Wednesday, August 31, 2016

5 Serious TMJ Disorder Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore



Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder (TMJD) is one of the prevalent chronic pain conditions among youngsters & is mostly ignored. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, prevalence rate is between 5% and 12% and over 10 million Americans are affected by this.
The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to the skull. When injured, there is a chronic pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and muscles that control movements in the area. As per the research it is caused by the combination of factors like- grinding, clenching, chewing, arthritis, stress, movement of ball and socket etc.
Here are some serious symptoms one should look out for:
1. Limited Ability to Open the Mouth Wide
This might not seem a big issue until you reflexively yawn and the jaw locks painfully. This condition indicates that disc movement between the ball and socket in the joint has moved which is extremely uncomfortable especially for youngsters who are used-to of chewing. In such case, your dentist needs to be alerted immediately to avoid more damages.
2. Excruciating Pain and Tenderness in the Lower Face
This extends to the shoulders, jaw area, and the neck, especially when you chew. When you try to open your mouth wide, you will also feel a sudden spasm of sharpness that will affect your eating habits with time. Again, this symptom needs to be checked at a dentist's facility.
3. Swelling on Your Face
Dentists first examine your teeth to ascertain if there is any gum problem and if they don't find any, they will start doing a detailed diagnosis. It is important to go for early treatment & avoid further damages. This also improves your dental health.
4. Ear Pain
The proximity of the affected area to the ear inevitably leads to ear discomfort. This is a highly ignored symptom as most of the people argue that it is temporary. If it recurs, then it's important to get checkup done for this condition as you might also experience popping sounds in the ear.
5. Tired Feeling on the Face
This is also a highly ignored danger sign for this dental condition. Most people assume that it is a result of a hard day at work, but if you don't get a checkup on or before the time, it can exacerbate to something more uncomfortable.
For early diagnosis and treatment, make sure to visit your dentist regularly. Not only does it improve your oral health, but also alleviates worse damage to the entire dental outlook and you will not feel discomfort while eating, which will improve your life greatly.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9406994

Sunday, August 28, 2016

What Does the Tooth Fairy Look Like?


What Does the Tooth Fairy Look Like? A panel of ADA “mini experts” weighed in with their thoughts.

Thursday, August 25, 2016

What Causes Bad Breath? | Crest


Bad Breath is typically caused by a buildup of harmful bacteria in your mouth that may cause inflammation and give off gaseous odors. In this Oral Care Tip, we discuss common causes of bad breath and tips on how to get rid of it.

Monday, August 22, 2016

How Do Teeth Become Crooked?


Many people find themselves needing orthodontic treatment at some point in their lives, but what causes crooked teeth to begin with?
For some of us, it comes down to just bad luck in the genetics department.
Crooked teeth can be an inherited trait, the same as blue eyes or brown hair are. The most frequent cause of common orthodontic issues, such as overbites, underbites and crooked teeth is actually genetics. And unfortunately, that means you'll need to seek out orthodontic treatment sooner rather than later.
But there are other causes of crooked teeth, some of which can be prevented. They include:
• Losing baby teeth too early. The loss of baby teeth happens in a pattern, and if they don't fall out in the proper order or if they fall out too soon, permanent teeth can erupt in the wrong locations.
• Ill-fitting dental restorations can make teeth shift to undesirable locations, creating a bad bite.
• Gum disease is the number one cause for tooth loss in adults, and can cause teeth to shift, thereby creating alignment and bite problems.
• An injury to the mouth or a disease, such as a jaw tumor, can negatively affect tooth alignment.
• Some patients may have jaws that are simply too small for their teeth, or may have a discrepancy in jaw size that leads to misalignment of their bite.
• Extended pacifier use, thumbsucking and tongue thrust can create alignment problems and alter the shape of the mouth, leading to crooked and crowded teeth.
Crooked and misaligned bites aren't just unsightly, they can cause a host of problems, such as problems chewing and speaking. Because abnormal pressure is placed on the teeth, a poorly aligned bite can increase the risk of teeth breaking or chipping. Crooked teeth are also harder to keep clean, which increases a patient's risk of developing gum disease or decay and increases the need for dental work in the future.
Repairing crooked teeth and misaligned bites improves your oral health and can make you more confident. Whether you choose standard metal braces or a more discrete option, such as Invisalign clear aligner therapy, your smile can be corrected to improve your lifestyle.
If you think you or your child may have a misaligned bite, or don't like the look of your smile, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. Your doctor will craft a treatment plan that will result in a beautifully healthy and ideally functioning smile that, with proper care, will last a lifetime.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9481898

