Causes of a white tongue and how to get rid of it

White tongue is a term used to describe any area of the tongue that has a grayish-white coating on it. The coating may cover the entire tongue, or it may appear in patches.

There are a few different reasons for a white tongue, and each has a specific treatment. A white tongue is usually a harmless symptom, but in rare cases it can indicate a serious condition.

In this article, we look at common causes of a white tongue and home remedies to get rid of the problem.

Causes

The most common cause of a white tongue is poor oral hygiene. Small bumps on the tongue called papillae can swell up and become inflamed in a mouth that is not cared for well.

Plenty of germs, debris, food particles, and dead cells can get stuck between these papillae. This causes the tongue to appear white as the particles build.

Oral and hygiene issues that can lead to a white tongue include:

• dry mouth caused by mouth breathing or sleeping with the mouth open

• not brushing or flossing the teeth correctly

• not cleaning the tongue

• dehydration

• irritation from sharp edges inside the mouth, such as teeth, braces, or dentures

• regular alcohol consumption

• smoking, chewing, or dipping tobacco

Basic oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but some conditions cause a white tongue even in people who take great care of their mouths. These include:

Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the mouth and tongue. It can also affect the lips, inside of the cheeks, and gums. Researchers are unsure what causes it, but it may be due to an immune response or genetic factors.

Symptoms that affect the mouth include:

• white, lace-like patches of skin

• ulcers

• pain, including discomfort, soreness, or a burning sensation

• swelling and redness

Treatment

Oral lichen planus is a chronic condition, and in many cases, a doctor or dentist will simply monitor it to make sure lesions heal properly.

In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe topical or oral corticosteroids.

Leukoplakia

Irritants such as tobacco and alcohol can lead to leukoplakia. It may also result from inflammatory conditions and irritation from dentures. It can affect all areas of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, and gums.

Leukoplakia may appear as thick, white patches that cannot be scraped off. Sometimes, the patches may appear red and white.

The patches that leukoplakia cause are harmless by themselves. In rare cases, leukoplakia can progress to cancer, so it is best to have a doctor diagnose this right away.

Treatment

A healthcare professional should monitor leukoplakia to make sure it is not getting worse. They may recommend cutting down the amount of alcohol a person drinks or stopping smoking.

Sometimes, a doctor needs to remove the patches with surgery.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is another condition that may cause the tongue to appear white. Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by the  yeast.

Symptoms include:

• white or off-white patches in the mouth and on the tongue

• unpleasant taste or loss of taste

• pain, especially when eating or drinking

• redness or soreness

People who have a weakened immune system may be more likely to develop oral thrush. This includes people who have recently taken antibiotics or undergone chemotherapy. Poor oral hygiene or wearing poorly fitting dentures are other risk factors.

The use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma can also cause oral thrush. Certain conditions, including diabetes and HIV, may increase the risk of infection.

Treatment

Treatment for oral thrush typically includes antifungal medications. A person applies these medications to the inside of the mouth for 1 to 2 weeks until the condition has run its course. For severe cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe oral or intravenous antifungal medications.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to symptoms in several areas of the body, including the mouth.

Symptoms include:

• white patches on the tongue

• red and white sores, known as chancres, on the tongue or lips

• firm, raised lesions in the mouth

These symptoms typically arise 10–90 days after a person comes into contact with the bacteria. Chancres may resolve on their own with time, but the disease can remain in the body and progress without treatment.

Treatment

Syphilis requires medical treatment with the antibiotic penicillin. This antibiotic kills the bacteria that cause the disease. People who are allergic to penicillin may take a different type of antibiotic.

Reducing irritants in the mouth, such as alcohol and tobacco, may also help clear up the white patches.

Other conditions

Rarer but sometimes serious conditions can lead to white patches on the tongue.

Mouth or tongue cancer may cause a white tongue. Common causes of these types of cancer include chronic tobacco or alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Underlying chronic inflammatory disorders may influence a white tongue as well.

When to see a doctor

Most appearances of a white tongue will clear up easily, although this is not always the case.

If the symptoms do not respond to basic oral care or occur alongside other symptoms, a person should speak with a doctor.

Home remedies

Some home remedies and habits may also help with getting rid of a white tongue.

Probiotics

Probiotics are another way to influence oral symptoms, such as a white tongue. Probiotics are strains of bacteria that are good for the digestive system.

While lots of research on probiotics focuses on improving gut health, probiotics may also be helpful for the mouth and tongue.

