Sensitive teeth produce a sharp, deep pain when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and beverages. Two common causes of sensitive teeth are worn enamel or exposed tooth roots. Depending on your individual case, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following treatments for sensitive teeth:

• Desensitizing toothpaste: this type of over the counter toothpaste contains specific ingredients that help to reduce tooth sensitivity.
• Fluoride: fluoride is used to strengthen the tooth enamel and may be applied to certain areas of worn enamel to reduce pain. You may also receive a prescription for fluoride treatments to apply at home.
• Dental bonding: in the case of exposed tooth roots, your dentist may suggest a treatment known as dental bonding, which bonds composite resin to the exposed tooth roots in order to prevent tooth sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft: some cases of exposed tooth roots can also be treated by taking gum tissue from another area of the mouth and grafting it to areas where gum recession has occurred.

White chalky spots on the surface of your teeth are signs of demineralization, which is the earliest sign of tooth decay. Known as incipient cavities, these white spots are areas on the enamel that have been damaged by decay-causing bacteria, but are not yet decayed. At this stage, fluoride can often be used to remineralize the enamel and reverse the damage. Additionally, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following:

• ICON: this is a new, revolutionary approach to treating incipient cavities that works by filling and reinforcing demineralized enamel without the need for drills or anesthesia. After the surface of the tooth has been slightly etched, the resin infiltrant is applied and left to soak into the tooth for about 3 minutes. This resin infiltrant is designed for rapid penetration into the enamel and will remineralize the surrounding structure.
• PrevDent products
  • Colgate® PreviDent® 5000 Plus (Rx): prescription-strength toothpaste that can deliver 5000 ppm fluoride.
  • PreviDent® 5000 ppm Booster Plus (Rx only) (1.1% Sodium Fluoride): toothpaste with tricalcium phosphate.
  • PreviDent® 5000 Enamel Protect (Rx only) (1.1% Sodium Fluoride, 5% Potassium Nitrate)
  • Colgate® PreviDent® Brush-on Gel: a 1.1% sodium fluoride brush-on gel with neutral pH designed for at-home use by patients requiring extra-strength fluoride protection.
  • PreviDent® 5000 Dry Mouth (Rx only) with 1.1% sodium fluoride: enables faster fluoride dispersion than paste-form Rx toothpaste and is less irritating.
• Remin Pro: take-home product with triple protection of fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite (calcium and phosphorus), and xylitol.

Dentists and dental hygienists are often asked why gums may bleed during brushing or flossing. While there are many reasons for this, the most common cause is gum disease. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is caused by plaque buildup along the gum line. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth, and if it isn’t removed regularly, it can harden into tartar. Tartar is difficult to remove without professional help, and it can cause the gums to become irritated and inflamed. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease.

Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing gum disease. First, visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. This will help to remove plaque and tartar before they cause any damage. Secondly, brush your teeth twice a day with a quality toothbrush and toothpaste. Be sure to use gentle circular motions along the gum line to avoid irritation. Finally, floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth. By taking these steps, you can keep your gums healthy and prevent bleeding.