Botox for Treatment of Bruxism

Botox is most commonly known for getting the crows feet and wrinkles out of your face. At least that's how it's promoted. However, in reality, Botox is used for a number of medical conditions. If you have chronic migraines, Botox can help. Stiff muscles, a Botox injection can take care of it. It is even recommended for some with an overactive bladder!

What about teeth grinding? Yes!  Apparently it can benefit that, too. Teeth grinding (medically known as bruxism), is a serious issue that can greatly damage your teeth, cause TMJ and end up being very costly to treat. Most of the time it is treated with a mouth guard that is designed to reduce the risk to your teeth. However, even with the mouth guard you are still grinding in your sleep. Instead of grinding tooth to tooth, you are grinding on the mouth guard itself, which, in essence, still causes jaw pain and can lead to TMJ. It protects your teeth really well, but has a limited effect on protecting your jaw.

Botox, on the other hand, has been proven to greatly reduce the grinding all together. 

So, if you are a chronic teeth grinder, maybe Botox is something to consider.  Ask your dentist, and as always, keep smiling!

5 Reason To Choose A Dental Plan Over Dental Insurance

When it comes to choosing dental coverage there are many options out there. Finding the one that is best for you can be confusing and frustrating. As insurance companies are now starting to jump on the dental train, finding quality dental coverage requires more and more research. Here's a tip, Do not rule out dental plans. Dental plans have been providing affordable quality dental coverage longer than most of the major insurance companies that have recently started selling it as a stand-alone policy.

Here are 5 reasons that you should choose a dental plan over dental insurance.

1. More Consistent Coverage: Unlike dental insurance, a dental plan does not require a preauthorization to get dental work done. So you do not have to worry about a claim being denied.

2.  No Deductible or Coverage Caps: With a dental plan, you do not have to worry about meeting a deductible before your coverage kicks in. Also, a dental plan does not have a coverage cap. So you do not have to worry about only being covered for a certain dollar amount per year.

3. No Waiting Periods: If you need a root canal today because you are in pain, insurance will cover it if it is past their "waiting period". With a dental plan, you do not have to worry about it. There is no waiting period so you can get the work you need done when need to have it done.

4. Immediate Coverage: With a dental plan, you get the coverage you are paying for right away. In some cases, you can even sign up while you are in the dental office and be covered for that visit. You do not have to pay for it now and get the coverage later.

5. Pre-existing Conditions Covered: This is important for those of you who have had dental work done in the past. With a dental plan, if you have any pre-existing conditions, they are covered as well.

If you would like to know what dental coverage is out there and what the differences are between them you can check them out on our website by clicking here.

Original post by Clay III on October 14, 2015

Could Obesity and Gum Disease be Related?

Researchers have been working to verify the suspicion, but as it appears now, people who suffer from obesity could be at a higher risk of developing gum disease than everyone else.

Here's the reason obesity raises the risk:

Obesity causes the body to release proteins containing flammatory properties called cytokines.  These cytokines could potentially damage or injure the gum tissue, which could likely lead to gum disease.   However, half of the US population over 30 suffer from gum disease.  Gum disease itself also releases cytokines, which if you're obese, could lead to other dangerous inflammatory diseases throughout the body.  

To get the latest information on this study, check out the original article HERE.

When Is The Best Time To Go To The Dentist?

No, this is not a joke... so those of you answering "Tooth Thirty" can just smile and read on!

In all seriousness, I have always wondered what time during the day is the best time to go to the dentist. Believe it or not, it really depends on what you are doing. So here is the breakdown:

Cleaning: Morning - Morning cleaning tends to go quicker than afternoon ones

Fillings: Morning - Dentist tend to run more on schedule to start their day. So going in the morning to get that filling, will usually get you in and out quicker.

Major work: (Root Canals / Extractions): Afternoon A European research company found that local anesthesia lasts longer in the afternoon. So getting your major work done in the afternoon will allow you more time to get your medication, get home, and have it kick in before the anesthesia totally wears off. So try for a "Tooth Thirty" appointment when you have major work being done!

Obviously, this all depends on your dentist's schedule. Certain procedures are scheduled at certain times in some offices. So check their availability.

Original post by Clay III on December 15, 2017

Can Mouthwash Cause Canker Sores?

In a word, yes!  Some people are naturally prone to canker sores.  They can be caused by a variety of things, such as citrus fruit, pineapple, some nuts and even eggs, believe it or not!  But if you are experiencing canker sores and you don't usually get them, check your daily mouthwash.  An active ingredient in many mouthwashes called sodium lauryl sulfate is a known irritant and could be the nasty culprit behind the sores.  Additionally, mouthwash containing alcohol is another factor.  Alcohol typically causes a burning sensation in the mouth, which can cause canker sores or irritate them if they are already present.  A better alternative is to rinse with mild (MILD) salt water or find a sulfate and alcohol free mouthwash for everyday use.  Your dental provider may have some good suggestions for you!

Keep Smiling!

Brush-on Tooth Whitening Polish-A New Fad

 Yep, another new Fad, albeit a temporary one.  It comes in a small bottle that looks like nail polish.  The idea is to dry your teeth, paint it on and let it dry.  Of course, how long it lasts depends on what you eat, the acidity in your mouth and even if you follow the directions to a tee, it may not adhere to your teeth.  So, not mentioning any product names but it is easily found on Google (wink wink) and I would simply suggest you try it for yourself (checking with your dentist first, of course) to find out if it will work for you.

The upside of it is that it does come in a vegan type mixture, no peroxide and supposedly not harmful to you or the environment.

So, why not?  

Keep Smiling! 

Preventing Flu Starting With Your Toothbrush

Flu season is upon us again, we are constantly washing our hands to prevent the spread of germs. But it is JUST as important to pay attention to your toothbrush.

Here are some helpful tips that could help prevent you from catching that nasty flu.

• Replace your toothbrush about every 2-3 months. If you already have a cold replace the brush once you feel better.  
• Sterilize the toothbrush, this should be done about once a week. If someone in the household is sick you may want to do this twice a week. The best way to sterilize the toothbrush is by running it through the dishwasher when you do a load of dishes. If you don't have a dishwasher, place your toothbrush in a microwave-safe dish, fill it up with about 2-3 inches of water, and bring it to a boil for 3-4 minutes.
• Store your toothbrush away from others, use a toothbrush cover if possible, and always store it upright. Also try to use your own toothpaste, because if the bristles touch the toothbrush of others you are spreading germs from one person to another.

Good dental habits are very important to a healthy body.

 Take care during this flu season!

Is a Salt Water Rinse Really Effective For Oral Use?

 An ancient home remedy of dealing with a sore throat, sore gums, lost tooth or post dental procedures is rinsing with warm salt water. Since 1600 B.C. Ancient Greeks have been using salt and water as a treatment. The question is, in 2018, does this remedy still work?

The answer is YES. Believe it or not, it is still recommended by almost every dentist as well. Mainly because it kill bacteria in the mouth, but also because salt is an anti-inflammatory as well. Which means it can reduce swelling.

The use of salt also promotes healing, so it's ideal to use it 24 hours after minor dental surgery to help your mouth recover. It's an isotonic solution, which means it contains the same salts and minerals our bodies do in equal concentrations. For this reason, it doesn't irritate the mucous membranes as a medicinal mouthwash might, which is why many dentists recommend it as a gentle healing aid after a procedure.

So, although this method has been around for thousands of years, it is still used today and still just as effective as before.

So sometimes pouring salt on the wound is not a bad thing :)