Anderson Dental Care - July 2023

ARE YOU EXPERIENCING TOOTH SENSITIVITY? Cold Beverages and Foods Can Cause Discomfort! During the summer, nothing sounds better than a cold treat or beverage on a hot day. But have you ever been eating or drinking something cold and felt discomfort in your mouth? Some people believe that tooth sensitivity is normal — but it’s not! Here’s what you need to know. WHAT IS TOOTH SENSITIVITY? Dentin hypersensitivity, or tooth sensitivity, is an oral discomfort that occurs when the daily wear and tear on your teeth causes the enamel to wear away. When this happens, foods and beverages high in sugar or acid can reach your tooth’s pulp (nerve) and cause pain and discomfort. WHAT CAUSES TOOTH SENSITIVITY? You may feel pain and discomfort when consuming cold foods and drinks for multiple reasons. One cause could be poor oral hygiene — if you aren’t brushing and flossing daily, lingering food becomes plaque and can turn into tartar. However, you can experience tooth sensitivity even if you brush twice a day! Brushing your teeth and gums too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush can bruise your gums, cause bleeding, and lead to tooth sensitivity. Other causes can be tooth decay, receding gums, and gingivitis. Additionally, if you have any untreated cavities, it could also cause your teeth to ache when you eat sweets or cold treats. Cavities start as tiny holes in your teeth, and they will eventually expose the pulp. Since the pulp is the most sensitive part of your tooth, eating and drinking cause discomfort. Excessive teeth grinding, alcohol or tobacco use, or bleaching kits can also cause sensitivity. SIGNS OF TOOTH SENSITIVITY. The symptoms you may experience depend on the severity of the damage to your teeth. However, common symptoms (besides experiencing pain and discomfort) include halitosis, receding gums, gum swelling and redness, pus or discharge from gums, difficulty chewing, and popping noises when you open and close your mouth.

THE LIFE LESSONS OF A FAMILY GARAGE SALE A summer garage sale is a tried and tested way to earn a little cash while eliminating things you no longer need. But it’s also the perfect opportunity for parents to teach their children a few life lessons. Making your garage sale a family project can teach kids about organization, money management, and the pride of a hard day’s work. The lessons start immediately as your family determines what they no longer need. Younger children, in particular, often struggle to part with their possessions. A garage sale is an opportunity to discuss what they use, what they don’t, and why we can’t keep every object we own forever. This process will teach kids organization as they create their “keep,” “sell,” and “toss” piles. On the big day, your children can also play a significant role in organizing and displaying your merchandise. Kids can help determine which items should share a table and what should be front and center to catch buyers’ eyes. Math and money management also play a pivotal role in any successful garage sale. First, you must determine what the items you’re selling are worth. While letting your kids set prices is probably unwise, you can help them understand market value and what people will pay for used merchandise. Your children can take a more active role in the sale itself. Depending on their ages, they can gain valuable experience making change for customers or negotiating a deal on the items for sale. The best part of using your garage sale as a learning opportunity is that your children can personally experience the value of hard work. They’ll watch their old possessions disappear and the cash trickle in. More than anything, they’ll probably love adding up the day’s takings. Whether or not you give your kids a cut of the earnings is up to you. But even if they don’t end up with fatter pockets, your children will walk away from the family garage sale with lessons that will last longer than any extra cash could. HELP KIDS LEARN WHILE THEY EARN

There are several different ways we can treat tooth sensitivity. You may need fillings for your cavities, a dental crown, or another dental procedure. Sometimes, tooth sensitivity is a symptom

of another health condition. Because of this, it’s vital that you connect with our team at Anderson Dental Care.

Tooth sensitivity is treatable! So, don’t feel ashamed or afraid to visit us. We care about you and want you to live a pain-free life! Please don’t hesitate to call or visit us with any questions or concerns.

2 • WWW.ATOWNDENTAL.COM

Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator