Do you dread brushing and flossing because it causes your teeth and gums to ache? Are ice cream and cold treats hard to eat? You may have tooth sensitivity. According to Consumer Reports, tooth sensitivity affects 35 percent of adults. There are many culprits to tooth sensitivity—from bad oral habits to diet. Here are a few that may be putting the “ouch” in your bite.
Once the enamel on your teeth has thinned or your gums have receded, the pathway to your nerves, i.e., dentin, is exposed, leaving you sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, and to sweet and sour foods. To protect your teeth, avoid high-acid foods and beverages, such as vinegar, regular and diet sodas, tomato sauce, grapefruit, etc. Another way to thwart the pain is to couple acids with “neutralizing” foods such as cheese, milk, and water.
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, occurs for many reasons: stress, sleep disorders, temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), etc. It affects 8 to 31 percent of the general population, according to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Orofacial Pain. Teeth grinding and clenching wears down the enamel on your teeth and exposes the underlying dentine root layer that leads directly to your nerves. Talk with your dentist about a custom-made mouth guard to prevent damage during the night to your teeth and gums.
Are you a bit overeager when it comes to brushing? Take a look at your toothbrush; if the bristles are spread out, chances are you’re either brushing too hard or the bristles are too hard. The problem with abrasive brushing is, overtime, it wears down the protective layers of your teeth, eventually exposing the canals that lead to your nerves, which cause sensitivity to high and low temperatures, and different foods and beverages. Fortunately, this is an easy fix. Switch to a soft-bristle tooth brush and reduce the amount of vigor and pressure you use while brushing.
Other causes include: gum disease, the aftermath of a dental surgery, use of tooth-whitening toothpaste, or chronic mouthwash use.
I had 2 molars removed (17 & 18) and didn’t feel a thing! Before I knew it, they were out! If I ever need oral surgery again there is no one else I will see. I would HIGHLY recommend him!
My doctor was great and the staff were great also. I would definitely recommend them to anyone. They were all very friendly and helpful.
I was able to get scheduled very soon after I first called in. And once I arrived at the office, the entire process from start to finish was prompt, professional, and expertly done. I am happy to recommend this practice to anyone.
Absolutely! I felt very confident with him. I will always return to him for any future dental work I need done. The whole experience was very well organized. I didn’t think a doctor and staff as good as this existed.
Dr. Dachowski is an amazing oral surgeon who is an expert in his field. I have had several implants placed by him and was a painless procedure. His entire team is professional and extremely concerned about their patients comfort and excellent care.
I traveled from Wilmington, DE because Dr. Dachowski and his staff are the best for teeth extractions and implants!
I am very happy with Dr. Dachowski and all of his staff. They have taken a displeasurable situation and made it the best it could be. My wife is also a patient and recommended me. I am very glad to have found them and would highly recommend them. As a business owner I understand the value of great customer service. Keep up the good work.
They are a very professional and impressive organization that uses the latest technology to do the job perfectly. They also take time to answer any questions you might have about the procedure. Will use them again and recommend them to others.
I highly recommend this practice for their quality service, knowledge & professionalism!