Tooth Sensitivity to Cold

During the hot summer months, many people discover they have become more sensitive to cold foods. Biting into an ice cream bar or sipping a chilled coffee causes a sharp pain to shoot through their teeth. One of our goals at the Miami Beach dental offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk is to ensure that our patients feel comfortable and confident in all things tooth-related. Sensitivity is common, but it isn’t something people should have to endure.

Each natural tooth contains a nerve in its pulp. Pulp is surrounded by dentin, which is a yellow-gray colored material made up of miniature tubules that easily conduct heat. The outer layer of the crown is made up of enamel, a mineral substance that provides insulation but cannot regrow after being lost. The outer layer of the tooth root is made up of a sticky substance called cementum, which is much thinner than enamel. When enamel is eroded or gum tissue has receded from around the tooth root, dental pulp can lose heat rapidly.

Usually, enamel erosion and gum recession is due to acid. In most cases, the acid comes directly from drinks such as soda or citrus juice or is produced by oral bacteria as a by-product of consuming sugar. People may also experience tooth sensitivity if they frequently suffer from acid reflux. Oral hygiene upkeep is essential to combatting bacteria and extra-fluoridated toothpaste can help restore the minerals that make up enamel. We can also help patients by providing them with sealants, which will give their teeth extra protection. A deep cleaning will remove infectious material in the gum pockets, preventing gum tissue from receding.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Decay

Patients at Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk’s dental offices receive preventive care appropriate for every part of life. Although childhood dental education emphasizes plaque as a major cause of tooth decay, one of the biggest threats to adults is acid reflux. We offer many services for repairing and strengthening enamel, but for the sake of acid reflux patients’ comfort, as well as their health, they will likely have to make some lifestyle changes.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is said to occur when a patient suffers heartburn at least twice a week.  Heartburn is actually caused by stomach acid escaping into the esophagus, burning soft tissues as it goes, and potentially getting as far as the mouth. Prolonged, repeated exposure to acid causes enamel to erode, leaving teeth discolored, sensitive, and misshapen. Because of their position in the mouth, it is often the inward and downward facing sides of the upper teeth which are most affected. Smoothing of the molars could cause problems for the patient’s bite.

Sealants can help strengthen teeth, but enamel cannot be regrown once it has been lost. Partial crowns are valuable tools for reversing the damage of acid reflux, but to prevent further problems, patients should reduce their intake of high-fat and acidic food, as well as alcohol, chocolate, and caffeine. Patients are also advised to not eat in large quantities before lying down and to quit smoking.

Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163^rd St, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.