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Psst—here’s some time sensitive information just for you. If your teeth are sensitive to heat, cold, sweets, acidic foods, wind and/or air, it could mean it’s time to see Dr. Joel Hartjes and Dr. Jon Szewczyk!

Normally, we don’t notice how external conditions affect our teeth at all. Tooth enamel—the hardest substance in the body—protects the inner tooth from outside stimuli. So, why do strong, solid teeth suddenly feel sensitive? The answer’s found in tooth anatomy.

The crown of the tooth, the part we can see above the gum line, has three distinct layers.

• Enamel, a strong mineral-rich coating, surrounds the outside of each tooth and protects the dentin and pulp inside.
• Dentin is the softer, porous middle layer of the tooth. Dentin contains thousands of tiny, fluid-filled tubules which extend to the pulp.
• In the center of each tooth is the pulp chamber, filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue which keep the tooth alive and healthy.

The roots below the gumline have a similar structure, with one important exception.

• Cementum, which is not as hard and strong as enamel, covers the root surface instead of enamel.

Healthy, undamaged teeth allow you to enjoy an icy beverage, a hot latte, a sweet treat, or a brisk walk without any dental discomfort.

When the tooth’s protective enamel covering is worn or damaged, the dentin below the enamel is exposed to external conditions. Temperature changes, air, wind, sweets and acids—all the stimuli which normally have no effect on our teeth are now transmitted through the dentin’s tubules to the nerves inside the pulp.

The pulp’s nerves respond to these sensations by sending out pain signals. The uncomfortable tooth sensitivity which results is often described as an annoying twinge, a sharp, brief stabbing pain, or a shocking sensation.

There are several potential causes of dentin exposure, including:

Aggressive Brushing

Brushing is great! Over-aggressive brushing? Not so much. Heavy-handed brushing can wear down mineral-rich tooth enamel and is even more damaging to less-mineral-rich cementum.

Dental Products

Some mouthwashes, rinses, and whitening treatments containing alcohol or bleaching agents can cause temporary sensitivity, especially when there’s exposed dentin.

Cavities and Damaged Restorations

The bacteria in plaque create acids which strip minerals from tooth enamel. Over time, a hole in the enamel develops, uncovering the sensitive dentin below. Similarly, when fillings or crowns loosen or suffer damage, the dentin surface underneath is exposed to air and temperature changes.

Injuries

A crack or fracture can expose dentin, or, in severe cases, tooth pulp, to foods, heat, cold, and air.

Diet

An acidic or sugary environment in the mouth harms enamel. Consuming acidic foods and beverages erodes the minerals which make enamel so strong. Sugars give plaque bacteria the perfect fuel for producing their enamel-eroding acids.

Tooth Grinding

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, often takes place during sleep, and can apply over a hundred pounds of pressure to the teeth and jaws. Continuous grinding and clenching wears away tooth enamel, exposing dentin. Bruxism can also cause chipped and cracked teeth, as well as jaw damage and even tooth loss.

Malocclusion

Occlusion refers to the way our teeth and jaws fit together. In a healthy occlusion, the forces of biting and chewing are normal and evenly distributed. A malocclusion, or bad bite, can cause excessive or uneven pressure on teeth and jaws, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and more serious bite problems.

Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. This gum recession exposes the tooth’s root, which is covered with softer cementum, making it more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.

Just as there are many causes for tooth sensitivity, your dental team at Hartstone Dental has many solutions to restore your comfortable, healthy smile.

Choose the Right Products to Protect Your Smile

• If you’re not using a soft-bristled brush, trade in your old model ASAP, or try an electric toothbrush.
• There are special toothpastes which are formulated to reduce sensitivity.
• Talk to your dentist or hygienist at Hartstone Dental to learn the best ways to brush and the best products to use to protect your dental health and your tooth enamel.
• Ask your dental team to recommend less acidic mouthwashes and whiteners designed for more sensitive teeth.

See Your Dentist Regularly

• Regular exams will reveal any cavities before they become deeper and more damaging.
• Dr. Joel Hartjes and Dr. Jon Szewczyk can set broken restorations to rights by creating a new filling or crown.
• If you suspect you have an injured tooth, call our practice immediately to prevent more serious damage or infection.

Eat a Dental-Healthy Diet

• Cut down on acidic and sugary foods.
• Check ingredients. The amount of acids and sugars in foods like sodas and sports drinks could surprise you!
• If you do eat something acidic, don’t brush right away—rinse with water and wait an hour to give your enamel time to strengthen and remineralize.