A 2017 review noted that probiotic bacteria can occupy the mouth as well as the gut. In some cases, these bacteria can help fight off infectious yeasts and other bad strains of bacteria.

While the evidence is not conclusive, probiotics may still help balance the environment in the mouth and prevent a white tongue.

A range of probiotics is available for purchase online.

Baking soda scrub

Adding food-grade baking soda to a toothbrush and scrubbing the tongue, teeth, and gums may help reduce the bacteria that cause a white tongue.

One study found that a baking soda oral rinse can reduce harmful bacteria that commonly cause infections in the mouth, such as Streptococcus.

Raw garlic

Eating garlic may help the body fight off infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Research noted that garlic has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, including the ability to fight off Candida.

People may eat a clove of raw garlic whole each day or chop it up and eat it with a little olive oil.

Tongue scraping

Gently scraping the tongue from back to front may also help reduce and remove the bacteria and debris that settle in the mouth.

Many companies make specific tools for tongue scraping, which are available for purchase online. However, a person can use the edge of a spoon just as easily.

Prevention

While it is not always possible to avoid getting a white tongue, basic oral hygiene can help prevent many cases. This includes brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

Many people also benefit from using a tongue scraper every day or brushing the tongue with a toothbrush.

Additionally, lifestyle choices may help prevent a white tongue at times. Avoiding tobacco products and alcoholic drinks may help, as well as eating a varied and nutritious diet.

Going to a dentist every 6 months for a checkup will help keep the mouth as clean as possible. People should report any worrying symptoms to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Outlook

The outlook for a white tongue is typically very good. In many cases, it is harmless, even if it may be distressing to see.

Symptoms may not always respond immediately to improvements in hygiene or lifestyle choices, but improving oral health is suggested for anyone with a white tongue.

In rare cases, a white tongue is an indication of a serious underlying condition. Following the treatment plan set out by a doctor is the best way to relieve symptoms.

What to know about fluoride in toothpaste

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that people add to water, food, and other products. Many toothpastes contain fluoride as it has benefits for protecting tooth health. Too much fluoride can pose risks to health, but the amounts contained in toothpaste are generally safe if a person uses the toothpaste as advised.

Toothpaste is an important part of good oral hygiene. With many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice.

Many toothpastes contain fluoride, a mineral that is naturally found in soil and rocks. This article examines what fluoride is and why manufacturers add it to toothpaste. It also covers the benefits and risks of fluoride and tips for choosing the best toothpaste.

Toothpaste ingredients

Producers have designed toothpaste to control dental plaque. Plaque is a thin layer that forms on teeth after eating sugars. The bacteria in plaque break down tooth enamel, cause decay, and lead to cavities.

People use toothpaste with a toothbrush to gently sweep away plaque and other debris from their teeth. All toothpastes share some common ingredients :

• Abrasives such as calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate. These remove anything sticking to the surface of the teeth without scratching them.

• Binders like sodium alginate or xanthan gum. These provide elasticity and form to the toothpaste, and help prevent it from drying out by binding water to it.

• Humectants such as glycerol or propylene glycol. These retain water to prevent hardening of the toothpaste.

• Foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium alkylsulfo succinate.

• Preservatives, to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Some toothpastes contain other ingredients, depending on their formulation:

• fluoride, which strengthens enamel and prevents cavities

• flavorings like spearmint, peppermint, or menthol

• sweeteners, including sorbitol, glycerol, and xylitol

• anti-sensitivity agents including strontium chloride or potassium nitrate

What is fluoride and why is it in toothpaste?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which exists in:

• soil

• rocks

• water

• many foods

It is an important part of tooth development in children under the age of 7, as it strengthens developing enamel. In children and adults it also slows down the acid-producing capability of plaque, which protects teeth from decay.

In many cities and countries, local authorities add fluoride to the drinking water, which has been shown to reduce tooth decay by at least 25%. Fluoride toothpaste provides an additional layer of protection against dental decay and plaque buildup.

Benefits of fluoride

Fluoride protects teeth against decay by helping strengthen developing enamel and slowing acid production of bacteria caused by plaque.

Fluoride protects teeth against a process called demineralization. This occurs when bacteria combine with sugars to create acid that erodes the tooth.

Further, fluoride promotes remineralization. This process brings calcium and phosphate ions to the tooth to create to new surface area which is acid resistant.

Risks

Too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition that produces a change in the color of tooth enamel. This discoloration usually manifests as white or sometimes brown spots.

Fluorosis usually occurs when children who are in the teeth forming years swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, the teeth forming years are before the age of 8.

