on Dentist Charlotte NC 28277 | Cosmetic | Sedation | Dental Implants | Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne.

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We Treat You Like Family at Adult Dentistry of Ballatyne

Dr. Robert Harrell and his outstanding team at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne take the time to get to know each patient at their bustling practice. Feeling comfortable and relaxed is a vital component of ensuring success for any dental visit. Dr. Harrell has been voted a top Charlotte Dentist year after year, in part, because he takes his time and treats each patient as if he or she was a member of his extended family.

Cosmetic Dentistry

Is it time for you to address some dental imperfections once and for all? Cosmetic veneers, teeth whitening, dental implants and Invisalign are just some of the cosmetic dentistry procedures offered at Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne. We have multiple options to restore the overall health and vitality of your smile.

Dental veneers (sometimes called porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates) are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth changing their color, shape, size, or length.

Dental veneers can be made from porcelain or from resin composite materials. Porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers and better mimic the light reflecting properties of natural teeth. Resin veneers are thinner and require removal of less of the tooth surface before placement. You will need to discuss the best choice of veneer material for you with your dentist. Read more at WebMD

If you don’t suffer from huge underlying issues, cosmetic procedures are a simple option for restoring your smile. Dr. Robert Harrell and his talented team look forward to discussing the potential of your smile with you during your consultation.

Since veneers are individually sculpted for each patient, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. Unlike natural teeth, custom-made veneers resist coffee and tea stains, and cigarette smoke because they are made of high-tech materials.

With veneers—as opposed to crowns—your natural teeth remain largely intact with only a minimal amount being altered to fit the veneer.

For teeth that resist whitening, veneers can make even the darkest teeth appear bright white.

Dentists may also recommend veneers to quickly fix minor twists, overlaps, and small gaps. Learn more at Your Smile Becomes You

Lost or Missing Teeth

Sometimes, aesthetics isn’t the main reason for booking an appointment. Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne conducts single and full arch dental implant procedures efficiently and seamlessly. We have the technology to transform your smile fast and effectively. Don’t be embarrassed to smile ever again.

Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne has every smile service available to help you make the most out of your gorgeous grin. We offer a full selection of solutions including: Invisalign clear braces, ZOOM! teeth whitening, sedation dentistry, dental implants and much more. We take pride in helping each one of our patients realize the full potential of their smile.

We look forward to including you in our extended Adult Dentistry family and discussing your individual needs in detail. Our staff is happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Call 704-541-9888 or use the contact form on this page to reach the office today. We hope to hear from you soon.

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Bright white teeth with ZOOM! treatment

Do you want your teeth to experience a color improvement from 4 to 7 shades lighter after a single treatment? Well, you’re in luck because Adult Dentistry of Ballantyne can help you achieve the brilliant smile you want with a simple in-office ZOOM! teeth whitening appointment.

Teeth Discoloration

Your teeth can give you away if you enjoy coffee, tea or red wine on a regular basis or smoke tobacco products. Sometimes, old dental restorations can dramatically age your appearance due to the discoloration of materials utilized. A healthy, radiant smile does give your face a definitive, youthful glow. If your smile doesn’t make you want to beam, it’s time to book your appointment with the best Charlotte dentist, Dr. Robert Harrell of Adult Dentistry.

Am I a ZOOM! Whitening Candidate?

It is understandable to see why ZOOM! Teeth Whitening is one of the most popular aesthetic dental treatments. There are not many other cosmetic procedures that work as instantaneously to transform your face so immediately. The following common reasons may be at the root of your decision.

Advancing age. As you age, the outer layer of enamel on your teeth gets worn away, revealing the natural yellow color of dentin.

Genetics. Some people have naturally brighter or thicker enamel than others.

Environment. Excessive fluoride either from environmental sources (naturally high fluoride levels in water) or from excessive use (fluoride applications, rinses, toothpaste, and fluoride supplements taken by mouth) can cause teeth discoloration. Read more at WebMD

Quick and Easy

Make the most of your precious time and choose to receive the best visible results in the fastest timeframe. You will need to book a consultation exam to ensure that your mouth is healthy and ready to undergo treatment. Individuals with sensitivity issues may wish to explore other whitening procedures as there is a higher probability that patients with prior sensitivity may experience discomfort after receiving ZOOM! whitening treatment.