Protect Your Smile from Trauma

• A custom-fitted nightguard can prevent enamel erosion and other damage caused by bruxism.
• If you’re concerned about your bite, ask your dentist for an orthodontic referral.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or activities to protect your teeth from injuries.

Guard Your Gum Health

• Regular exams and cleanings help prevent gum disease.
• Bonding and sealers can be used to cover and protect exposed root surfaces.
• Dr. Joel Hartjes and Dr. Jon Szewczyk might recommend periodontal treatments such as deep cleaning or gum grafting for more severe gum recession.

The first step in treating sensitivity is a visit to Hartstone Dental in Middleton, WI to diagnose the source of your discomfort. Tooth sensitivity is time sensitive. Take care of small problems before they become serious ones, and you’ll help make sure your smile is something you’re not the least bit sensitive about!

When you smile, you share your happiness with the world. But if your smile isn’t bringing you all the happiness it should, it might be time to talk to Dr. Joel Hartjes and Dr. Jon Szewczyk about orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment provides both physical and psychological benefits:

• Straight Teeth

Perhaps you’re motivated to seek orthodontic treatment because you want straighter, more evenly spaced teeth. And straight teeth are more than simply an aesthetic preference--there’s a health bonus for your teeth and gums as well!

Crooked, overlapping teeth are more difficult to brush and floss effectively, creating hard-to-reach spaces which trap food particles and plaque. Proper tooth alignment and spacing help you keep your teeth and gums cleaner, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

• Healthy Bite

“Occlusion” means the way your jaws and teeth fit together when you bite. A healthy occlusion lets you bite, chew, and speak easily and comfortably because your teeth, jaws, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are aligned in harmony. A malocclusion, or bad bite, occurs when the teeth and jaws don’t align properly, putting excess stress and pressure on the teeth, jaws, joints, and muscles.

The result? Malocclusions can cause difficulties eating and speaking, affect facial symmetry, and have long lasting consequences for your dental and overall health. An unbalanced bite can lead to worn and cracked teeth. Damaged teeth might require root canal treatment and crowns. You could experience jaw, neck, or facial pain, headaches, and sleep problems. Creating a well-aligned bite will help ensure a healthy dental future.

• Improved Self-Esteem

If you hesitate to share your smile because you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth or bite, orthodontic treatment can help you greet the world with confidence.

If your happy smile isn’t bringing you maximum happiness, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment. Talk to the team at Hartstone Dental in Middleton, WI to learn about all the benefits orthodontic treatment can offer you!

Mouthguards protect our oral health. They shield our teeth and mouths from injury during sporting activities, prevent damage from tooth grinding, and help treat sleep apnea. But sometimes, these hardworking tools need some TLC of their own. Read on to learn how to keep your appliance its sparkling, healthy best!

Mouthguard Buildup

You might notice after a few months of use that your guard is stained with white spots or a discolored film. Or that there are gritty patches on its smooth surface. Or you might suddenly notice an unpleasant odor.

If you’re wondering what’s happened to your once-pristine mouthguard, let’s break down the source of these stains, deposits, and odors.

• Plaque is a mix of food particles, bacteria, and saliva which sticks to tooth enamel. If it’s not removed, plaque can harden into tartar. And, just like plaque and tartar stick to your enamel, plaque and tartar can transfer from the teeth and stick to your guard, leaving white spots or a discolored film.
• Mineral deposits are another source of white spots and gritty buildup. Calcium and phosphate are two of the minerals found in saliva. They replace the calcium and phosphate minerals which have been stripped from tooth enamel by acidic foods or the acids created by plaque bacteria. And while these minerals are vital for enamel health, they’re not doing your mouthguard any favors! As saliva dries on your appliance, it leaves behind a residue of these white gritty minerals.
• When food particles and plaque build up on teeth, they cause bad breath. When food particles and plaque build up on appliances, they cause an unpleasant odor.

Removing Retainer Buildup

How do we break down this buildup? There are some simple ways to reduce or remove plaque, tartar, and mineral accumulation when you’re taking care of your mouthguard:

• Rinse off your guard as soon as you remove it from your mouth.
• Clean your mouthguard every time you wear it with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Because even non-abrasive toothpastes can be hard on appliances, ask Dr. Joel Hartjes and Dr. Jon Szewczyk which toothpaste—if any—is best.
• Regular deeper cleaning helps reduce the chance of buildup. Your dental team in Hartstone Dental in Middleton, WI can suggest effective ways to get your guard its cleanest, with recommendations like a white vinegar/water soak or an over-the-counter cleaning product made for appliances. Deep clean weekly or monthly as needed.
• Use cool or lukewarm water to clean or soak, because hot water can warp mouthguards.
• Don’t forget to clean your case regularly, as it can also harbor plaque, minerals, germs, and food particles.

