The first step is to have either Dr. Kutsch or Renyer examine your teeth. They will check to be sure you do not have any areas of decay or even a broken or cracked tooth.  If you do not have any dental issues, you simply may have sensitive teeth. You should try a sensitive formulated toothpaste, usually this type of... read more »

If you grind or clench your teeth - be warned! Over time, grinding your teeth can wear down the enamel, even though it’s the strongest substance in your body. When the enamel begins to wear down, you are actually exposing the dentin or the middle layer of the tooth, which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves. That... read more »

Your gums have many functions in your mouth – from holding your teeth in place to protecting the roots of your teeth.  If you have inflamed tissue within your gums, it is not doing its job of protecting the tooth roots which can lead to sensitive teeth. By taking care of your gums and teeth you are helping to prevent... read more »

You might think the best method to brush your teeth is using a hard toothbrush and back and forth motion.  Although it might make you feel like you are cleaning your teeth thoroughly, you just might be causing more harm than good.  If you have sensitive teeth, brushing too harshly can cause microscopic scrapes and scratches on your teeth.  With... read more »

There are generally two types of treatments – surgical and nonsurgical.  The majority of TMJ treatments do not require a surgical procedure.  Most of the nonsurgical treatments will help relieve the pain and improve function, but not cure the problem. The most common treatment is a stabilization or bite splint.  This treatment uses a plastic guard which fits over the... read more »

This month we are focusing our educational blog on the temporomandibular joint, more commonly known as TMJ.  The American Dental Association (ADA) considers the temporomandibular one of the most complex joints in the body because it is composed of numerous muscles, ligaments and bones. Its function is to allow the jaw to move up and down, facilitating chewing and speech... read more »

A root canal is a method used to repair and save a tooth that’s badly decayed or infected. When a tooth is compromised, there is usually pain involved. The root canal removes the nerve tissue, which eliminates pain. We also clean the inside of the tooth, fill it full of medicine and seal it so food and moisture can’t get... read more »

I can hear my mother saying, “Kids, will be kids!”  Inevitably when the kids are being kids, there can be an elbow to the mouth or a knee to the cheek.  Not to mention accidents involving sports or other physical activity. What should you do if a tooth is knocked out?  If it is a permanent tooth: first locate the... read more »

You and your family have just set out on a great trip when your tooth begins to ache.  Now what?  First, do not put any pain killers, such as aspirin, directly on the gum surrounding the tooth because the medicine can burn the gum tissue.  You should clean your mouth out by rinsing with warm salt water.  Gently swish the... read more »

Drinking hot coffee or eating your favorite ice cream should not be painful.  Nor should brushing or flossing your teeth. If you feel a twinge; you might have sensitive teeth. The causes of sensitivity vary: tooth decay, gum disease, worn enamel and older fillings are all culprits. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. We have a... read more »