The ZOOM! in-office tooth whitening procedure uses the ZOOM! Advanced Power Chairside Lamp – to accelerate the bleaching process – to activate the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged. Read more at Your Dentistry Guide

 

Your Anti-Aging Secret

Friends and family members will notice your brighter grin. Co-workers will see your new radiance and wonder what is different. Treat yourself to the healthy and gorgeous smile that deserves to greet the world and everyone you adore. Your smile is the gateway to your voice, vocal expressions and the backbone of your facial body language. Shave years off your appearance simply by brightening your smile numerous shades in one treatment.

Dr. Harrell and his outstanding staff will discuss your individual treatment protocol. Some patients spread their ZOOM! Whitening treatment over two or three appointments. Your special whitening product will be used together with the cairside lamp to enhance and speed up your whitening treatment. Easy and relaxing, you won’t believe the results you will see within one appointment. Initial appointments average one hour.

Patients receive take-home treatment trays to maintain their glow between appointments. Learn to love your smile and be proud to show it off once and for all. It’s time to unleash your healthy and radiant white smile. We look forward to booking your appointment today.

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More Needs To Be Done To End Migraine Stigma

About 38 million people in the U.S. suffer from migraines, and more than 4 million experience chronic migraine on a daily migraines. Unfortunately, even with these shocking numbers, there’s still a lot of stigma associated with the condition.

What a lot of people still can’t seem to understand is that migraines are much more than just headaches. They affect every aspect of a person’s life, whether personal or professional. According to the World Health Organization, migraines are among the top 10 disabling lifetime conditions.

Image Courtesy of Wikimedia

However, because of the stigma surrounding migraines, a lot of patients feel guilty or even ashamed to admit they even have the condition. This only serves to worsen the situation. As a result, a lot of migraine sufferers suffer depression, and some even go to the extent of suicide. Jaime Sander shares her story:

 

Migraine and Suicide: Clearly, It’s Not Just a Headache

On the two occasions when I attempted suicide, I remember feeling: everyone else would be better off without me in their life.

I was traumatized, exhausted and depressed from unrelenting emotional and physical pain.  I just wanted it to end.  Those were very difficult times and Migraine was a big part of them.  The guilt tore at my conscience every minute of the day.  It took a lot of counseling and being on an antidepressant to help get me back on track. Read full post at Migraine Again…

Image Courtesy of Flickr

A person’s ability to keep a job and have a career may be severely hampered by this condition. Unfortunately, because of the negative view with which migraine sufferers are held, they cannot get the time of day when in need of support from their employers or colleagues. Tammy Rome asks a valid question:

Why isn’t migraine a legitimate reason to miss work?

I’d love to ask this question of every employer I can find. Too many of us have been treated as though we are lying about, faking, or exaggerating our symptoms in order to avoid work or other obligations. Unless you experience the stroke-like symptoms of hemiplegic migraine, no one else can actually confirm that your symptoms are real. I’ve even heard of health care providers who accuse hemiplegic migraineurs of faking it!

What is up with this complete lack of empathy for the 8th leading cause of disability in the world? What did we ever do to deserve this kind of treatment? Part of the problem is the societal view of migraine as “just a headache”. No one thinks of head pain as a serious problem unless there is proof of a tumor, stroke, aneurysm, or concussion. In the absence of these, the typical response is, “Oh, you’re just fine.”

You and I both know that we are anything but fine. Read full post at Migraine.com…

It’s also worth nothing that while migraine disproportionately affects women, this does not mean that men who suffer from migraines suffer less than women. The number of men that suffer from migraines as adults is about a third of the number of women. As a result, the condition is generally considered a woman’s disease, leaving a lot of men without the support they desperately need.

Image Courtesy of Flickr

Migraine Stigma May Prevent Proper Diagnosis and Treatment in Men

SAN DIEGO, CA (June 9, 2016) – While migraine is the most common neurological disorder in both men and women, the view that migraine is a women’s disease can cause men to be under diagnosed and under treated, according to a new study presented this week at the 58th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Headache Society.

The Chronic Migraine Epidemiology and Outcomes (CaMEO) Study longitudinally explored migraine epidemiology and associated comorbidities. To extend previous data on gender differences in migraine, this study focused on the determinants and burden of migraine in men and considered whether disease presentation, including sociodemographics, headache symptomology, disability, diagnosis, and treatment, differs in men and women. Read full article at American Headache Society

When it comes to diagnosis and treatment, more than half of all migraine sufferers are never diagnosed, and most of them do not even seek medical attention. This suggests that migraine awareness has a long way to go before it can be claimed that migraine sufferers are receiving the much needed help they deserve.

 

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