Prevention is best!

Of course, the very best way to reduce mouthguard buildup is to prevent it from accumulating in the first place.

• Keep your teeth clean. When your brushing and flossing is on point, you’ll really reduce the amount of food particles and bacteria which transfer to your appliance.
• If you can’t brush right away, rinsing with water after eating or drinking helps remove food particles and acids from the teeth. Water is also safe to drink with your appliance in place. Which leads us to . . .
• Mouthguards aren’t meant for meals or beverages. Eating solid foods can damage a guard. Food particles stick to appliances. Clear plastic appliances which fit over the teeth can stain. And, because they fit closely over the teeth, these guards can trap foods and beverages next to your teeth, exposing your enamel to sugars and acids over a longer period. Place your guard in its case, enjoy your meal, and brush and floss as directed before your replace the appliance in your mouth.

A clean appliance is a healthy appliance! Keep your mouthguard—and your teeth and gums—in the best of health with simple, daily TLC.

During the second week in April, we recognize and celebrate the expert care dental hygienists provide. Let’s take a moment this week to explore how the special skills of this valued member of your dental team in Middleton, WI enrich your dental health.

Regular Cleanings

Dentists typically recommend routine dental examinations twice a year, and these visits will almost always include an in-office cleaning by your hygienist. Dental hygienists are highly trained healthcare professionals who are specialists in caring for your teeth and gums.

• Plaque and tartar need to be removed from tooth enamel to help prevent cavities and gum disease. While you can brush away plaque, it takes a dental professional to remove tartar, which is plaque which has mineralized over time. The hygienists who work with Dr. Joel Hartjes and Dr. Jon Szewczyk might use a hand scaler, an ultrasonic scaler, or both tools to gently scrape sticky plaque and hardened tartar from your tooth enamel.
• Your cleaning will also include polishing, where surface stains on the enamel are removed using a gentle abrasive. This cleaning might be done with a special toothpaste applied with a small rotating cup or with an air polisher, which removes stains with a stream of fine abrasive powder, water, and pressurized air.
• An expert flossing will remove any remaining plaque from between the teeth.

Deep Cleaning

Hygienists help prevent gum disease. Plaque and tartar on tooth surfaces below the gum line increase your risk of gum disease. Irritated gum tissue gradually pulls away from the teeth, creating pockets of bacteria and causing inflammation and infection.

• Your hygienist will use a probe to gently measure the depth of the space between the teeth and gums. Deeper than normal spaces or bleeding could be a sign of gum disease.
• Tartar on the tooth surface below the gum line will be removed using a treatment called scaling, a non-surgical procedure where your hygienist uses hand scalers or ultrasonic tools to carefully scrape hardened plaque from the tooth.
• Root planing might be done to smooth the root surfaces so that gum tissue can attach snugly around the teeth again, protecting the roots from plaque buildup and bacteria.

Preventative and Cosmetic Care

Some hygienists work with dentists to help provide additional diagnostic, preventative, and cosmetic services:

• X-rays and digital imaging.
• Oral cancer screenings.
• Sealants, thin plastic coatings which protect the top surfaces of molars—the most likely places to develop cavities—from accumulating food particles and plaque.
• Fluoride treatment, if recommended, applied in varnish, foam, or gel form.
• Professional whitening treatments.

Education

Finally, your dental hygienist is an educator!

• When it comes to brushing, there are effective techniques and . . . not so effective techniques. Your hygienist can teach you the best way to clean away food particles and plaque and the best tools for the job.
• During a cleaning, your hygienist will point out any spots where plaque has built up. Discovering the spots where you tend to leave plaque behind allows you to do a better, more thorough cleaning job at home.
• Flossing can be difficult for some of us because we have braces, or because of the way our teeth are aligned, or because of dexterity issues. Your hygienist can show you the best way to floss, as well as recommend products such as specially designed flosses or water flossers which will make flossing easier and more effective.

The dental hygienists at Hartstone Dental are skilled professionals who work to create cleaner, brighter, healthier smiles for their patients every day. This week, we appreciate them for helping us achieve the beautiful smiles we get to appreciate all year long!