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Most people experience pain in the face or the joints, and most of them are not aware of the origin of this pain. The pain on our faces is sometimes related to the temporomandibular joint. TMJ is a joint connecting the lower and upper jawbones. It is made up of ligaments, muscles, discs, and bones that effectively control the movement of jaws either upwards or downwards. So at any moment, the jaw is not working correctly; this can show that you have a temporomandibular joint disorder.

If you are experiencing pain or difficulty moving your jaw, then your joint is not functioning properly. This article will help you understand TMJ and the proper treatment that you will need.

Symptoms of TMJ

Patients dealing with temporomandibular disorder experience the following symptoms:

• Tenderness or pain in your face or jaws
• Pain around your ear, neck, or shoulders
• Dizziness and headaches
• Toothaches
• Problems with hearing or ringing in the ears
• Swelling on your face on the jaw side
• Pain while biting or chewing
• Grating or clicking sensation while opening or closing your mouth.
• Difficulty in closing and opening your mouth

Causes and Risk Factors of TMJ

Medical doctors and scientists do not understand the actual causes of TMJ. But some factors contribute to the dysfunction and the tightness of muscles that characterize TMJ condition. These causes include:

• Poor posture strains your neck or shoulder muscles
• Teeth grinding
• Excessive gum chewing
• Trauma to your teeth or jaw
• Erosion of your jaw joint or movement making it improperly aligned.

The risk factors for TMJ disorder are:

• Anxiety or stress
• Use of Orthodontic braces
• Poor diet
• Some types of arthritis such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Lack of sleep
• Connective tissue diseases which may affect the functioning of the TMJ

Diagnosis of TMJ Disorder

If you have any of the above-mentioned signs of TMJ, it is in your best interest to visit our dentist at Cupertino Family Dental. Your dentist will first diagnose the problem by checking your jaw for any pain or tenderness, and they will also listen for any grating or clicking sounds when you move your jaw. Our dental experts will also check the movement of joints and jaw muscles. Your dentist will also take an x-ray, CT, or MRI scans to help in ruling out any other conditions.

Treatment of TMJ

Many treatment options are available for TMJ. You can take care of TMJ at home, but you have to visit your dentist if it gets severe.

You can alleviate the pain and treat your TMJ disorder at home in the following ways:

• Eat soft foods. Avoid chewy and foods that require you to take large bites.
• Practice good posture and avoid placing your hand on your chin.
• Place cold packs or moist heat on the side of your jaws to help relieve pain.
• Massage your shoulder and neck muscles.
• Avoid unnecessary or extreme jaw movements
• Use mouthguards while sleeping to help to prevent the grinding of your teeth.
• Learn to relax. By visiting a physical therapist, they can guide you on stress management techniques.
• Soothing essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, and clary sage that provide temporary relief to the pain.

Medical Treatment

If your symptoms are persistent, then visit your doctor for medical treatment. Our dentist will recommend the following options:

1. TMJ treatment for pain relief through medications such as muscle relaxers or pain relievers

2. Mouthguards or oral splints. These are medical device placed on your teeth which prevent grinding of your upper and lower jaw.

3. Physical therapy. Your dentist may recommend a physical therapist to provide you with massages and stretches that will help you relax and strengthen your muscles.

4. Surgery. Surgery is another treatment option. The most common surgery options available include open joint surgery, modified condylotomy, TMJ arthroscopy, arthrocentesis, and injections at the joint.

Mostly, pain and discomfort associated with TMJ are temporary and often relieved with the doctor’s home care treatment or medications. However, surgery is a last resort after all the options have failed.

While many oral problems could impact your self-confidence, tooth loss seems to top the list. Many people who have one or more teeth missing are not as confident when they smile. The stakes are always higher when it involves multiple tooth loss, more so for the front teeth. Being that millions of people in the world suffer from premature tooth loss, dentistry provides solutions for tooth replacement in restorative dentistry. One of the ways you could have your missing teeth replaced is by getting dentures.

What Are Dentures?

They are tooth replacement oral appliances used to restore multiple missing teeth. Unlike other tooth replacement alternatives in dentistry, dentures in Cupertino, CA, dictate that you have more than three teeth missing in a row. Otherwise, you would only benefit from dental bridges or dental implants.

