Any dental issue that makes it harder for you to bite and chew food should be taken seriously. It can be an uncomfortable problem, while also putting limitations on your diet. There are many problems that can lead to complications with your dental function. The issue could be with untreated tooth decay, or a dental injury. The absence of even one tooth can also be enough to complicate simple dental tasks. That being said, the problem may not reside with a tooth, but with your jaw joints, as TMJ dysfunction can make it hard for you to properly bite down. Fortunately, your dentist can identify the cause of your problems, and offer the appropriate treatment to restore your dental health and function. (more…)
How Much Is Too Much Teeth-Grinding?
Too much of anything is bad. Yet, when it comes to grinding your teeth, you may not realize that you’re doing it too much until you start to notice other symptoms, like aching and damaged teeth. Grinding your teeth too much is the defining characteristic of bruxism. Unfortunately, it most often occurs while patients are sleeping, making it even less likely for you to detect it on your own. The good news is that your dentist can help you determine if you grind your teeth too much, and help you avoid extensive tooth damage, if you stick to a schedule of regular preventive dental exams.
Harmless Habit, or Bruxism?
The tricky thing about bruxism is that everyone grinds their teeth once in a while. Some may do so more often than others, but still only out of habit or nervousness. It only becomes bruxism when it’s a symptom of an underlying condition, causing you to grind your teeth together unconsciously and persistently. For instance, if your jaw muscles are overactive because of an imbalanced bite, or if you grind your teeth together as a symptom of TMJ disorder, then your dentist may be able to help you stop with bruxism treatment.
How Your Dentist Can Help
Treating bruxism requires a careful examination to determine why you grind your teeth, a way to protect your teeth from grinding together, and in some cases, one or more restorations to repair damaged teeth. For many patients, a custom-designed oral appliance can be worn at night to prevent unconscious, nighttime grinding. The guard may also help your jaw rest more comfortably, alleviating stress and pressure on your jaw joints that could exacerbate your symptoms.
Find Out if You Grind Your Teeth Too Much
If you grind your teeth too much, then the damage that it causes could have a significant impact on the rest of your oral health. To schedule an appointment with your dentist, contact Healthy Smiles in Gary, IN, by calling 219-938-2637, or by emailing our office at info@healthysmilesnwi.com. We also proudly serve the residents of Gary, Miller, Miller Beach, and all surrounding communities.
What Should I Expect During An Emergency Dental Visit?
No one wants to find themselves in need of emergency treatment because of a dental problem. While this kind of care is something you will hopefully never need, it can be helpful to know what you should do in the case something goes wrong. If you can, you should try to keep the tooth in the socket. If you need to pick up a tooth that has been knocked out, take care to only touch the enamel. Your dentist will make sure you have prompt attention for your problem. They can provide the appropriate treatment for trauma, and – if possible – help you save your tooth. They can also help deal with potential issues with infections. Fortunately, restorative dental treatment can ensure that your tooth looks healthy and natural after treatment. (more…)
What’s Stopping You From Enjoying A Brighter Smile?
Why should you put up with a smile that has become dull, or seems discolored? You may have grown disheartened after using a store bought whitening product, or switching to a whitening toothpaste, and seen unremarkable results. What you should know is that your dentist can help you make significant improvements to the color of your teeth with a professional whitening treatment. With professional whitening agents, it becomes possible to treat stains that are difficult to remove through over the counter treatments. Patients interested in this cosmetic dental treatment can choose between an in-office treatment, or a whitening kit they can take home. Both can lead to astounding improvements! (more…)
Providing Dedicated Dental Care For Young Patients
What kind of dental care do young patients require? Many of the services provided in pediatric dental care are also provided for adult patients. After all, patients of all ages benefit from careful examinations of their teeth, and focused, professional cleanings. That being said, kids can require special services to make sure they are fully protected. Your dentist will track the development of their oral structures, so that any concerning issues are identified early, and addressed. They can also administer fluoride treatments, and coat your child’s teeth with dental sealants, to offer advanced protection against cavities. (more…)
Giving People With Dental Anxiety The Support They Need
Different issues can affect a person’s relative risk for dental troubles. Some patients have softer enamel, which makes it harder for them to fight cavities. Other people can have issues like dry mouth, which can inhibit their natural cavity defense if the problem is not addressed. However, many people are more vulnerable to oral health issues because of an anxiety around seeing the dentist. This condition, known as dental anxiety, can be addressed. Your dentist can work with you to help make you feel at ease. Many people with this problem enjoy help in the form of dental sedation, which keeps them relaxed in the dentist’s chair. (more…)
Quiz: Exploring Different Approaches To Cosmetic Dental Care
If you want to address problems with your smile, you can be excited to explore your cosmetic dental treatment options. Because your dentist can offer a range of procedures, you may be unsure which approach best suits your needs. You can schedule a time to discuss this with your dentist, and give them a chance to recommend a treatment based on the outcome you are interested in, and the current state of your smile. There are procedures that can fix problems with the color, condition, and shape of teeth. You can even address issues with bulky or uneven gum tissue, which may be interfering with your appearance. (more…)
Protect Your Smile In 2018 With Routine Dental Visits
Have you kept up with dental visits in 2017? One way patients can make sure they are enjoying good oral health is by attending regular dental exams. Even if you feel confident in the condition of your smile, visiting regularly allows you to learn about developing problems, and potential concerns. Patients who regularly receive dental care and cleanings will enjoy a lower cavity risk, and they can count on care sooner if a problem has formed. If you want to spend the next year with a healthy, happy smile, make sure you book preventive dental appointments. (more…)
When Dental Troubles Call For A Root Canal Treatment
Taking oral health threats seriously is important. As a cavity forms, it will causing increasing damage to your tooth. When damage reaches the interior of your tooth, and infects the living tissue housed in your pulp, it can put you in a state of discomfort. As the damage continues to spread, you can lose your tooth, and have bacteria spread to your jawbone, and cause more troubles. Your dentist can put a stop to an internal tooth problem with a root canal treatment, which will involve the safe removal of infected tissue. This will allow you to keep your tooth, and it will put a stop to potential complications. (more…)
What You Can Do To Put A Stop To Painful TMJ Problems
Ignoring TMJ dysfunction means spending each day experiencing frustrating discomfort, and potential difficulties with biting and chewing. If your problems include a habit of grinding your teeth at night, ignor ing the problem can also lead to serious dental damage. Your TMJs are the joints that operate your jaw. Problems can stem from several potential causes, with symptoms that include general discomfort in your face, neck, and head, as well as a tendency to grind your teeth. Your dentist can work with you to relieve discomfort, and help you regain a comfortable biting and chewing function. (more…)