EXPERT
Nathaniel Jacob
Dentist
Dr. Nathaniel Jacob is a Dentist practicing in Hempstead, NY. Dr. Jacob specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
11 years
Experience
Nathaniel Jacob
- Hempstead, NY
- Columbia College of Dental Med
- Accepting new patients
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What can sensitive teeth mean?
No worries! Patients are often nervous to see their dentists regarding sensitive teeth, fearing it may be cavities. The truth is that cavities almost never hurt. When your teeth READ MORE
No worries! Patients are often nervous to see their dentists regarding sensitive teeth, fearing it may be cavities. The truth is that cavities almost never hurt. When your teeth are sensitive to cold, it is usually one of two thing: erosion or recession. Erosion is a wearing away of the outer layer of your teeth, usually from drinking acidic drinks (e.g. juice, soda, lemon water), causing them to feel more sensitive. Recession is a wearing away of the gums and bone around your teeth, due to a number of issues, but very often related to grinding and/or clenching your teeth at night (most of us don't know we're doing it).
So the most likely solution to your sensitivity would be to
(1) Minimize acidic drinks, like soda, juice, and lemon water
(2) Start using a toothpaste for sensitivity, like Sensodyne or Colgate sensitive. Be patient with these - it may take 1-2 weeks before they really start working.
If the issue is still not resolved, your dentist may prescribe for you a stronger toothpaste, or, if you seem to be grinding your teeth too much, may make you a nightguard to protect your teeth from abrasion.
Note: There are endless treatment options for sensitivity. Try these first. No one should have to live their life avoiding a good ol' ice coffee!
So the most likely solution to your sensitivity would be to
(1) Minimize acidic drinks, like soda, juice, and lemon water
(2) Start using a toothpaste for sensitivity, like Sensodyne or Colgate sensitive. Be patient with these - it may take 1-2 weeks before they really start working.
If the issue is still not resolved, your dentist may prescribe for you a stronger toothpaste, or, if you seem to be grinding your teeth too much, may make you a nightguard to protect your teeth from abrasion.
Note: There are endless treatment options for sensitivity. Try these first. No one should have to live their life avoiding a good ol' ice coffee!
How can I strengthen my teeth?
The best way to keep your teeth strong, and avoid the dentist as much as possible:
1. Brush and floss every night before you go to sleep. (Morning helps too of course, but night READ MORE
The best way to keep your teeth strong, and avoid the dentist as much as possible:
1. Brush and floss every night before you go to sleep. (Morning helps too of course, but night is far more important). Don't have anything other than water after you brush at night. And make sure your toothpaste has flouride in it.
2. Minimize acidic drinks (soda, juice, lemon water), or if you can't, at least drink them with a straw, and/or rinsing with water afterwards wouldn't hurt either.
3. Avoid snacking between meals. Remember, it's not just table sugar that causes cavities - any food with calories will do the same if it's stuck on your tooth.
4. Remove your wisdom teeth, unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
5. If you're a grinder, get a nightguard.
1. Brush and floss every night before you go to sleep. (Morning helps too of course, but night is far more important). Don't have anything other than water after you brush at night. And make sure your toothpaste has flouride in it.
2. Minimize acidic drinks (soda, juice, lemon water), or if you can't, at least drink them with a straw, and/or rinsing with water afterwards wouldn't hurt either.
3. Avoid snacking between meals. Remember, it's not just table sugar that causes cavities - any food with calories will do the same if it's stuck on your tooth.
4. Remove your wisdom teeth, unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
5. If you're a grinder, get a nightguard.
Are children given anesthesia for cavity fillings?
It depends on the caivity. Sometimes, anesthesia is not necessary. Other times, it's the only way to properly fix the tooth. However, done carefully, and in the proper setting, READ MORE
It depends on the caivity. Sometimes, anesthesia is not necessary. Other times, it's the only way to properly fix the tooth. However, done carefully, and in the proper setting, your child will feel nothing more than a small "scratch" from the anesthesia, if aything at all!
How often should I mouthwash?
If you're brushing and flossing properly 2x/day, you may not even need to use mouthwash. Mouthwash is not a necessary step in good oral care. But if it's something you prefer to READ MORE
If you're brushing and flossing properly 2x/day, you may not even need to use mouthwash. Mouthwash is not a necessary step in good oral care. But if it's something you prefer to use, go for it!
What is too much? If you're using a mouthwash without alcohol, use as much as you want. The problem with alcohol is that (1) it tends to dry your mouth out over time and so could make thing worse, and (2) excessive daily alcohol exposure in your mouth comes with a very, very, slight increase in oral cancer.
What is too much? If you're using a mouthwash without alcohol, use as much as you want. The problem with alcohol is that (1) it tends to dry your mouth out over time and so could make thing worse, and (2) excessive daily alcohol exposure in your mouth comes with a very, very, slight increase in oral cancer.
What is the best whitening toothpaste?
Not really. Toothpastes that claim to whiten pretty much just whiten your teeth until you rinse. If you want to see a dramatic difference, try flossing a couple of times a day READ MORE
Not really. Toothpastes that claim to whiten pretty much just whiten your teeth until you rinse. If you want to see a dramatic difference, try flossing a couple of times a day for a week, and see the difference!
Would anesthesia be used during my root canal?
Yes. Anesthesia will definitely be used. They will always start by getting you completely numb (which may take a couple of injections if it's a molar on the bottom), and then you READ MORE
Yes. Anesthesia will definitely be used. They will always start by getting you completely numb (which may take a couple of injections if it's a molar on the bottom), and then you just sit back and relax while they work. It's going to be a long, boring, but painless procedure. Good luck!