Dentures typically feature a set of artificial replacement teeth attached to a gum-like base. When place in the mouth, they mimic natural teeth. When you get the right type of dentures, people will hardly notice the difference between your natural teeth and the artificial ones.

What Are the Differences Between Full and Partial Dentures?

Both partial and full dentures serve the same role in dentistry, which is that of replacing lost teeth. However, the two are different in how much coverage they offer. Full dentures are used to replace all teeth in the mouth. It is why they are also called complete dentures. Essentially, you would have to be missing all your natural teeth to qualify for full dentures. If not so, your dentist will have to extract the remaining natural teeth in your mouth before placing complete dentures.

On the other hand, partial dentures allow you to maintain your natural teeth. They can be customized to partially replace your teeth so that the remaining natural teeth remain intact. Partial dentures can be used for any teeth, regardless of the location.

Variants in Restorative Dentistry for Dentures

Even though the main categories of dentures are either full or partial dentures, there are other variants. When you consult a dentist near you, you will learn that dentures can be acquired in different other forms, that is:

1. Immediate dentures – they are any types of dentures that are readily available. Regardless of whether you prefer full or partial dentures, for them to be immediate, they need to be pre-made. You can easily get these types of dentures over the counter. They may serve the intended purpose but will most likely be ill-fitting.
2. Customized dentures – these are the types that dental experts recommend. They are any types of dentures that are custom-made by dental experts. Ideally, a dentist will take impressions of your mouth, create a mold, and use it as the measurement for manufacturing your dentures. These too, can either be partial or complete dentures. While you may have to stay for a while without teeth, customized dentures will offer a much better fit compared to immediate dentures. You can also pick and choose the materials you prefer for the creation of your dentures.
3. Implant-supported dentures – they are the types of dentures that rely on dental implants for support. They are sometimes referred to as permanent dentures since they are held in place by dental implants, which are permanently installed in your jawbone. Implant-supported dentures can cover your entire mouth or partially. Either way, they are more stable than other types of dentures because of the support of dental implants.

Which Dentures Should You Get?

Both full and partial dentures are very effective for replacing lost teeth. Ideally, you only need full dentures when you have lost all your teeth or have very few of them remaining. In that case, removing them would not be too much trouble for your dental health. Otherwise, partial dentures would be best suited for you. In many cases, the dentist will recommend partial dentures to patients who need to have multiple teeth replaced but still want to retain their natural teeth. Either way, both partial and full dentures can help meet your oral needs. Be sure you get relevant information from your dentist regarding which type of denture best befits your oral needs.

Tooth loss is an unfortunate occurrence that happens to thousands of people across the world. While natural teeth may be built to last a lifetime, it is not always the case. Many reasons could cause you to lose your natural teeth prematurely. Instead of focusing on how you lost your teeth, you have to direct your focus on how you can have them replaced.

Modern dentistry has a provision for restorative dental treatments that provide hope for patients seeking to replace their missing teeth. One such treatment involves an implantation procedure, yielding various benefits to patients.

What is Tooth Implants?

They are titanium metal posts that are created for the purpose of replacing lost teeth in dentistry. These metal posts are usually inserted through a surgical procedure that entails erecting the titanium metal posts in the jawbone. In comparison to other replacement alternatives, implants are very unique given as they replace the roots of teeth first.

However, these metal posts cannot work on their own. Technically, once a tooth implant has been placed in your mouth, a different oral appliance must be employed to complete your treatment. In many cases, for single tooth replacement, dental crowns are used to cover implants. However, in situations where patients have lost multiple teeth, teeth implants are best covered by dentures. In that regard, you have to talk to your dentist about the process of getting permanent dentures in Cupertino through getting oral implants first.

Why would you need dental implants?

