Posts by designloud
TMJ Awareness Month
November is a lovely month in much of the country. Fall is firmly here with winter not far off, the holidays are just around the corner, and the thought of a delicious Thanksgiving dinner fills the hearts, minds, and kitchens of many Americans. However, November is also a special month for dentists and other oral health professionals as it’s TMJ Awareness Month and thus a chance to raise awareness and understanding about TMJ and the impact it has on the health of millions of people across the country. So, in the spirit of the season, let’s talk about TMJ, TMJ awareness month, and the link between TMJ and some forms of oral or mouth cancers.
What is TMJ?
TMJ is a shortened version of its full name: Temporomandibular joint disorder. Put simply, it’s a disorder of the joint connecting the lower and upper jaw, the temporomandibular joint, which results when the function of that joint becomes unbalance or misaligned and the bones, muscles, and ligaments no longer work together to provide a full range of painless motion. TMJ can be tricky to diagnose due to the wide variety of symptoms it can cause, but some of those include the following:
- Irregular or limited jaw motion
- Jaw pain
- Lockjaw/inability to open or close the jaw
- Popping, clicking, or grinding jaw
- Headaches
- Neck, shoulder, back, or face pain
- Chipped, worn, or cracked teeth
- Tinnitus
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Ear pain and stuffiness
- Numbness or tingling in fingers
As you might guess from the sheer number of symptoms, TMJ is a disorder with many potential causes that vary from patient to patient. Sometimes the cushioning tissues between the jawbones are misaligned or worn down. Arthritis is often to blame particularly in older patients. Muscle tension or malformation may be the problem for some people, while for others the ligaments connecting the jaws may have been damaged. It’s tricky to diagnose or treat TMJ on your own, so if you find yourself persistently dealing with any of these symptoms or a combination thereof it’s time to see your doctor or dentist and have them look at the problem.
Treating TMJ
Just as TMJ disorder has many symptoms and many possible causes, so too it has many different treatments. Which treatment your doctor suggests will depend on your symptoms and the root cause of your TMJ. Treatments may include stress management, physical therapy, a mouthguard to be worn at night, and medication are all common options. Occasionally surgery is required, but that’s not usually the case. Again, your doctor can help you understand the cause or causes of your TMJ disorder and help you through the right treatment to meet your needs.
TMJ and Mouth Cancers
As we’ve said, TMJ can be difficult to diagnose, and while rare there are some forms of oral cancers that can mimic TMJ symptoms and lead to a misdiagnosis. As we move through TMJ Awareness Month, it’s important for both patients and health care providers to remember this and raise awareness of the issue. When diagnosing or treating a patient with TMJ-like symptoms, it’s important to consider cancer as a possibility even if it is a remote one. Cancers that can mimic TMJ symptoms include:
- Sinus Tumors
- Acoustic Neuromas
- Thyroid disease
- Lyme Disease
- Tumors in the Salivary Glands
- Blocked Coronary Artery Tumors in the Neck
- Facial neuralgias
While these are all rare when compared to the many causes of TMJ, they are possibilities and health care providers should take care to consider a patient’s entire medical history when making a diagnosis
TMJ Awareness Month runs for the whole of November, so we hope this has helped you better understand the temporomandibular joint, TMJ disorder, and the role they each play in your health. Knowing the symptoms and seeking treatment early can lead to a much easier and more successful outcome, so talk to us today if you think you may have TMJ or a related issue.
Preventive Dental Care Importance During The Pandemic
The challenges posed by the COVID pandemic and the various responses to it are legion. Businesses, families, individuals, and communities all face unprecedented challenges as we move through this experience together. The toll on our health, both mental and physical, is measurable; we’re all struggling to stay sane and healthy at this time.
Within all this stress and strife, we should continue working to maintain our oral health. It’s easy to let things slide when you have so much else on your plate, but your teeth and gums simply can’t be ignored in the same way some other things can. Fortunately, we have some tips for you about maintaining your dental care during the pandemic both at home and in conjunction with your dentist. Let’s take a look!
First and foremost, it’s important to maintain healthy routines at this time. Whether you’re back to a regular work schedule, working from home, or still in quarantine, keeping up a daily routine composed of healthy habits is a big step toward keeping yourself safe, sane, and in good health. This includes good oral health habits, especially a brushing, flossing, and mouthwash use regime. It’s easy to let these slip when you’re schedule is out of whack and you may not be feeling the best, but they’re so important in terms of preventative care in supporting the health of your teeth and gums. Make time to brush and floss after eating every day and your smile will thank you in the long run.