Saturday, August 20, 2016

Importance of Visiting a Dentist Regularly


Visiting the dentist on a periodic basis is paramount to the maintenance of proper tooth and gum health. The prevention of cavities, periodontal disease, and bad breath is achieved with oral management techniques that are affordable, simple and effective to perform on a daily basis. A practitioner should be consulted every 6 months or more frequently depending on dental needs and important care efforts.
A dentist offers patients comprehensive oral healthcare services to assist in the maintenance of a cavity free smile. Advanced oral technology and individualized wellness techniques are provided according to individual requirements. The purpose of consulting with your practitioner for a regular checkup is to detect problems at the earliest stage for intervention and the prevention of poor oral health.
Dentists possess the skill and technology to examine the teeth and gums to identify cavities and other signs of disease. The oral assessment can determine tooth problems and changes in tissues indicative of significant ailments including diabetes and cancers. One of the most important steps that individuals can take to preserve the healthy condition of teeth is to visit the dental offices regularly.
A regular checkup includes the detection of plaque, tartar and cavities responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. The formation of bacteria and a failure to remove these layers can advance oral deterioration, discoloration and decay. A failure to correct oral problems including small cavities can lead to major destruction of enamel and tissue including severe pain and tooth loss.
A dentist will advise patients on affordable and simple tips for individual healthcare maintenance to develop strong teeth and gums. Techniques introduce the correct ways of brushing and flossing to remove the accumulation of plaque and eliminate the food particles that become lodged between each tooth. This is an easy and cost effective way to prevent cavities and protect the condition of oral tissues.
Specialized tools are incorporated at the clinic to provide a professional clean and reach areas that cannot be achieved with brushing and flossing. A thorough polish and scrape of surrounding teeth will remove the toughest of plaque and tartar that have formed along the gumline. It protects against decay and stains that compromise the healthy condition of all pearly whites.
A dental clinic provides comprehensive oral care assisting in the treatment of tooth and gum ailments. A dentist must be consulted every 6 months to perform a thorough checkup and protect against the formation of cavities, plaque and bacteria. Following daily hygiene steps and meeting an oral practitioner regularly can best protect and enhance the condition of your smile.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9501313

Tuesday, August 16, 2016

A Short Introduction to Cosmetic Dentistry



The art and science of dentistry is known to mankind for the last thousands of years! It may seem unbelievable to many, but the truth is no different to it. Excavations carried out at various sites of the Indus Valley Civilization confirm that dentists existed in the Harappan society as long back as 3,500 BC. However, dentistry itself has come across a long way since those historic days. With the passage of time, the subject has attained sufficient maturity and branched out in different but inter-related fields. Some of the prominent branches of dentistry include Endodontic, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatric dentistry, Periodontics and others.
Traditional dentistry vs. its offshoots
Even, the jargon cosmetic dentistry is much popular these days. Now, at this stage one may wonder how traditional dentistry differs from modern procedures that are gaining prominence. To be short and precise, traditional dentistry is more focused on proper oral hygiene. Hence, it mainly deals with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the issues related to our oral health. Contrastingly, each of the modern branches of the conventional treatment procedure focuses on specialist areas of dental care.
Cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry, as it is obvious from its name itself, deals with improving a patient's appearance. It is usually used to resolve problems of crooked or chipped teeth, discoloration and missing teeth. In addition to the dental conditions mentioned above, there are other innumerable instances where this specialist line of treatment proves helpful. With gradual improvement of technology, cosmetic dentistry procedures are becoming increasingly efficient in improving our smiles and appearances. A vast array of latest tools and gadgets is readily available to dental experts to cater to specific cosmetic needs of their patients.
Common types of cosmetic dentistry treatments
Some of the common types of treatments involved with cosmetic dentistry include:
  • Dental bonding - This procedure helps improving the appearance of teeth, in case it is chipped, broken, cracked or stained. In this treatment, usually an enamel-like composite resin is applied to the teeth surface. Then, it is gradually molded into desired shapes, hardened with UV rays and finally, polished to provide the desired appearance.