In dentistry, many different approaches can be used to restore your lost teeth. Therefore, for one to determine tooth implants over their counterparts, there have to be specific reasons why among the unique benefits of dental implants over others to the replacement or appliances include the following:

1. For optimal functionality of the mouth – When you are missing one or more of your teeth, how your mouth functions is not the same as before. You may experience issues when chewing hard foods or even trying to pronounce certain words. Getting dental implants is one of the ways to restore the functionality of your mouth. This is especially the case if you have last all your teeth and require Full mouth dental implants.
2. To restore your bone tissue – upon losing your teeth, it doesn’t take long before the tissues of your oral cavity begin to deteriorate. It first starts when your gums recede because they no longer have teeth to support. Gradually, the bone tissue underneath the gum tissue begins to degenerate. The longer you still without teeth, the more of your bone tissue is lost. Getting dental implants, therefore, restores the health of your bone tissue, particularly because the implants are installed in your jawbone through a surgical procedure.
3. To improve your cosmetic appearance – when you have a tooth missing in your mouth, there is a gap that is noticeable every time you smile. Such is a problem that can tamper with the cosmetic appearance of your smile. Getting oral implants, therefore, is one of the ways you can restore the beauty of your smile by closing the gap that exists because of your last tooth.
4. For a permanent tooth replacement treatment – even though there are different types of treatments that can be used to replace your missing teeth in dentistry, they are not all permanent. Technically, teeth implants are inserted in the jawbone and supported steadily by the gum tissue. Only oral implants replace your teeth by replacing both the roots and crowns thereof, resulting in a permanent dental solution.
5. Implants are sturdy – many dental experts say that oral implants closely mimic the strength of natural teeth. The implants are made of titanium. A feature that makes titanium the most suitable material to create implants is that it is sturdy metal, therefore, suitable even for back teeth. Other than that, the material is biocompatible, making it integrate properly with the jawbone of your mouth. Afterward, when your mouth has healed completely, you will have a natural-looking result, with an implant sturdy enough to compare to the rest of your natural teeth.

Children are such fragile creatures that they need specially trained doctors to look after their well-being. Children’s medical doctors are called Pediatricians and are responsible for the physical, mental, and behavioral care of children. A person’s dental health is just as important as his medical well-being. Therefore, children require specially trained dentists for the care of their oral health.

Children’s dentistry, commonly known as pediatric dentistry, is a branch of dentistry that deals with the management and improvement of dental health in children. A child’s dental health should be treated with an equal level of importance as the child’s medical health. Cultivating healthy oral habits from a young age is a guarantee for long-lasting healthy dental health.

Pediatric dentists practice pediatric dentistry. They specialize in providing dental care to children and teenagers. Pediatric dentists undergo more specialized training than general dentists because of the category of people they deal with. Pediatric dentists undergo at least four years of dental school training and two additional years of residency training in dental healthcare for children.

Some people might opt for family dentistry as family dentists also undergo some pediatric training. Family dentists are meant to cater to the dental needs of every member of the family, either old or young. Some family dentists are in fact, pediatric dentists.

Babies are known to start developing teeth six to twelve months after birth. The first teeth to come out are usually the lower central incisors. By age three, a child must have completely developed a complete set of milk teeth. By the age of seven, children start to lose their milk teeth, having them replaced with permanent teeth. Children are being faced with the risk of developing many teeth infections and diseases without the proper oral health care. Pediatric dentistry is there to nip tooth diseases in the bud and also offer dental advice to the children.

Services Offered By A Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists help to maintain and improve the dental health of children by doing the following:

• They conduct oral examinations from time to time to assess the risks of tooth infections.
• They practice preventive dentistry as well as recommend good oral hygiene.
• They diagnose teeth infections or diseases in children.
• They assess children’s teeth as they grow to correct any irregularities.
• Finally, they manage all dental health issues about children.

Pediatric dentists use specially designed equipment exclusively meant for kids.

Common Dental Health Problems In Kids

Most of a child’s dental problems are similar to the ones that affect adults. However, since a child’s teeth are still developing, they’re softer and more delicate than an adult’s teeth. Dental problems in children that are left untreated lead to more serious problems as the child grows.

Common teeth problems experienced in childhood are:

• Tooth decay. Tooth decay is caused by dental plaques which are formed as a result of bacteria, saliva, acids, and starchy foods. It is easy for children to have tooth decay because of their love for sugary things.
• Gum disease. Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is caused by the inflammation of gum tissues. It’s caused by poor oral hygiene, and dental plaque and tartar buildup. Kids, as a result of their inability to take care of themselves fully, might be at great risk of having gum disease.
• Bruxism. This is also known as teeth grinding. It is the continuous clenching and grinding of teeth. It has adverse effects on the natural development of the teeth.

