Teeth Grinding

Medically called bruxism, teeth grinding cases stem from stress or anxiety that affects people subconsciously while they are asleep.

This habit can cause damage to the teeth or cause other complications if not treated.

There are many reasons why people grind their teeth:

Mental and emotional causes:

• Stressful lifestyle - Teeth grinding is our bodies way of dealing with stress, pressure or negative emotions.
• Sleep disorder - People who snore, talk or sleep paralysis are more likely to grind their teeth.
• Suppressed anger - People experiencing frustration are likely to come down with teeth grinding episodes.

Physical causes:

• Teething - Often experienced by kids, the pain associated with it causes the grinding of the jaw during sleep.
• Medications - Side affects of certain medications like antidepressants causes people to grind their teeth.
• Dehydration - Everyday habits like smoking and drinking coffee or alcohol can dehydrate a person, which can cause teeth grinding episodes.

Depending on the cause there are many ways that can help relieve the pain, reduce clenching and prevent damage to the teeth.

• Stressed? - See a counselor, relax your muscles by doing yoga or meditation therapy.
• Dental Problems? - Talk your your dentist - maybe you need occlusal therapy, which might help align your teeth.
• Take medications? - Talk to your doctor about side effects to prevent teeth grinding.

Toothbrush Hacks

Who knew a toothbrush could be so handy! These toothbrush hacks will make you feel inspired and even make you giggle!

• The bristles from a toothbrush will remove stray threads of silk from freshly shucked ears of corn!
• Clean out your hair dryer with a toothbrush!
• Use a toothbrush to tame fly away hairs!
• Clean your refrigerator door water try with vinegar, soap and a toothbrush!
• Remove bubble gum from clothing with a toothbrush!
• Use dish soap and a toothbrush to clean your diamond rings!
• Remove blackheads by exfoliating your skin with a mix of water, salt and toothpaste!
• Exfoliate your lips for longer lasting lipstick using lip balm and a toothbrush!
• Clean your Keurig with a toothbrush and remove all of the extra coffee ground buildup!
• Use a soft-bristled brush in vinegar to remove spots from water, snow or salt from leather shoes!
• Clean white canvas shoes using a toothbrush and some simple ingredients!

Happy Friday!

Reasons Why Dentists Take X-Rays

Ever wonder why your dentist takes x-rays every time you go in for an exam?

Here are some important reason why your dentist takes x-rays:

• Looking for decay between your teeth: Sometimes decay isn't visible to the naked eye and exists in areas the dentist can not see.
• Checking for bone loss associated with gum disease: Gum disease can cause bone loss and an x-ray will show how advanced it is.
• Checking for decay under fillings: Sometime decay under fillings can occur and only be seen with an x-ray.
• Looking for infection at the tip of the root: Infections can appear at the very bottom of your teeth where the bone is, which needs to be confirmed using an x-ray.
• Examining the area before procedures: Dentist need a full view of the teeth and bone before procedures such as braces, implants, and tooth removal.

Now you see why dental x-rays are such an important part of your dental care!

Private Dental Practice or Dental Clinic? Your Personal Preference.

Is it better to go to a privately owned practice with one doctor versus a "clinic" with multiple doctors?

The answer to this question lies solely on personal preference. Whether a facility has one doctor or one hundred doctors shows no reflection on the doctors' credentials or capabilities. Privately owned practices with only one or two providers are ideal for those who prefer to see the same doctor on every visit. That said, the private practitioner's ability to treat you fully and effectively is limited to his level of expertise; i.e., he may refer you out for a root canal or extraction if it is beyond his level of expertise, or if, unfortunately, it is a cost prohibitive procedure.  Time vs. money.

Larger practices with multiple providers, or "clinics," if you will, are beneficial for those who have a multitude of dental problems that may require the skills of more than one doctor. Also, on-site specialists are common in larger practices and could be convenient if you get referred out.
Something to consider: Many of the larger "clinic" type practices are better able and more willing to work payment arrangements with a patient, as well.  Additionally, prices vary widely between dental facilities.  It is a great idea to consider a good dental plan to help level out the costs of dentistry.

The choice is a personal one, but do your research!  Check out the doctors.  Check out the facilities as well.  Read the reviews and ask for recommendations from family and friends.

Keep Smiling!

Stages Of Teething

New Parent? Wondering when your baby's pearly whites will start to poke through?

Some babies are fussier than others when they are teething. This may because of the soreness and swelling of the gums. These symptoms can begin a couple weeks before the tooth shows and the fussiness usually ends after the tooth has broke through the skin.

Below are the stages of teething

1. 0-6 Months: Your baby is born with a full set of teeth beneath the gums which are referred to as "Milk Teeth".
2. 6 Months:  Around this age the first set of teeth that begin to erupt are the incisors (upper and lower front teeth). Before eruption, the bumpy edges are often felt beneath the gum line and you may notice your baby begin chewing on their hands, toys or other items.
3. 10-14 Months: Here come the ... Primary Molars (upper and lower jaw, towards the back of the mouth)! This stage is similar to stage 2 but with an increase in drool, crankiness and the urge to chew on everything in site! In this stage you may also notice your child experiencing fevers, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Contact you primary physician for recommended medicines.
4. 16-22 Months: During this stage your baby's canine teeth (pointed teeth on the upper and lower jaw) will erupt.
5. 25-33 Months: Revenge of the molars! These are twice the size of the other teeth. Most parents will say this is the most difficult time of the teething process.

Although teething can be a difficult time for parents and the child their are some remedies to help your child feel better while they are teething.

• Use a clean finger to gently rub your baby's gums for a couple minutes.
• Provide some teething rings/toys. *Try refrigerating a teething ring, this helps reduce swelling and soothes sore gums*
• Ask your pediatrician on over the counter medicine.
• Orajel

Are Silver Fillings Safe?

This is a question that has been posed for many years. Silver fillings, also known as dental amalgam what has been used to fill a cavity for over 150 years. The concern for most people resided in the material in the amalgam itself. The FDA identifies the material as:

"Dental amalgam is a mixture of metals, consisting of liquid (elemental) mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Approximately 50% of dental amalgam is elemental mercury by weight.  The chemical properties of elemental mercury allow it to react with and bind together the silver/copper/tin alloy particles to form an amalgam."

The concern has been over the elemental mercury it releases low level of vaporized mercury that can be inhaled and absorbed in the lungs. However the FDA has determined that the exposure is not cause for concern.

Based on that as of 02/10/2015, the FDA has determined Silver Fillings to be safe for people 6 years of age and older.

To read the full report from the FDA.. Click here!

Fun Facts You May Not Know About Teeth

Read these fun facts to learn how special your teeth are!

• Some babies are born with teeth: About 1 in every 2000 babies is born with natal teeth (teeth that are already present at the time of birth.) So sometimes the babies first dentist visit is only a few days after birth.
• Not everyone loses their baby teeth: If a person doesn't have a replacement permanent tooth. that baby tooth with stay put.
• Not all cultures consider straight teeth ideal: Straight teeth may seem appealing, but some country's believe crooked teeth make them look younger and enhance their smiles.
• Braces can cause cavities: You start forming cavities around the brackets since food, bacteria and acid get stuck.
• Drinking Mountain Dew: Constant sipping of Mountain Dew has rotted and done so much damage to peoples teeth that it has its own name known as Mountain Dew Mouth.
• What can you do with your pulled teeth?: You can make human tooth art! Many people sell their tooth art online -such as Etsy.

We all know how important our teeth are so remember to visit your dentist on a regular bases to keep a healthy mouth!