  • Dental bridges - In technical jargon, these are also referred to as fixed partial dentures. The treatment procedure is used to replace missing teeth. As such, it is also effective in bridging the gap between two successive teeth.

  • Dental braces - These days, dental braces are equally common among kids and grownups. This range of dental items helps in correcting crooked, misshaped teeth and improves irregular bite, resolving disorders at the jaw joint and other problems.

  • Dental crowns - These are also known as caps and are placed over a damaged tooth to restore the latter's shape, size, strength and appearance. The caps are made from a range of substances including ceramic, metal and resin, etc. Crowning provides reinforcement to a tooth and invariably extends its life.
Conclusion
However, before opting for this specialized dental treatment, one should remember that cost for cosmetic dentistry varies greatly, depending upon the type of treatment procedure a patient requires. It is also relevant mentioning here that the range of dental treatments is usually not covered by the normal insurance policies.
Anyhow, on the brighter side, patients undergoing these treatment procedures are least subjected to pain as compared to those opting for general dentistry.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9491798

Saturday, August 13, 2016

8 Common Reasons Of Tooth Sensitivity



Tooth sensitivity is a common problem for most adults. The short-term, yet intense pain causes discomfort and affects one's daily routine. Generally, tooth sensitivity signals a variety of other problems, including emerging cavities and tooth cracks. But before running to the dentist, here are the most frequent causes of tooth sensitivity.
1. Tooth whitening treatments:
Regardless of whether the tooth whitening procedure is done in the dental office or at home, it results in temporary sensitivity. If you have recently undergone a whitening treatment, consider a gentle toothpaste and a soft brush to avoid discomfort.
Also, stay away from hot and cold products for a while as they worsen the sensitivity. The discomfort will gradually disappear in a matter of days and you will have healthy teeth.
2. Tooth grinding:
Grinding your tooth has a negative impact on the enamel. Frequent enamel grinding weakens it because of the regular pressure that is applied during the process. Also, tooth grinding leaves the dentin, the hollow tubes in the middle layer of the tooth exposed. This increases sensitivity of the tooth.
3. Excessive brushing or mouth wash:
Over-brushing or exaggerating with mouthwash is bad for your teeth as they break down the protective layer of the teeth and leave the dental nerves exposed. As the tubules are exposed to cold or hot or sticky and acidic food, tooth sensitivity increases. It is best to use a toothbrush with ultra-soft bristles to avoid any discomfort.
4. Inappropriate toothpaste:
Do you pick any toothpaste that offers a freebie when shopping at the store? Be cautious as this might be one of the reasons of growing sensitivity. Pick the toothpaste that is mild and does not have high teeth whitening agents as they are often hard. In case you are experiencing tooth sensitivity because of the wrong choice of toothpaste, the best way is to replace it with a paste that is suitable for sensitive teeth.
5. Acidic foods:
Acidic foods increase sensitivity and the level of pain may become unbearable, especially if the tooth roots are exposed. Some of the acidic foods that you must avoid in case of tooth sensitivity are, kiwi, grapefruit, lemon, pickles and tomato sauce.
6. Gum disease:
Receding gums or any type of gingivitis leave the upper tooth exposed, which causes pain when eating hot, cold or sweet food. If you notice that your gums are not in good condition, visit a dentist for an appropriate treatment.
7. Dental procedure:
Dental treatments such as root canal or tooth extraction may cause temporary tooth sensitivity. If the discomfort lasts more than a few days, it is advisable to see the dentist and get the appropriate treatment.
8. Plaque:
Daily tooth brush and regular tooth cleaning in a dental office prevent plaque build-up. If this routine is not followed strictly, the plaque build-up may affect the enamel. This leads to tooth sensitivity and eventually cavities and tooth decay.
Now, that you know what causes tooth sensitivity, it is important to manage it right in the initial stage to avoid bigger dental issues.
To know more about the sensitive tooth treatment, consult your dentist. Of course, you will not want to leave your favorite coffee or ice cream flavored soda because of tooth sensitivity.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9492296