Most cases of dental fluorosis are very mild to mild. In moderate to severe cases, more noticeable and extensive enamel changes happen, including dark spots and pits in the teeth.

The risk of getting too much fluoride from toothpaste is low and primarily a risk for children, who are more likely to swallow toothpaste.

To reduce the risk of dental fluorosis parents should:

• supervise children age 6 and under to discourage swallowing toothpaste

• use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste between the ages of 3 and 6

• consult with a doctor or dentist about the use of fluoride toothpaste for children under 2 years of age. Typically a rice-sized amount of toothpaste is OK for children under 2.

Chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride can also lead to skeletal fluorosis. This occurs when fluoride builds up in bones, causing stiffness and pain. In the most severe cases, ligaments can calcify, causing pain and trouble moving. Typically this is a problem in areas with naturally occurring high levels of fluoride in drinking water.

Is fluoride safe?

While fluoride in toothpaste is generally considered safe, there is a larger, ongoing discussion of overall fluoride intake, from water, food, mouthwashes, and other sources.

The International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), which advocates against the use of added fluoride in water and products, lists the following health problems which it associates with fluoride consumption:

• acne

• cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, cardiac insufficiency, and myocardial damage

• diabetes

• low fertility rates and early puberty in girls

• osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint disorder, and bone cancer

• immune system complications

• lower IQ

• cognitive deficits, attention deficity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neurological deficits

• thyroid dysfunction

One 2016 study of children in Mexico found that higher levels of fluoride exposure before birth could result in lower cognitive abilities for babies when tested at ages 4 and 6–12. Researchers tested fluoride levels in 299 pregnant women, and in their children at ages 4 and 6-12. The results suggested a link between high levels of fluoride in the mothers and lower IQ scores in their children.

But other researchers who evaluated this study said the fluoride level used was double or triple the level found in drinking water in the United States. Researchers also failed to take into account other factors that could have contributed to lower IQ scores in the study.

Researchers evaluating other health concerns have also found problems with unreliable data and poor study design.

Overall, researchers have determined that studies linking major health conditions with fluoride are unreliable.

Fluoride has been used in drinking water for 75 years and research has proven its safety. As with many substances, too much can lead to problems such as fluorosis, but the right amount can provide important dental protection and minimal negative health effects.

How To Avoid Catching Your Child's Cold

When your children are too sick for childcare or school, you might wonder whether it’s just a matter of time before you get the bug, too.

“Preventing transmission, especially if with small children in the house, is not easy,” admits Larry Anderson, MD, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta. One of the biggest challenges for a healthy mom, he says, is that a lot of transmission happens early in the illness, well before symptoms cue you in that you have sick kids. 

On the flip side, it’s possible for healthy moms and healthy dads to stay that way while caring for sick kids. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that having sick kids at home doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get sick too. An analysis of 216 households in which one person had the flu showed that another person in the house came down with it just 21 percent of the time. Illness spreading to more than one other person in the house was even less common, occurring only 6 percent of the time.

One way to stay healthy is to practice healthy home habits. Here’s what you can do when your home is filled with sniffling and coughing sick kids: 

• Wash your hands. Your own mother’s advice is still relevant today. “The best and most time-tested way to protect against colds is hand washing,” says pediatrician Jonathan Gold, MD, an associate professor in the department of pediatrics and human development at Michigan State University in Lansing. Wash your hands regularly, for 30 seconds each time. A regular bar of soap will do just fine; it's doesn't have to be antibacterial.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you or your children can’t wash your hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will help control the spread of germs. Tuck a small bottle in your purse so you can protect against catching a bug from other people’s sick kids too.

• Stay safe from sneezes. Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbows or a tissue. Second to regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes is the most important step in stopping the spread of illness in your home. Promptly throw away any tissues used to collect coughs, sneezes, or sniffles. If collecting them becomes your job, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

• Wipe down surfaces. When you have sick kids, you’ll need to step up your home cleaning routine a notch or two. Regularly wipe down any surfaces that your children touch frequently. Try using bleach-based sprays or wipes (avoiding contact with your clothes). “For toddlers and older infants who mouth everything they touch, wipe down toys,” advises Dr. Gold. Pay attention to surfaces that lots of hands touch, such as door knobs, faucets, and handles on the refrigerator and freezer.

• Don’t share. You want your kids to share when they're healthy, but encourage sick kids to be selfish. Cups, forks, spoons, toothbrushes, thermometers, medicine syringes, and anything else that goes near their eyes, mouth, or nose should be washed thoroughly before anyone else uses it. If you’re using saline nasal sprays to help relieve congestion, get a bottle for each child and label them.

