Have You Considered CBD Products for TMJ?

 There are many causes of TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint Pain) but it seems the most common occurrence is pain. Studies have shown that by treating the causes of TMJ, pain can be greatly reduced or even alleviated.  One of the chief causes of TMJ is bruxism, or teeth grinding.  This can happen as a result of whiplash, misalignment of teeth, stress, anxiety and a variety of other reasons. It can cause damage to the teeth, headache, tinnitus and pain, among other things, over time.  It has been suggested that CBD oil (Cannabinoids) can help relieve the painful symptoms of TMJ by reducing stress, anxiety and relaxing muscles; thereby relieving pain.

Click here to read an interesting article about TMJ and treatment with CBD oil for relief without side effects!

Keep Smiling!!!

Dental Appearance Can Be Considered a Factor in Self-Harm

This is a repost from March, 2022. but it bears the repeat if someone can be helped by the knowledge!

Do you know a young person who may be engaged in self harm?  A loved one?  A friend?

If so, could it be due to bullying? A recent TikTok trend? Stress?  Have you ever considered it could be due to the appearance of their teeth? 

I stumbled upon an article from Dr. Bicuspid called Dental appearance may lead young teens to self-harm written by Melissa Busch (associate editor). 

"Nearly half of teens who self-harm say they engage in self-injurious behavior due to the way their teeth look, according to a survey of more than 600 eighth-grade students. The findings were published on March 26 in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics.

Tooth color and shape and missing teeth were some of the most common dental features that contributed to self-harm, the authors wrote. In addition, one-fifth of eighth-graders who reported engaging in self-harm said bullying about their dental imperfections contributed to their behavior.

"This study demonstrated a relatively high experience of self-harm reported by adolescent school children, with many reporting self-harm as a result of their dentofacial appearance and bullying because of dentofacial features," wrote the authors, led by Dr. Hawazen Sonbol of Kingston Hospital and St. George's Hospital and St. George's Medical School in London.

Throughout the world, self-harm is a growing public health issue. Worldwide, the prevalence of self-harm in teens and young adults is estimated to range between 7.5% and 46.5%.

Self-harming, which includes multiple behaviors like swallowing pills, cutting body parts, and pulling out hair is an expression of distress used to escape stress related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and bullying. Individuals who self-harm are at a greater risk of substance abuse and suicide.

Oral health and dental esthetics factor prominently in a person's perceived body image and self-esteem. Those with malocclusions and other dental imperfections can be targeted for bullying and can lead to low self-esteem and poor body image.

To investigate how dentofacial appearance contributes to the prevalence of self-harm among children, researchers conducted a cross-sectional study of 669 eighth graders from randomly selected schools. The group, which was composed of 339 girls and 360 boys who were 13 or 14, completed questionnaires about their behaviors.

Of the participants, 188 eighth graders (27%) reported engaging in self-harm. Of those who reported self-harming, 90 students (48%) engaged in this behavior due to their dental appearance. Additionally, 41 participants (20%) who reported self-harm did so because of bullying that targeted their dental imperfections, the authors wrote.

The three most common dental features contributing to self-harm and self-injury due to bullying were tooth color and shape, spacing between teeth or missing teeth, and prominent maxillary anterior teeth, according to the study.

The study had some limitations, including the cross-sectional nature of the study. This type of study did not allow longitudinal assessment of the participants in relation to risk factors, they wrote.

In the future, studies should explore clinical dental exams, more detailed information about the type and severity of self-harm being committed, as well as how orthodontic treatment may reduce this behavior, the authors wrote.

"The present study provides baseline data to better understand the relationship between self-harm and dentofacial features," Sonbol and colleagues concluded."

Important Facts You May Not Know About Dentures

  I came across a dental blog from the Oral Health Foundation. The author Stephen Loat discussed the top ten facts and tips regarding dentures. 

Here are the top ten facts:

1. In a study across 19 countries researchers found that an average of 19% of the population wear some form of denture. That’s nearly one in five.
2. There are two types of dentures: partial dentures and full dentures.
3. A ‘partial’ denture fills in the spaces left by lost or missing teeth. It may be fastened to your natural teeth with metal clasps or ‘precision attachments’.
4. A ‘complete’ or ‘full’ denture is one which replaces all the natural teeth in either the upper or lower jaw.
5. A complete or full denture can give support to your cheeks and lips. Without this support, sagging facial muscles can make a person look older and they will find it harder to eat and speak properly.
6. Dentures are ‘made to measure’ and designed to fit snuggly around the gums. Your dentist will take measurements and impressions of your mouth, then order your dentures from a dental technician.
7. Dentures must be looked after properly. A lack of denture cleanliness can lead to poorer oral health, as well as general health problems.
8. If dentures are not properly cleaned it can lead to ‘denture stomatitis’. This is caused by the build-up of a yeast or fungus called candida.
9. Dentures should be cleaned daily using mechanical action i.e. brushing with a toothbrush or denture brush and an effective, non-abrasive denture cleanser.
10. If you take care of your dentures, you should be able to use them for five-to-seven years before you need to replace them. 

If you are interested, click here for the whole are article.

Inflamed Gums? Think About Coenzyme Q-10!

I am always looking for natural, effective ways to heal the body without the use of drugs.  I found this while searching for a supplement to help heal gum disease.

Coenzyme Q-10 is essential to the body to help build new cells.  It is a component that can reduce inflammation and assist in healing infection. Gingivitis and Periodontitis are bacterial diseases of the gums.  There are lots of ways to prevent and treat gum disease, such as regular cleanings, scaling, root planning and topical rinses. However, for those who prefer a more holistic approach, consider Coenzyme Q-10. 

Here is a link to an article explaining the dental health benefits of taking a Coenzyme Q-10 supplement.

Always check with your doctor and/or your dentist before taking any supplement, and, as always,
Keep smiling!