Dont brush too hard. Do you clean your teeth with a heavy hand? You might be taking off more than just plaque. Side-to-side brushing right at the gum line can make your enamel go away faster. You should use a soft-bristled brush and work at a 45-degree angle to your gum to keep enamel clean and strong.
Unclench your teeth. Over time, teeth grinding wears away your enamel. Sometimes, addressing your stress can stop the problem. If that doesnt work, your dentist can fit you for a splint or a mouth guard.
Take a break from bleaching. The quest for pearly whites may cause your pain. Thankfully, sensitivity from bleaching is usually temporary. Talk to your dentist about how the treatment might be affecting you, and whether you should continue it.
Naturally shrinking gums. If youre over 40, it could be that your gums are showing signs of wear and tear by pulling away from your teeth and uncovering your tooth roots. Those roots dont have enamel to protect them, so theyre much more sensitive than the rest of your tooth.
Tell your dentist if your gums look like theyre receding. It can be a sign of other problems, like gum disease. Serious cases may need a gum graft. That moves tissue from somewhere else to cover the bare area.
Gum disease. Plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth can make your gums pull back. Sometimes, disease can set in. It can destroy the bony support of your tooth. Dont smoke. It can lead to gum disease. To treat it, your dentist may do a deep clean of your teeth, called planing or scaling, that scrapes tartar and plaque below the gum line. You could also need medication or surgery to fix the problem.
A cracked tooth or filling: When you break a tooth, the crack can go all the way down to your root. Youll notice pain when your tooth is cold. How your dentist fixes the crack depends on how deep it goes. If its a small crack that ends before your gums start, your dentist can fill it. If its below your gum line, your tooth will have to be pulled.
Its also important not to shy away from dental care because of tooth pain. Ignoring your teeth can make things worse. Brush and floss twice a day to help keep your smile bright and pain-free. And see your dentist for a checkup twice a year.
Without proper brushing of the mouth and gums twice a day, and flossing at least once a day, plaque builds up and clings on teeth. Plaque is a sticky combination of mucus, food debris and bacteria. When plaque isnt cleaned away, it hardens into a deposit called tartar (formally called calculus). As plaque and then tartar build up on teeth, the gums become irritated and sore. In addition to poor hygiene, other sources of possible mouth and gum irritation include misaligned teeth, poorly fitted and improperly cleaned mouth appliances (dentures, braces, bridges or crowns), or rough filling edges.
While sometimes gingivitis can be almost symptomless, the key clue is usually swollen, sore, or tender gums. The gum tissue may be so swollen it is shiny in appearance and it can be red or even purple in color. It may be tender to the touch but otherwise painless. Gums can bleed even with gentle brushing and flossing will be especially irritating. Bad breath will often occur and mouth sores are sometimes present as well.
A trip to the dentist and a simple visual exam can confirm if gingivitis is present. The dentist and dental hygienist will probably also see plaque and tartar build-up at the base of the teeth, near the gum line. While no further testing beyond a visual confirmation is really necessary, they may take x-rays and dental bone measurements to be sure that the damage hasnt begun to spread further.
The obvious solution is to reduce inflammation by cleaning the teeth and removing the plaque and tartar. If the accumulation is extensive or extends below the gum line, the usual cleaning will not be effective and a more thorough dental procedure is necessary. This is a root scaling and planing called a debridement.
If misaligned teeth or improperly fitted dental appliances are the key culprits or contributing factors in creating the gingivitis, the dentist will pinpoint the problem(s) and make the necessary corrections. Any other health issues will need to be addressed and corrected if the patient is to make a full recovery and not have a recurrence. Of course, the need for more frequent thorough brushing and flossing will also be addressed and encouraged.
Typically, an individuals teeth are professionally cleaned by a dental hygienist at their regular check-ups every six months. But to successfully prevent the recurrence of gingivitis, more frequent professional teeth cleaning be needed. The dentist may also recommend antibacterial mouth rinses, anti-plaque or antibacterial toothpastes or other over the counter or prescribed aids (like antibiotic medication).
If these measures do not prevent the recurrence or spread of gingivitis, periodontitis may result and the dentist will likely refer the patient to a periodontist. Its necessary to remain vigilant and practice good dental hygiene every day to keep healthy gums pink and firm.
Reviews
Rating 4.9 out of 5 based on 70 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestTiffany Waldie
a year ago
Dr Arnold's is the BEST dentist office in Texarkana. I've lived here my whole life and have never had such quick and efficient work done at a dentist office. Everyone there is super kinda and great at their jobs. It is truly a blessing to have such an AWESOME dentistry in our town
Monica Miller GB ygn
2 years ago
Really enjoyed my first visit they made me feel so comfortable and took time to make sure everything was right. The staff was so helpful and friendly, Dr. Arnold is the best I would highly recommend him for all your dental needs
James Wyrick
2 years ago
Dr Arnold Hands down is an amazing caring person. The staff has always been kind courteous and attentive. All of my family have used Dr Arnold for many years and will continue. Best Dentist office in town.