• Vaccinate. Cold and flu season comes around every year, so you know what you’re facing. “Get flu shots for everybody,” advises Gold. Illness often spreads before you realize you have sick kids. You can’t vaccinate against the common cold, but you can take a stand against the flu.

• Set up a mini-quarantine. Sick kids can’t go to school, and they shouldn’t have the run of the house either, at least until their symptoms ease up. “A sick child will do better in a limited area,” says Dr. Anderson. Limiting the places your child can rest while sick will also limit exposure for the rest of the family.

• Take care of yourself. Even when you’re caring for your sick kids and keeping up with your other obligations, try to get enough sleep and eat healthy. You’ll resist illness better if you stay strong, rested, and well-nourished.

Happy Thanksgiving

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday. Our office is currently closed, and we will return to the office on November 29, 2021. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency, please call our on-call number 904-762-5616 or text Dr. Henley directly at 904-434-7883

Is Your Thanksgiving Feast Good for Your Teeth?

Turkey

The Good: This main course is packed with protein.

The Bad: "Turkey can be difficult to eat because it sometimes gets stuck between your teeth," says ADA spokesperson Dr. Kim Harms. "That’s where flossing can help."

The MouthHealthy: It's the star of the Thanksgiving table. Gobble it up!

Cranberry Sauce

The Good: It's a tasty Thanksgiving tradition.

The Bad: Cranberries are naturally tart, so sugar or sugar substitutes are often added to recipes. This side dish can be sticky, acidic and may temporarily stain your teeth.

The MouthHealthy: If eaten alone the sugar content, stickiness, tendency for the little berries to get stuck between your teeth and acidity make it one of those foods that needs to be eaten with a meal."

Yams

The Good: Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamins A and C, which help keep your gums healthy. They can also be prepared in many ways.

The Bad: Candied yam recipes call for marshmallows. Sticky foods can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on your teeth longer than other types of food.

The MouthHealthy: If candied, enjoy in moderation and drink plenty of water with your meal to help wash away any leftover food.

Green Bean Casserole

The Good: “Green beans are healthy, mushrooms are healthy, onions are healthy,” Dr. Harms says.

The Bad: “It can be sticky and little beans may get stuck in your teeth,” Dr. Harms says.

The MouthHealthy: Dig in! But you may want to keep a floss pick handy. “This is good stuff,” Dr. Harms says.

Macaroni and Cheese

The Good: Say cheese! Many recipes call for cheese and milk. The calcium from these ingredients helps strengthen teeth.

The Bad: “Good cheese can be gooey,” Dr. Harms says. White pastas are also starchy and can leave sugar behind on your teeth.

The MouthHealthy: As with many feast-worthy foods, eat a sensible portion and break out your brush and floss later.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

The Good: “Potatoes are an important dietary source of vitamin C, B6 and potassium,” Dr. Harms says.

The Bad: Potatoes are starchy, and cavity-causing bacteria loves the sugar that makes up starch.

The MouthHealthy: “If covered with gravy, the health benefits of the overall dish are diminished to some extent, but this is a holiday and only comes once a year,” she says.

Pumpkin Pie

The Good: Pumpkin has Vitamin A, which helps keep your gums healthy and builds the hard outer shell of your teeth (enamel).

The Bad: There’s the added sugar in the pie itself and whatever whipped topping you put on top.

The MouthHealthy: This is usually a once-a-year treat, but dish it out after dinner. Eating sweets shortly after meals helps keep saliva flowing to wash away leftover food.

Best Foods for Healthy Teeth

You probably know that gooey, sticky candy isn't exactly great for your teeth. But when it comes to diet and your teeth, what you should eat is just as important as what you shouldn't.

"Variety and moderation are key to a diet for healthy teeth," says George Shepley, DDS, a dentist in private practice in Baltimore and a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. Strive for a balanced plate incorporating different options from each of the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. "Limiting or eliminating one of these groups can lead to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, which can affect your oral health," he says.

What’s more: Poor nutrition can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to other health problems, including gum disease, Dr. Shepley says.

Here are nine best things to eat and drink for healthy teeth:

Water.