On a related note, maintaining good dietary habits is important to all aspects of your health, but especially your teeth. If you’re stuck at home for whatever reason, it’s so easy to give in to junk food, excess snacking, and stress eating. It’s important to avoid these, as they can have a negative impact on your entire body including your oral health. Substituting a cup of herbal tea for a sugary snack or finding other ways to alleviate boredom keeps you and your teeth healthy and happy while supporting good habits which will last a lifetime!
Along with snacking and stress eating, many folks are dealing with these difficult times by indulging in tobacco, alcohol, or coffee a bit more often than usual. While this may provide a short term solution to stress or boredom, any of these habits can do bad things to your teeth and gums in the long term. Possible effects include gum disease, tooth decay, or tooth loss. It’s best to avoid alcohol, tobacco, or coffee entirely or at the least limit your intake to special occasions.
Finally, while the pandemic has raised many concerns about public spaces and public gatherings as ways in which people catch COVID19, you need to know that we are doing everything we can to keep you safe. We are scrupulous about keeping things clean and avoiding infection or disease transmission under normal circumstances, and we’ve added additional safeguards during the pandemic. There’s no need to worry about a visit to the dentist office–just follow the instructions and things will be fine. If you need a routine exam and cleaning or have another procedure in mind, don’t hesitate to book an appointment today. Your dentist and their staff are here for you, even during the pandemic.
Things may be difficult right now, but they will get better. Until then, keep yourself and your teeth clean and healthy and reach out to us if you have any concerns or if you’d like to make an appointment. Whatever happens, we’ll get through it together.
Dental Veneers vs Dental Bonding. Which is Right for You?
Dental veneers and dental bonding are both common dental procedures, which are used to repair damaged or malformed teeth or to correct the appearance of a tooth. Despite doing similar jobs, they are different procedures which take different approaches to the task at hand. So which one is right for you? Well, that depends on what you need to accomplish and your own unique oral health situation. To answer the question, let’s start by taking a look at each procedure and learning how dental veneers and dental bonding work, and what the difference between them is.
What are Dental Veneers?
As the name suggests, dental veneers are a kind of dental prosthesis applied to the outer layer of the tooth in need of correction or repair. They are composed of a porcelain shell, which is shaped and colored to match the desired appearance of the tooth in question. The tooth is then reshaped by grinding the enamel to accept the prosthesis, and then the dental veneer is attached using a strong dental adhesive. Dental veneers are used for a number of reasons, including as a repair for chipped teeth, as a means of correcting discolored teeth, or as a way to repair mis-shapen or mis-spaced teeth without relying on more complex orthodontic procedures.
Dental veneers are generally discomfort-free for most patients. They’re safe and relatively easy routine procedures, and if properly cared for via regular brushing, flossing, and dental exams they will last a lifetime. They function just like a natural tooth, allowing a full range of normal activities right away.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
Like dental veneers, dental bonding is used to repair damaged teeth, but in a much different way and for different kinds of damage. Dental bonding works by replacing the damaged or lost portion of an otherwise healthy tooth with a malleable material which is then hardened to look and function like natural enamel. During the procedure, the dentist will shape this malleable material to fill in the missing or damaged portion of the tooth in question, while also ensuring that it matches the color of the patient’s natural enamel. When this material is shaped and fitted correctly, the dentist will then use a special light to harden the material relatively quickly.
While dental veneers are mostly used to repair minor or cosmetic damage, dental bonding is used to replace large chips or cracks or replace lost sections of broken teeth. Like dental veneers, dental bonding is generally a pain-free procedure and quick and easy to perform. This allows the patient to resume a normal range of activities quickly. Dental bonding is also much like dental veneers in that with proper care, a dental bond will provide a lifetime of service. Proper care, as always, means regular brushing and flossing along with regular trips to the dentist for exams and cleanings.
So, Which One is Right for Me?
Whether you need a dental veneer or a dental bonding will depend on a number of things, essentially boiling down to your needs and goals for the procedure. A discolored or chipped tooth may be happy with a dental veneer, while more extensive damage may require a dental bonding to set right. The important thing is to discuss any damage to your teeth with your dentist as soon as possible; they can help you make the right decision.
Whether a dental veneer or a dental bonding, the goal is to ensure that your oral health and your smile are the best they can be. So talk to your dentist today about your needs and goals and get started on the path to better, healthier teeth.
