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At Daisy Mountain Dentistry, we have patients coming in asking us why a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee becomes a painful experience, or why brushing or flossing makes them wince or cringe. The answer, usually, is sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when the underlying dentin layer of the tooth is exposed in the oral cavity, and most people experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives.

So, why do people experience sensitivity and how do you know if tooth sensitivity is something to be worried about? The most common cause of the sensitivity is exposure of the dentin, which is the layer surrounding the tooth’s nerve. Contributors to tooth sensitivity include teeth whitening and dental work such as fillings, periodontal treatment, and the placement or adjustment of braces. These are temporary and should be of no concern.

Permanent hypersensitivity, however, may require treatment at Daisy Mountain Dentistry. The first step is to determine the cause, and that begins with a visit to our Anthem office.

The reasons your teeth may become sensitive vary, but possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities) near the gum line
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Fillings that are worn
• Gum (periodontal) disease, or recession of the gums
• Worn tooth enamel
• Brushing too hard
• Consuming acidic foods

Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha and our team at Daisy Mountain Dentistry want you to know that sensitive teeth can be treated, and the type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha may suggest one the following treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste, which contains ingredients that seal off the microtubules inside the exposed dentin to reduce tooth sensitivity
• Fluoride gel, which strengthens compromised tooth enamel, helps prevent tooth decay, and decreases hypersensitivity of the teeth
• A crown, inlay, or bonding, which is used to treat tooth decay and prevents sensitivity
• A surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this procedure will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal: If you are experiencing severe and persistent sensitivity which cannot be treated by other means, Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha may recommend you undergo a root canal to eliminate the problem.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call today so that Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha can provide you with some much-needed relief!

Nearly 40,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer annually in the United States, with more than 8,000 dying every year from the disease. Oral cancer has a higher death rate than many other common cancers, including cervical cancer, testicular cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and thyroid or skin cancers. The high death rate results from the fact that most oral cancers go undiagnosed until the disease is well advanced and has spread to another part of the body, most often, the lymph nodes in the neck.

Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha and our team want you to know that cancers of the mouth and throat, which account for about three percent of all cancers in the United States, are largely preventable. However, we want you to know about certain risk factors that affect the likelihood of developing the disease.

• Use of tobacco products including smoking cigarettes, cigars or a pipe, or chewing tobacco all elevate risk for developing oral cancer. Tobacco use especially, is a serious risk factor because it contains substances called carcinogens, which harm cells in your mouth.
• Consumption of alcohol in excess can also increase your risk. If you drink alcohol regularly, you have an elevated risk of getting oral cancer. Alcohol abuse (more than 21 drinks in one week) is the second largest risk factor for the development of oral cancer, according to the Oral Cancer Foundation.
• Excessive sun exposure. People who spend lots of time outdoors and do not use proper amounts of sunscreen or lip balm have a greater risk for developing lip cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight may also cause melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

If you notice unusual lumps, bumps, or red or white patches in your mouth that don’t go away, sores that won’t seem to heal, persistent soreness, or pain or difficulty swallowing please consult Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha and our team immediately.

Other factors that may influence your risk for developing oral cancer include:

• Age: Oral cancer is typically a disease that affects older people, usually because of their longer exposure to other risk factors. Most patients diagnosed with oral cancer are over the age of 40.
• Gender: Oral cancer strikes men twice as often as it does women.
• A history with viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV)
• A diet low in fruits and vegetables

During your next visit, Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha will examine your mouth for signs of oral cancer. If you have been putting off a visit to our Anthem office for your regular checkup, now is an excellent time to schedule one. Regular visits can be the first line of defense against oral cancer because we can identify early warning signs of the disease. Give us a call today!

If you want to fix staining, large gaps, fillings, chipped teeth, or the overall shape of your teeth, this may be the perfect option for you. Many of our patients opted for veneers and have never been more confident in their smile!

Dental veneers are made from long-lasting porcelain materials which cover the front and biting ends of each tooth. At your appointment, you can choose the shade of veneers to brighten up your smile. They are usually placed on the anterior, or front teeth, where the chewing forces are not as hard as in the back. Placing the veneers is easy, and the best part is: It requires only two appointments!

During the first appointment, we’ll take an impressions of your teeth. Then we send them to the lab to make your veneers. Veneers are fairly conservative in preparation because they require a small amount of space to be created on the front, bottom, and sides of each tooth for a natural appearance. You will leave the office with temporary veneers in place for a week or two while the permanent veneers are being made.

Your veneers will be placed during the second appointment, and you won’t believe the difference in your smile! If you’re interested in learning more, give Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha a call at our Anthem office today!

Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha and our team at Daisy Mountain Dentistry frequently field questions about cavities and what causes them. Patients will typically ask, “I brush twice a day and floss regularly, as well as rinse with hydrogen peroxide, so a cavity is unlikely, right?”

Not quite.

When cavities, also known as caries, are in their initial stages, people often will feel no symptoms, and they won’t experience any pain or discomfort. It’s not until the tooth decay has reached a certain level that patients begin to notice the signs. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha as soon as possible:

• Dull or sharp toothache
• Tooth sensitivity or mild to sharp pain when eating or drinking something sweet, hot, or cold
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• The presence of a sticky, tarry feeling when biting down
• Puss or discharge around a tooth, especially when pressing on your gums
• Visible holes or discoloration in your teeth (usually black or brown)

Cavities can happen at any time, to anyone, no matter how old you are. Routine dental care is important to prevent cavities or the onset of tooth decay, so it is important to visit Drs. Peter Vogel, Vijal Vadecha and our team at Daisy Mountain Dentistry for regular cleanings. If you are overdue for a checkup or think you may have a cavity, please give us a call at Anthem office to schedule an appointment.