Nothing hydrates like plain water — and it's good for your oral health, too. "It’s especially good to drink water after eating sugary foods because it helps rinse food particles from the teeth,” Shepley says. “This dilutes the acids produced from bacteria that are converting the sugar into acid.” It's best to drink water with fluoride to help strengthen teeth, and most tap water in the United States has it. It's especially important for children to get fluoride. Adding fluoride to the local water supply helped reduce tooth decay in children, according to research published in February 2015 in the journal Caries Research. Check with your local water company to make sure your tap water contains fluoride. If bottled water is your preference, find out if it contains fluoride. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bottled water manufacturers aren't generally required to include fluoride amounts on the label. Check with the manufacturer about fluoride in your preferred bottled water.

Milk.

Milk provides calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which helps the body better absorb calcium. "Vitamin D deficiency can lead to burning mouth syndrome — a painful condition in which a person feels a scalding sensation in the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth," Shepley says.

Lean protein.

Include plenty of lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs in your diet. Your body needs the protein and your teeth need the phosphorous these foods contain. Phosphorous is important in protecting enamel, the protective layer on your teeth. Chicken and fish boast vitamin B3 (niacin), and almonds and other nuts offer vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B12 as well as iron, all of which are important for healthy teeth and gums.

Sweet potatoes.

Shepley suggests these nutrient-rich root vegetables because they're a great source of vitamin A, which also helps protect the enamel on your teeth and ward off cavities.

Cheese and other dairy foods.

Cheese is a good choice for healthy teeth because it's rich in both calcium and protein, and it reduces acidity, Shepley says. Protein is an essential building block for growth, and calcium is important for strong teeth. "Yogurt is a good choice, and it also has probiotics, which supply healthy bacteria."

Leafy greens and crunchy produce.

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens offer a healthy dose of nutrients for teeth and gums. Spinach is rich in both vitamin A and vitamins B2 and B12. Shepley suggests eating a crunchy apple, carrots, or celery to promote saliva production, which dilutes acids and helps remove debris from your teeth.

Tea.

Both green and black teas can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, Shepley says. Green teas also offer antioxidants that promote overall health.

Oranges, strawberries, and other vitamin-C-rich fruits and veggies.

Vitamin C promotes healthy gums and quick healing of wounds, Shepley says. "Severe vitamin C deficiency can result in bleeding gums or loose teeth.”

Sugar-free gum.

In between meals, pop in a stick of sugar-free gum. "Chewing sugarless gum is very useful for stimulating saliva and cleaning teeth," Shepley says. Just avoid chewing for long periods of time to prevent your jaw from getting sore.

10 Biggest Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Does drinking an ice cold beverage cause dental discomfort? Or do you find yourself wincing when you brush or floss? You could have what’s known as tooth sensitivity.

You don’t have to put up with the pain, however. There are things you can do to lessen tooth sensitivity and improve your oral health, says Leslie Seldin, DDS, a dentist in New York City and an associate professor of dentistry at the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Here’s why you could be experiencing this mouth malady — and steps you can take to find relief for sensitive teeth:

1. You brush with too much gusto. Sometimes tooth sensitivity comes from brushing with too much force or using a hard-bristled toothbrush. Over time, you can wear down the protective layers of your teeth and expose microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to your dental nerves. When these tubes are exposed to extreme temperatures or acidic or sticky foods, tooth sensitivity and discomfort can result. The simplest solution is to switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to be gentler when brushing.

2. You eat acidic foods. If the pathways to your nerves are exposed, acidic foods such as tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi, and pickles can cause pain. But avoiding these foods can help you avoid any tooth discomfort.

3. You’re a tooth-grinder. Even though tooth enamel is the strongest substance in your body, grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel. By doing so, you expose the dentin, or the middle layer of the tooth, which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. Talk to your dentist about finding a mouth guard that can stop you from grinding. The best guards are custom-made to fit your bite, Dr. Seldin says.

4. You use tooth-whitening toothpaste. Many manufacturers add tooth-whitening chemicals to their toothpaste formulas, and some people are more sensitive to them than others. If your toothpaste contains whitening agents, consider switching to one that doesn’t.

5. You’re a mouthwash junkie. Like whitening toothpaste, some over-the-counter mouthwashes and rinses contain alcohol and other chemicals that can make your teeth more sensitive — especially if your dentin’s exposed. Instead, try neutral fluoride rinses or simply skip the rinse and be more diligent about flossing and brushing.

6. You’ve got gum disease. Receding gums, which are increasingly common with age (especially if you haven't kept up with your dental health), can cause tooth sensitivity. If gum disease or gingivitis is the problem, your dentist will come up with a plan to treat the underlying disease, and may also suggest a procedure to seal your teeth.