What is the Difference Between Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry
Restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry are often used interchangeably, however, they are distinct disciplines within the overall science of dentistry. They do share a number of techniques and fundamental goals, chief among which is ensuring that the patient has the highest quality of life possible. Our teeth and smiles are meant to last a lifetime, and when damage occurs both restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry may be options for repairing it. Let’s take a look at what they do and how they relate to each other so that we can learn a little bit more.
What is Restorative Dentistry
Restorative dentistry refers to the body of techniques and approaches that your dentist may employ in order to keep your mouth, gums, and teeth healthy and functional. The procedures range in complexity from a basic filling to various forms of dental prosthetics and implants. The primary goal of restorative dentistry is to maintain or enhance the overall function of the mouth for regular activities such as eating, speaking, and breathing. Restorative dentists are primarily concerned with function and keep their focus on repairing damage and preventing further damage or decay. General dentists offer and perform restorative procedures as this falls within the purview of general dentistry.
What is Cosmetic Dentistry
So after the damage has been repaired and the decay has been addressed, what happens next? Restorative dentistry’s focus on function means that it places far less importance on the aesthetics of dentistry. While dentists do their best to make sure the procedures performed as part of restorative dentistry look good, that’s not their focus or their skill set. This is where cosmetic dentists come in. Cosmetic dentistry goes a step past general dentistry or restorative dentistry in the focus is ensuring that the repairs in place also look good and that the patient’s smile and appearance are the best that they can be.
Like restorative dentists, cosmetic dentists make use of a wide variety of procedures and techniques to achieve their aesthetic ends. A simple tooth whitening can be considered a cosmetic dental procedure. From there cosmetic dentistry may include the use of prosthetics or implants to restore a patient’s smile. It may involve the use of veneers or inlays/onlays to correct misshapen, misspaced, or damaged teeth. It may go so far as to include surgical reconstruction of parts of the patient’s teeth or jaw. Different cosmetic dentists have different specialties and different skill sets, and that patient may get referred to a specialist in the procedure they want to be performed.
So Which is Right for You?
So which one is right for you? That depends as always on your situation and your personal goals for your dental health. A great place to start is a conversation with your general dentist, who can give you an informed opinion as to your options and direct you to the right resources for you. The end goal of both restorative and cosmetic dentistry are the same: enhancing a patient’s quality of life, health, and confidence by addressing their oral health issues.
How Does Gum Disease Develop?
February is National Gum Disease Awareness Month, so we’re taking a moment here to help raise awareness about an important oral health condition.
For such a seemingly small thing, gum disease is a much bigger issue than many of us realize. Nearly 2/3rds of American adults will deal with gum disease at some point in their lives. While most of the time gum disease is fairly benign, if left untreated it can result in permanent damage to the teeth including tooth loss. In addition, gum disease can exacerbate some other health problems, leading to additional complications and negative outcomes.
So how does gum disease develop, and what can we do to prevent gum disease? Let’s learn a bit more about how gum disease works and what you can do about it.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue or gingiva, which results from excess bacteria buildup. This generally results due to poor oral hygiene habits and poor diet, although other factors like tobacco and alcohol use can play a role. Generally speaking, the symptoms of gum disease include:
- Swollen or puffy gums, gums that are discolored dark red or purple
- Gums that feel tender when touched
- Gums that bleed easily. This may manifest as a pink-tinged toothbrush or spitting out blood after brushing or flossing.
- Bad breath
- Pus between your teeth and gums
- Loose teeth or even tooth loss
- Pain while chewing or speaking
- New spaces developing between your teeth
- Gums that pull away from your teeth
- A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
If left untreated, gum disease can cause serious problems, including permanent damage to the teeth, gums, and jaw. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to make an appointment with your dentist to pursue treatment options. They can help you understand what’s happening and suggest the right remedy.
The Development of Gum Disease
So how does gum disease develop? Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth, if left unchecked by regular cleaning, can build up on the teeth and manifest as a sticky biolayer called plaque. As this plaque layer builds up on the teeth and under the gums, it causes further infection and irritation, which can cause the swelling, bleeding, and tenderness mentioned above. As plaque accumulates, it may become dental tartar, a thick white substance made of bacteria and their waste. This is where the serious problems begin, as gum disease–also known as gingivitis–can develop into the much more serious condition of periodontitis. Periodontitis occurs when pockets form under the gum, which is filled with bacteria, plaque, and tartar. These are potent spots for infection, which can lead to tooth loss, bone loss in the jaw, and gum loss. The damage can be permanent if left unchecked. In addition, the bacteria which cause these infections may spread to the rest of the body, which can complicate conditions such as respiratory ailments, diabetes, and some digestive disorders.