Dallin Platt
2 years ago
I had the opportunity to shadow Dr Arnold for 3 different days, and I will say from what I saw that this is an amazing dental practice. The staff are all very friendly and courteous, and Dr Arnold isn't afraid to crack a joke to lighten the mood. Dr Arnold cares for each of his patients and will not gouge them for their money. He understands they have their own lives and will only charge for the work he did, sometimes sending patients away with no charge for a simple adjustment. Him and the staff pray each morning for those coming in, whether it be a general cleaning or a root canal. They strive for the highest quality of care too. No corners are cut and they have some really fancy technology to augment what they do! I would recommend everyone to go here. You won't have a better experience anywhere else!
Jackie Cannon
2 years ago
Great experience. Always friendly and helpful staff.
Christine Isitt
2 years ago
Dr Arnold and staff were very concerned with my Dental health. And provided me with exam, and x-ray and treatment plan that I could understand. Dr Arnold explained my after treatment plan and what to avoid after my treatment. He was through in what needed to be done next. I was Very satisfied with all aspects of my treatment with Dr Arnold and his staff. Coodo to all at Dr Arnold office
Cole Allen
2 years ago
Been going there since 2010 , The staff is absolutely amazing!
mine allmine
2 years ago
As Tony the tiger would say they were great !!
Scott Tilley
2 years ago
Was a great experience I would highly recommend Dr Arnold all my kids have started using him services are incredible.
Jennifer Smith
2 years ago
The staff was professional and kind!
j b bryant
2 years ago
very good experience, the hygentist was superb did an excellent job
Cora Johnson
2 years ago
I give Dentist Robert Arnold a great rating because he's a great dentist, but I changed to another dentist because of his receptionist, she is very rude to certain people, I notice it the first time I went to see him but I looked over her but no more, I don't have to deal with people like her,smh
Christa Pifer
2 years ago
So listen..........yall this place is amazing. I came here in horrible pain with an infected tooth having already visited one dentist and they had put me on the wrong medication then gave me shots and tried to pull my tooth before the infection was gone and couldn't cause I wouldn't go numb so I came to Dr. Arnold who put me on the right medication took a picture of the infected tooth and then waited 10 days for the infection to go away (which it did) then he brought me back in and gave me a few shots to numb my mouth and pull the tooth and when he pulled it out (all in one piece) I didn't even feel not one bit of pain. I highly recommend them for sure. The only thing I would say they need is to be able to accept medicade. Other then that it's wonderful and I hope in the future I'm able to return to them.
David Garrett
2 years ago
My fiancee started coming here recently. Her name is Candice S. After her first appointment, we got a: "thank you for choosing our dental services/we value you new customer" type card in the mail from the office. We're very surprised and satisfied with the bedside manner and the exceptional quality of care and service that they provided us during our visit. My fiancee was ecstatic to see her teeth so clean and refreshed. I recommend to anyone and everyone. Best dental provider I've ever witnessed. So glad we were recommended by a friend from her job and stumbled across this place. Definitely will keep coming back!
Kathy Hawkins
2 years ago
Dr. Arnold and his staff are consistently taking the best interest of their patients in mind. I highly recommend their service.
Berna McMorris
2 years ago
Always friendly and go beyond to help you with your needs. I have referred several friends and they all love them! Thanks you guys for being there for us!
Rudene Mccombs
2 years ago
Dr. Arnold and his staff are top notch! Worked me in on a Friday saving my Fourth of July weekend! And Olivia was the best at explaining the procedure and making me feel comfortable! Thank yall bunches!
Elaine Butt
2 years ago
Friendly and professional staff. They made sure we understood all that would be involved and the time line for getting dentures for my husband. I would recommend them to anyone.
Stacey Mannchen
2 years ago
I can't say enough good things about the Doctor and the staff here. I was embarrassed about my teeth, but I was treated with nothing but kindness and compassion. If everyone carried themselves the way the staff here does, this world would be a better place. They truly have my deepest gratitude for helping me get my smile back.
Susan Nichols
2 years ago
I had quite a few teeth removed today. I had one of the most remarkable experiences. I've have always had a fear of dentist from a bad experience when I was young. . I've never gotten over it until today. He has a special way of talking to you through it ALL! I didn't feel anything. I am so grateful! I would ABSOLUTELY recommend him to anyone. The staff are amazing and are right there with you the whole time. I am so thankful for Dr. Arnold and his amazing staff. Thank you ALL!!!!
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