7. You have excessive plaque. The purpose of flossing and brushing is to remove plaque that forms after you eat. An excessive buildup of plaque can cause tooth enamel to wear away. Again, your teeth can become more sensitive as they lose protection provided by the enamel. The solution is to practice good daily dental care and visit your dentist for cleanings every six months — or more frequently if necessary.

8. You’ve had a dental procedure. It’s common to experience some sensitivity after a root canal, an extraction, or the placement of a crown. If symptoms don’t disappear after a short time, you should schedule another visit to your dentist, as it could be a sign of infection.

9. Your tooth is cracked. A chipped or cracked tooth can cause pain that goes beyond tooth sensitivity. Your dentist will need to evaluate your tooth and decide the right course of treatment, such as a cap or an extraction.

10. There is decay around the edges of fillings. As you get older, fillings can weaken and fracture or leak around the edges. It’s easy for bacteria to accumulate in these tiny crevices, which causes acid buildup and enamel breakdown. Be sure to see your dentist if you notice this type of tooth sensitivity between visits; in most cases, fillings can be easily replaced.

Tooth sensitivity is treatable. In fact, you might find that using toothpaste specifically made for sensitive teeth helps, Seldin says. However, these formulas don’t work for everyone.

If your sensitivity is extreme and persists no matter what steps you take, be sure to see your dentist for an evaluation. Only an office visit can determine the most likely cause of your tooth sensitivity and the best solution for your particular situation.

8 Foods to Avoid If You Have Sensitive Teeth

Having sensitive teeth is common: As many as 40 million Americans report having some pain in their teeth when eating or drinking hot, cold, acidic, sticky, or sugary foods, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Women and young adults as well as those with receding gum lines reported the most tooth sensitivity in a study of nearly 800 patients at dental practices in the northwestern United States that was published in The Journal of the American Dental Association in March 2013.

While foods that are very hot or very cold can cause tooth pain, avoiding these eight foods in particular may help you find relief:

1. Soda. This is one of the top foods to avoid for sensitive teeth, says John T. Grbic, DMD, a professor of dental medicine and director of the division of foundational sciences at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City. Soda has two ingredients that can irritate exposed teeth nerves: sugar and acid, he says, "so it’s a double whammy.”

2. Ice cream. “Ice cream is not only cold, but it has sugar that can cause teeth to be more sensitive,” says Jordan Taylor, DMD, a dentist with Stonecreek Dental Care in Huntsville, Alabama. People with sensitive teeth lack the enamel layer that acts as a protective barrier. “Without that layer of enamel to insulate your nerves, the temperature of the food can be more aggravating,” he says.

3. Hot coffee. Hot foods can also cause your teeth to hurt, and sweetening your steaming coffee with sugar can make pain even worse. Dr. Taylor suggests adding some milk to your coffee. The milk helps to slightly lower the temperature of the coffee as well as its acidity, so it’s less damaging to your teeth, he says.

4. Hard candy. When you have sensitive teeth, skip hard candy such as lollipops, peppermints, and suckers. Not only are they full of sugar that can cause tooth pain, but they could also cause teeth to chip or break, according to the American Dental Association.

5. Sticky candy. These sweet treats, such as toffee, caramel, gummy bears, and licorice, have a few strikes against them, especially for people with tooth sensitivity. Besides being full of sugar, they can stick to your teeth.“Extremely sweet and sticky foods can stimulate the nerves in the dentine, which is similar to tooth enamel but not as hard, and has tiny microscopic holes to further expose the nerves,” says Eugene Gamble, MClinDent, a periodontics specialist and oral surgeon in the United Kingdom.

6. Citrus fruits. Pineapple, grapefruit, lemons, and limes are all highly acidic fruits, and the acid can make your teeth more sensitive, according to the AGD. This is because they wear away at tooth enamel. Keep in mind that both eating these fruits and drinking the fruit juice can trigger tooth sensitivity and pain.

7. Tomatoes. Although tomatoes are a good source of vitamins, especially vitamin C, they're also highly acidic, so be sure to avoid them if your teeth are sensitive, says Victoria Veytsman, DDS, of Cosmetic Dental Studios in New York City. Note that tomato sauce as well as raw tomatoes can trigger tooth sensitivity.

8. Ice. Even if you can tolerate cold drinks, resist the habit of chewing ice, Dr. Grbic says. Ice can be problematic for sensitive teeth, because it's both cold and hard.

If you have sensitive teeth and symptoms persist for more than a few weeks or become unbearable, be sure to talk to your dentist. Sensitive teeth may be a sign of a more serious health issue, such as a cavity or abscess that needs to be treated, according to the Oral Health Foundation.