The best way to treat gum disease is prevention. A good brushing and flossing routine combined with a healthy diet is the first step. Regular visits to your dentist for exams and cleaning are another important piece of the puzzle. If you’re due for an appointment or just concerned about your oral health, make an appointment today.
Myths About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures and one which is growing in popularity every year. There are several reasons for this–whiter teeth and the resulting bright and shining smile can increase the patient’s confidence and quality of life. Generally speaking, teeth whitening is an easy procedure performed with minimal discomfort to the patient, and treatment can be completed with a trip or two to the dentist.
While there’s a lot to be said for teeth whitening, there are also some popular myths and misunderstandings about the procedure and how it works. Some of these myths may be off-putting to new patients, so let’s take a look at some of the myths about teeth whitening and hopefully make the procedure better understood and more user-friendly.
I can’t afford teeth whitening!
While there are a number of approaches to teeth whitening, some of which can cost thousands of dollars, in general teeth whitening procedures are far more affordable. Some insurance does cover teeth whitening, further decreasing the cost to the patient. Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening and what it might cost you for a better idea of what your individual expenses might be.
I can’t have my teeth whitened because I have too much dental work/partials/veneers/etc!
This is a common myth about teeth whitening, and it’s not as true as many folks insist that it is. While existing dental prosthetics may limit which teeth whitening treatments can be used, it doesn’t make it impossible. Your dentist might suggest a milder, multi-step treatment rather than conventional chemical bleaching. This can remove stains and discoloration without damaging your teeth or dental prosthetics.
I’m too busy!
We hear this one often, and we get it. It’s a busy time for all of us, and the demands of work, family, and your social life may leave you feeling that you just don’t have time for a teeth whitening treatment. However, this myth about teeth whitening is just that, a myth. Most teeth whitening treatments aren’t overly time-consuming and can be completed in one or two trips to the dentist’s office.
You can whiten your own teeth using acidic fruits or some other home cure!
Please do not do this, as it can damage your teeth. Acidic fruits or other home treatments eat away at the enamel outer layer of your teeth. Enamel can’t grow back, so this damage is permanent and leaves you at risk for cavities, tooth decay, or even tooth loss.
Home whitening treatments work just as well!
Home whitening treatments can work, but they’re generally messy, inconvenient, and they often deliver inconsistent results. The best course of action is to see your dentist and get a professional whitening treatment. You’ll be happier with both the process and the results!
You only need a teeth whitening treatment once!
This generally isn’t the case. While a teeth whitening treatment can last a long time, you’ll need regular cleanings and occasional follow-up teeth whitening treatments to maintain your best results.
Teeth whitening is a common, useful dental procedure that can do a great deal to improve the life of the patient in question. While there are a number of myths about teeth whitening, we hope we’ve dispelled a few of them here. If you think teeth whitening is the right choice for you, get in touch and make an appointment today!
Should I Have Teeth Whitening Done or Porcelain Veneers?
In an ideal world, our smiles would remain bright, shiny, and healthy throughout our lifetimes. In practice, teeth become discolored. This is a common issue, affects most adults over the course of their lives, and it can occur for any of a variety of reasons. There’s no reason to be ashamed of discolored teeth, but you may want to correct that condition for professional or personal reasons. So, what’s the best way to go about it?
Two of the most common approaches to correcting discolored teeth are teeth whitening and dental veneers. Both have their advantages, so it will depend on your situation, your overall goals for your appearance and your oral health, and how much time you want to invest in addressing discolored teeth. Let’s learn a bit more about discoloration, what causes it, and what both teeth whitening and veneers have in common.
What Causes Discoloration?
There are a host of potential causes for discolored teeth. If you notice the color of your teeth changing, particularly changing suddenly or unexpectedly, you should consult your dentist for an exam to address the issue. In general, some of the more common causes of discoloration are:
- Food and drink are the most likely culprit for most people. Some foods are prone to staining teeth an off-color; red wine, coffee, and colas/sodas are common causes of discolored teeth. Some fruits and vegetables can do the same, as can some chocolates and candies.
- Tobacco use is bad for all aspects of health, particularly oral health, and it is a prime cause of discolored teeth. Both smoking and chewing tobacco can discolor the teeth.