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

All Dental Offices Are Not The Same



The process of choosing a dental office that will provide you and your family with dental services is generally based upon convenience and customer service. When you decide that you are going to find a new dentist, or you move to a new city and begin looking for a dentist most people will start by looking at which offices are closest to their homes or places of work. This is done so as to be able to make it to appointments that are sandwiched in between other errands or on lunch hours, or to make sure not too much of your time is spent commuting to the office for your appointment. It is common knowledge that you will be visiting your dentist office twice per year at a minimum, and patients will naturally want to only drive a few miles to get to that office when an appointment is necessary.
Another consideration when choosing a dental office is customer service. This begins with the people working at the front desk, making your appointment and checking you in. A common practice among some dentist offices is to double book appointment times in order to compensate for cancellations. While this will not be a problem in most cases, there may be long wait times or crowded waiting rooms if everyone shows up. It is best to stop into the potential dentist's office during the day to get the feel of the office, assess the staff and cleanliness, and see if the waiting room seems over crowded. If it seems pleasant and professional, ask to meet the dentist and don't be afraid to ask questions about office hours, specialties and anything else you may be interested in.
When you have narrowed your list of potential dentist offices down to a few, go online and search for the office's name followed by the word "reviews." This will give you access to any of the opinions that past patients have put online regarding the services they received. If one of your list seems to have good reviews and happy customers, book an appointment and get an initial exam and checkup. If the dentist who checks your teeth is professional and courteous, and the dental hygienist who cleans your teeth does a good job, then you have probably made a good choice that will last until you move from that area. All dentist offices are not the same, and the majority of the difference comes from customer service and professionalism.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9489407

Sunday, August 7, 2016

How to Seal Out Tooth Decay



Seal today to keep cavities at bay. Find out how a dental sealant can help prevent cavities from forming on your teeth.

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Dental Veneers: Giving Everyone the Perfect Smile


A dental veneer, at its very basic, is a porcelain material used to cover the front bit of the tooth to change or enhance teeth that are stained, chipped, broken, or undesired.

If you want dental veneers, you will probably need to visit the dentist at least two times. However, that should not scare you. Getting veneers are painless and ultimately rewarding. Here is everything you need to know.

  • Getting The First of Many Impressions
Like most dental restoration procedures, before you get your shiny veneers, the dentist takes impressions of your teeth. He may also take impressions during actual installation of the veneers, and in some cases, even at the final placement of the veneers.

The dentist uses the first impressions to make a stone replica of your dental structure. The model goes to the dental laboratory for several reasons. The lab technician can use the model to fabricate the veneers that will go on your teeth. He can also use the same replica to make a wax dummy to show you what the replica would look like.

The wax model can be used as temporary veneers while waiting for the final veneers to come out of the lab.

  • Veneer Shading
Getting a color shade is an exciting process for everyone looking to get a set of new veneers. The ultimate choice in color is directed by certain qualifications, as well as the dentist's recommendations.

You may find that the dentist recommends a shade, which in his opinion appears natural compared to the rest of the teeth. Going with this shade gives you an attractive and faultless set of choppers. Furthermore, the shade can be made to match your skin tone, while still maintaining the desired whiteness of your teeth.

Sometimes it might be necessary to visit the dental lab before your veneers are made to make them to your exact specification. The lab technicians may also want to get a feel of the shade of the surrounding teeth to make naturally looking veneers. This is especially important if you are looking for veneers consistent with the rest of your teeth.

  • Tooth Preparation
Typically, veneers require little in the way of preparation. The dentist may remove minuscule amounts of enamel to smooth out the tooth before the veneer is installed.

For that reason, you may not require local anesthetic during the procedure, which must be a relief for folks out there with needle fever.

However, for teeth that had a root canal, a local anesthetic is necessary. The dentist then uses a thick paste to get an impression of your teeth. The paste is filled into a tray and then placed on your teeth where it stays until the material sets. It should not take more than five minutes before you're done.

In 10 business days, you should have your new veneers, but meanwhile, you can enjoy temporary veneers made from acrylic material.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/William_Jam_Smith/1490931

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9480725

Monday, August 1, 2016

How Can I Get My Child to Brush Her Teeth?



Does your child run in the other direction every time you reach for the toothbrush? Get some tried-and-true tips for making brushing fun from a dentist who’s been in your shoes.