Icky Mouth Mysteries Solved

Do you suffer with red gums, or is the roof of your mouth swollen? Without fail, you follow your dentist’s orders to keep your teeth and gums healthy — but did you know that the condition of your mouth can also shine light on other health problems? Some dental conditions, such as bad breath, pale gums and red gums, can be signs of gum disease. But other oral symptoms may point to seemingly unrelated health problems. (Hint: Eroded teeth could be a sign of an eating disorder or chronic heartburn.)

If you have gum disease, you're not alone. More than 1 out of 2, or 64.7 million Americans, have mild, moderate, or severe gum disease, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Gum disease ranges from unhealthy gum swelling, called gingivitis, to serious tissue and bone destruction. In the worst cases of gum disease, you will lose teeth.

Healthy mouths are full of bacteria, mucus, and other food particles that form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on the teeth. Normally, you get rid of plaque by brushing and flossing regularly. But when plaque builds up because of poor oral hygiene, it causes inflamed, bleeding gums or gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the mild form of gum disease. Good oral health habits — brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, getting regular dental checkups, and not smoking — can help prevent and reverse gingivitis.

Plaque that is not removed hardens into tartar. This will lead to increased bleeding and a more serious form of gum disease, called periodontitis. With this advanced gum disease, the unhealthy gums pull away from the teeth and form small pockets that can become infected. If periodontal disease goes untreated, the bones, gums and connective tissue that support the teeth are destroyed.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, certain people have a higher risk of gum disease than others. Risk factors for gum disease include:

• Aging

• Diabetes

• Genetic predisposition

• Hormonal changes in girls and women

• Medication

• Other illnesses, such as AIDS and cancer treatments

• Smoking

Taking care of unhealthy gums or gum disease can save your teeth. Here are some lifestyle and home remedies to consider:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day

• Use a soft toothbrush

• Replace your toothbrush every three months

• Floss daily

• Use an over-the-counter mouth rinse after brushing to reduce plaque

• See your dentist regularly for professional dental cleanings and mouth checks

• Don't smoke

Take a look at these oral symptoms to find out what they could be telling you about your health.

How to Stop Clenching Teeth to Protect Your Smile

Do you wake up with headaches, neck pain or sore teeth? You could have bruxism and be unconsciously clenching teeth while you sleep. Paul R. Johnson, DDS, explains this common women’s health problem, how to recognize it and how to stop teeth grinding for good...

If you’re like more than 50% of women, you probably have a nighttime habit you may not even know about: gnashing, grinding or clenching teeth while you sleep. And for about 10% of you, this could be causing serious problems.

It’s a condition known as bruxism. We dentists refer to it as “the nightly grind.”

Here’s how to tell if you’re doing it: Take your thumb or finger and feel along the edges of your upper and lower front teeth.

• Do they feel ragged?

• Any little chips along the edges?

• Any fractures?

• Now, go to the bathroom mirror and really look at them.

• Are they flat or worn down?

• Are there sharp ends?

  Then ask yourself these questions:

• Do you ever have a slight morning headache or neck ache?

• Do your teeth feel sore in the morning?

• Have ringing in your ears?

How about an ache in your jaw, at the point where you open and close your mouth, on one or both sides?

That’s your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which allows your jaw (known as the mandible) to hinge up and down. It can be pretty sore after a night of grinding and clenching teeth.

In my experience, few patients are aware that they’re teeth clenching at night. They’re usually surprised when I demonstrate the destructive results to them, using a large patient’s mirror. What causes bruxism – and, more important, how can you stop the damage? Read on to find out.

A Hard Grind

When you grind your teeth while you sleep, you’re putting an incredible amount of force on them – the equivalent of hundreds of pounds, and many times more than you would tolerate if you were doing it during daylight hours.

The damage it causes can range from minor to severe. Some people just clench teeth at night, but they’re still likely to move the jaw slightly from side to side or front to back – and end up wearing those teeth down. As the teeth grind down and become flat, they can begin to look unsightly. The back teeth may start hitting each other as the front ones shrink. Teeth get shorter, chip easily, become loose – and a once-beautiful, youthful smile could be lost. That jaw joint really takes a beating with bruxism too. Ligaments in and around the TMJ can be damaged as the surrounding area becomes inflamed. The result is pain – sometimes acute. You can even get earaches from the tremendous pressure placed upon this delicate area. The inner ear is separated from the TMJ by mere millimeters – so if the area is inflamed and sore, the inner ear can become painful too. In fact, some dentists and ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists believe teeth clenching may cause tinnitus, or ringing in the ears. In rare cases, bruxism can cause severe damage to the entire TMJ apparatus. Dentists call this temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).