- Poor dental hygiene is another problem that may lead to discolored teeth. Without regular and effective brushing and flossing–combined with a good diet and regular dental exams and cleanings–your teeth will likely become discolored or yellowed.
- Some medical conditions can lead to discolored teeth. Some diseases may cause the tooth to become yellowed. Some medical treatments, including certain medications, radiation treatments, and chemotherapy, may lead to discoloration. Your doctor and dentist can tell you more about how this may affect you.
- Genetics and aging may also be to blame. Some of us are just more prone to discolored teeth. Likewise, teeth may naturally yellow as we get older.
Teeth Whitening vs Dental Veneers
Teeth whitening and dental veneers work differently in how they correct discolored teeth. Let’s take a look at teeth whitening first.
Teeth whitening works by using a chemical agent to bleach the teeth to the desired color and shine. As with laundry bleach, the chemicals used in teeth whitening treatments work by removing stains and discolorations. Generally, this can be accomplished in one dentist visit. Your dentist will apply the whitening agent to your teeth, let it sit for the appropriate amount of time, and then remove it and clean your teeth. You’ll be left with nice, shiny, clean teeth. While this is fairly quick and easy, it’s not necessarily a permanent solution. You may need to return to the dentist for whitening treatments periodically.
Dental veneers are a permanent prosthetic solution. As the name suggests, your dentist will craft thin porcelain or ceramic veneer to be affixed to the outer side of the tooth or teeth in question. This is a permanent treatment–the tooth or teeth may need to be reshaped in order to accept the veneer. While the veneer may be colored any way you want and requires no more care than your natural teeth, veneers may involve more than one office visit, are more expensive, and again do involve permanently altering your natural teeth.
So what’s the best choice? That depends on you and your situation–your overall health and overall goals are the key consideration. Your dentist can help you decide by explaining what both teeth whitening and dental veneers will mean for you and then guide you to the right choice. If you’re interested in either teeth whitening or dental veneers, get in touch today and make an appointment! Our experienced and friendly staff will explain both and what you need to know about them.
“Mask Mouth”: Stress Related Oral Health Issues and COVID-19
It’s no secret that the last year of our lives has brought us face to face with some serious health challenges. The COVID pandemic forced vast and lasting changes onto many of our lives, and the issue isn’t resolved yet. As we all work to find ways to social distance, mask, and keep each other safe, every aspect of health care has had to adapt to our new normal. Dentist offices around the world are working to find ways to provide high-quality care in the safest possible way. As we continue our journey through the pandemic, dental providers are also noticing some other issues related to COVID. In particular “mask mouth” and other stress-related oral health issues are on the rise. By knowing what they are and what causes them, we can all do our part in the prevention and help maintain our oral health.
“Mask Mouth”, as it has come to be called, is an interesting new oral health challenge arising from the widespread use of masking as a means of disease control during the pandemic. Essentially, mask wearers subconsciously become accustomed to breathing through their mouths while masked. This small change of habit can lead to dry mouth, a condition where there’s just not enough saliva. A dry mouth can contribute to gum disease and even lead to tooth damage or tooth loss if left unabated. The solution is simple, however: stay in the habit of breathing through your nose even while wearing a mask. It’s fairly easy to do and builds a good habit and good oral health. Likewise, drinking more water helps your body stay hydrated and contributes to good saliva flow, which in turn keeps your teeth healthy.
Another COVID-related oral health issue is the sharp rise in stress-related complications. In brief, dentists everywhere are seeing a rise in the number of patients reporting everything from sore jaws to teeth grinding and even damaged/chipped teeth from grinding or jaw clenching. These can be serious problems; tooth loss may result from any of these causes if they’re left untreated. If you notice any of the symptoms of teeth grinding or jaw clenching: sore jaw, headaches, the tension in the face or neck, or worn/damaged teeth, you should tell your dentist right away. A number of solutions exist, ranging from an over-the-counter mouth guard to protect the teeth at night to medications for stress and muscle tension to therapy to get at the root cause of the issue. The important thing is to address the problem quickly: ignoring it and hoping it will go away on its own only makes things worse.
The COVID pandemic is an ongoing challenge for all of us, and in these busy and difficult times, it can be easy to forget about oral hygiene and tooth care. The fact is that these things are more important than ever. So take care of your teeth, address the problems before they arise, and keep making regular appointments with your dentist for exams and cleanings. When things get back to normal, you’ll be glad that you did.