The Toothpaste Guide

The Toothpaste Guide

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/11/2014

 

When you walk into a store and head to the oral care isle, you may become overwhelmed with all the different kinds and brands of toothpaste, you may not know the difference between them and it is difficult choosing which one is right for you. In this week’s article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses the different types of toothpaste and how to choose the right fit for you.

 

What is toothpaste?

 

This may seem like a silly question, most of us know what toothpaste is in terms of it’s the gel paste that we brush our teeth with. However, toothpaste is more than just the stuff we squeeze onto our toothbrushes. Toothpaste’s active ingredients are made up of abrasives (cleaning and polishing agents), detergent (foams to loosen plaque and debris) and fluoride (for caries protection). All of these components together help remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and prevent decay and cavities.

 

Types of toothpaste:

 

1. Tartar control: this type of toothpaste helps prevent further build-up of tartar (hardened plaque), but cannot reach tartar that builds up below the gum line. If tartar collects below the gum line, a deep cleaning or scaling and root planning may be necessary.

2. Sensitive teeth: this toothpaste is low-abrasion, and is gentler on exposed dentin or receding gum lines that cause tooth sensitivity.

3. Whitening: these toothpastes vary in the results since they vary in strength. Some that are too strong may cause damage to your teeth, so make sure to consult San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi before using it.

4. Children’s: this type of toothpaste contains a smaller amount of fluoride than adult toothpaste.  

 

No matter which type of toothpaste you choose, you should always choose toothpaste with at least a small amount of fluoride in it to help protect your teeth from cavities. If you have questions or concerns about which type of toothpaste is right for you, give Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS a visit on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

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Why Are My Teeth Sensitive and What Can I do About it?

Why are my Teeth Sensitive and What Can I do about it?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 11/20/2014

When your teeth are “sensitive”, you can feel a pain when you breathe in cold air, or when you eat or drink anything cold or hot. Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid located in the layer of tissue of the tooth beneath the hard enamel, which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or the gums have receded, this area can be exposed, causing the sensitivity. This week, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses tooth sensitivity and treatment options for making this better.

Is tooth sensitivity a common condition?

Yes, about 40 million people suffer from having sensitive teeth.

How can I avoid sensitive teeth?

The first tip to avoiding sensitive teeth is to try and avoid gum recession condition, which can be caused by brushing the teeth too hard in a side to side motion. Also, avoid using abrasive toothpastes like whitening toothpaste that can aggravate the condition.

What can I do about my sensitive teeth?

Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using desensitizing toothpaste, and having Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS apply sealants and other desensitizing/filling materials. Avoid habits such as consumption of acid-containing foods and soda throughout the day. Avoid using a hard bristled toothbrush or brushing your teeth too hard.

When should I see the dentist?

If one or more teeth are highly sensitive for a period of a few days and reacts to hot and cold temperatures, then call the dentist and set up an appointment so that San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi DDS can evaluate the sensitivity and prescribe the best method of alleviate the pain.

What can the dentist do about the sensitivity?

The Dentist San Francisco can treat hypersensitivity in multiple ways, including office treatments and home products for patients to use. The dentist may seal the areas of exposed dentin or apply a fluoride gel over the tops of the teeth. The dentist may also prescribe a fluoride gel for home use or an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste containing fluoride.

 If you have sensitive teeth or have questions regarding tooth sensitivity, visit San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, teeth, teeth sensitivity, sensitive teeth, hypersensitivity, sensitivity, sensitive, sensitive to hot and cold, fluoride, fluoride varnish, desensitizing toothpaste