A Mysterious Condition

So why do people grind their teeth at night? The short answer is “nobody knows.” Some noteworthy dentists have suggested a variety of possible reasons for teeth clenching: improperly aligned teeth, major stress or just a habit formed over many years. On some level, there must be something satisfying about it. Dentists who specialize in treating children (called pedodontists) have reported that a majority of kids under the age of 6 grind their front baby teeth. (And it seems unlikely that most 5-year-olds suffer from stress, doesn’t it?) Maybe some adults simply retained this habit from their youth? Whatever the reason, if you’re grinding your teeth, you need help to stop doing it.

How to Break the Bruxing Habit

Before doing anything else, you should learn a simple technique: “Lips together and teeth apart.” This is the optimal posture for keeping your jaw relaxed. When your mouth is closed, your upper and lower teeth should be apart, with your tongue slightly forward between them. This will prevent you from clenching teeth during the day – and, with luck, will ease the habit while you’re asleep as well. Everyone should know and use this technique, whether or not they grind their teeth. But you’ll still need professional help. There are differing schools of thought on bruxism treatments, so be careful in choosing someone to help you. Start by talking to your dentist. Ask first about their training or expertise with bruxism treatments. (If you know you’re clenching teeth, yet your dentist or hygienist has never brought it to your attention, maybe they’re not the right people to handle it.) If you’re satisfied, make an appointment for a consultation. If not, call a local periodontist (gum disease specialist) or ask friends and neighbors to recommend one. The treatment should be appropriate for your level of symptoms. For example, if you just have some slightly worn or chipped front teeth, there’s no need to get a CT scan of your TMJ, which is sometimes done to rule out serious issues.

Most Common Bruxism Treatments

Your dentist will probably recommend a custom-fitted dental night guard, a hard, plastic appliance that fits over the upper teeth. It usually has a flat, smooth surface in the back so that there are no “play areas” to grind on – all your teeth should hit it evenly. Less frequently, the dentist may suggest a type of mouth guard that only allows the front teeth to come together, with back teeth remaining separate – or, in severe cases, dual appliances for both upper and lower teeth. Your dentist will make impressions of your teeth, but the dental night guard itself is usually made in a laboratory. It should fit comfortably, and will last 2-4 years. The appliance will keep you from wearing down teeth. But will it stop you from clenching and grinding (on the plastic surface)? Probably. A properly made dental night guard actually reprograms muscles and nerve pathways. Don’t bother with cheap appliances you can buy at a drugstore or online – they aren’t as effective. If you have acute symptoms, a soft diet may be recommended for a period of time. The dentist may also suggest applying a cold or heat pack to the jaw. Some dentists may want to use an electrical stimulus machine on your facial muscles, called a TENS device – but this is unproven and highly controversial. In severe cases, some patients have had Botox injected into the “chewing” muscles to weaken their ability to clench. But this is expensive and has to be repeated every six months or so – and there’s little scientific evidence supporting it. Sometimes, medications are prescribed: muscle relaxants, pain relievers, anti-inflammatories or sleeping pills. Some dentists also may want to even out your bite by reshaping the tooth enamel, which can be very tricky. They had better be very well trained. This should be done, if agreed upon by all, before the dental night guard is made. Your dentist may make models of your teeth to study, or send you for a consultation with an orthodontist. As a last resort, they may suggest major dental work to even out the stresses on your bite. This may include crowns in the back, and/or caps (porcelain crowns or veneers, which only cover the visible half of the tooth) in the front to re-establish your proper smile. Before committing to this expensive, permanent treatment – which requires shaving teeth down – you can usually test out “fake” work beforehand, using plastic to lengthen your front teeth.

And last, but still important, you should learn these lifestyle habits:

• Eat a nutritious, low-calorie diet

• Engage in regular sports and aerobic exercise

• Maintain low consumption of alcohol

• Don’t smoke

• Avoid recreational drugs

• Have loving friends, and give to others on a regular basis

• Get plenty of good sleep

These habits can help you stay relaxed, which may improve your teeth clenching – and also help you live a long, healthy life.

What Do Your Oral Hygiene Habits Say About You?

When you smile, what message are you sending to the world? Oral hygiene is important to your overall health as well as your social life. No one wants to kiss a girl who has bad breath and bad teeth. Quiz yourself now to find out if you know how to beautify your mouth with brushing, flossing and teeth-whitening techniques!