the simple blog

Okay, dental appliances are not the best for your love life.  But for many of us, nightguards are the best way to prevent damage from clenching and grinding, also known as bruxism.  For others, they also help with TMD related jaw pain.

CDA has just issued a statement announcing that nitrous oxide must be added to the Prop 65 list.  That means nitrous oxide, otherwise known as laughing gas, is "known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm."  Our office does not administer nitrous oxide, but we want the public to consult with their dentists or specialists before using nitrous oxide, especially if pregnant.  For the great majority of people, nitrous oxide has been a safe form of conscious sedation to relieve anxiety.  While most people totally disregard Prop 65 warnings at the dentist AND at the gas station, but we must always consider the risks and benefits of ALL procedures.

Pulp is the nerves and blood vessels rigidly confined within the tooth. If they swell, the tooth becomes a pressure cooker, and pain rapidly escalates. The general rule is that if your pulp is irritated beyond a certain point, cold water will actually make the situation worse. There are many things that cause sensitive teeth: