Learn more about how your lifestyle can affect your oral health. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Sheron Dental   Adam Sheron, DMD Chad Sheron, DDS Richard Sheron, DMD 1200 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 356-7096 SheronDental.com

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children  For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth  Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org . Sheron Dental   Adam Sheron, DMD Chad Sheron, DDS Richard Sheron, DMD 1200 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 356-7096 SheronDental.com

Learn more about dental care and your overall health. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Sheron Dental   Adam Sheron, DMD Chad Sheron, DDS Richard Sheron, DMD 1200 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 356-7096 SheronDental.com

What is Tooth Sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth. Is Tooth Sensitivity Common?  Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time. Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen?  Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.   When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed.  ...

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease - these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed. What Can Be Done? If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area. However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity. In Office Procedures: Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; ...

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com  Over a decade of research has proven bleaching and other whitening methods to be both safe and effective. Several products in the market today have shown no adverse effects on teeth or gums in substantial clinical and laboratory testing. Be sure to look for clinically proven products, follow directions and consult with your dental professional. In the past, the higher bleach concentrations used in-office treatment resulted in more sensitivity. Today, however, bleaching gels are well buffered, making sensitivity less of an issue. Sensitivity may occur in people after whitening procedures, particularly when they eat hot or cold foods, but usually disappears after 48 hours and stops completely when treatment is stopped. If you do experience sensitivity, there are several ways you can help eliminate it: If using a tray applicator, wear the tray for a shorter period Brush with a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth that ...

Water Rules Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems.  Above article from: MouthHealthy.org   Sheron Dental   Adam Sheron, DMD Chad Sheron, DDS Richard Sheron, DMD 1200 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 356-7096 SheronDental.com

Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth.  Above article from: MouthHealthy.org Sheron Dental   Adam Sheron, DMD Chad Sheron, DDS Richard Sheron, DMD 1200 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 356-7096 SheronDental.com

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com  What is Bruxism? If you find yourself waking up with sore jaw muscles or a headache, you may be suffering from bruxism - the grinding and clenching of teeth. Bruxism can cause teeth to become painful or loose, and sometimes parts of the teeth are literally ground away. Eventually, bruxism can destroy the surrounding bone and gum tissue. It can also lead to problems involving the jaw joint, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). How do I Know if I Have Bruxism? For many people, bruxism is an unconscious habit. They may not even realize they're doing it until someone comments that they make a horrible grinding sound while sleeping. For others, a routine dental checkup is when they discover their teeth are worn or their tooth enamel is fractured. Other potential signs of bruxism include aching in the face, head and neck. Your dentist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine if the source of facial pain is a ...

Learn more about the importance of saliva. The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel. Sheron Dental   Adam Sheron, DMD Chad Sheron, DDS Richard Sheron, DMD 1200 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 356-7096 SheronDental.com

Nourishing Nuts Nuts contain protein which help strengthen and protect your teeth. Also, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your mouth. Remember: Not only is a balanced, nutritious diet essential to healthy living, your eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. Above article from: MouthHealthy.org Sheron Dental   Adam Sheron, DMD Chad Sheron, DDS Richard Sheron, DMD 1200 NE 99th St. Vancouver, WA 98665 (360) 356-7096 SheronDental.com