Other dental health problems in kids are thumb sucking, bad breath, canker sores, teeth sensitivity, etc.

Benefits of pediatric dentistry

Choosing pediatric dentistry over general dentistry and even family dentistry is one of the best decisions to make for children. The benefits of choosing a pediatric dentist for your child include:

• Maximum dental health care from specialists for kids.
• Access to dental equipment for kids.
• Tender care makes kids happier and calmer.
• Elimination of dental fears and myths. Kids might be scared of pain from dental care. Pediatric doctors help to alleviate their fears professionally.

Pediatric dentistry helps kids to maintain the perfect set of teeth as they grow up.

In most cases, braces help to align teeth that are misaligned naturally or otherwise correctly. They help to reduce excessive gaps within the teeth and get them straightened after a while.

Traditionally, most braces are made from metal or acrylic materials. These common types of braces are effective but can be uncomfortable for the wearer. This is because most of these braces need to be worn all the time.

ClearCorrect braces are an improvement on traditional braces. They are more preferred due to their look, feel, and overall effectiveness. There is more to ClearCorrect orthodontics that highlights the advantages of these braces compared to other traditional types.

How ClearCorrect Braces Work

Firstly, ClearCorrectis braces. Thus, they are made based on the fundamental principles of dental braces. They are made of transparent aligners made from plastic materials to align the teeth. ClearCorrect aligners are made to fit the teeth, leaving no holes perfectly. During ClearCorrect orthodontics, the dentist matches the braces onto the teeth to straighten them. They are to stay on for about 20 – 22 hours a day and be detached whenever needed.

How ClearCorrect Braces Make the Difference

They close the gaps. Having gaps between the teeth is a common dental structure. It does not translate to current or imminent dental issues. Some people carry their gap teeth with pride, while it is the opposite for others. In many cases, people only have one or two gaps. Then again, some have multiple gaps that are visible, especially when they talk or laugh.

Multiple gaps cause people to be insecure when they smile. People with gaps in their teeth often cover their mouths when they laugh. It reduces confidence in some people. Also, multiple gaps cause discomfort when eating certain foods.

ClearCorrect braces correct these teeth’ deformities by closing the gaps between the teeth.

Visit your dentist in Cupertino to treat your dental misalignment with ClearCorrect aligners today.

ClearCorrect is detachable. Most braces are built to remain attached to the teeth until the duration elapses. Wearing braces all day can cause a level of discomfort. ClearCorrect is an advancement on the standard braces, which provides more comfort for patients who wear them.

They are removable braces that increase your level of comfort. This implies that you can take them off when you need to perform specific tasks. With ClearCorrect, eating becomes more enjoyable. Since they are detachable braces, you can remove them before you eat.

Being removable also makes maintaining these braces easy. You can clean them when you take them off to remove food particles or stains on them.

They are not obvious. For some people, especially young adults, learning that they might need to wear braces is not good news. Even though they know that the braces will help correct their dental problems, they fear the stigma. The effect wearing braces would have on their social life makes it unpopular among many. This is because wearing braces is considered unattractive and many seek an alternative solution as a result.

The traditional metal and acrylic braces are visible when patients put them on. Unlike these braces, ClearCorrect aligners are not easy to detect. They fit well and are transparent. ClearCorrect braces help those who are conscious of their appearance and their social life.

They are eco-friendly. Using ClearCorect braces means that you are contributing to the safety of the ecosystem. ClearCorrect braces are eco-friendly, made from safe, biodegradable products. Being environmentally friendly removes any doubt about how safe these braces are for human use. Besides being eco-friendly, they are made from FDA-approved materials.

ClearCorrect braces are comfortable. Although effective, traditional braces can be somewhat uncomfortable. Their size (and, at times, weight) makes eating, sleeping, and other oral tasks less enjoyable. Plastic braces, for instance, are bulky, while metal braces can irritate.

On the other hand, ClearCorrect braces are comfortable to wear and use for various oral activities. They are carefully built to fit the wearer, and they are not bulky. While they should pressure your teeth to keep them straight, they manage to do it without being unbearable.

ClearCorrect orthodontics is an improvement on traditional braces. They are practical and provide more comfort while they remain virtually unnoticeable. For ClearCorrect braces, see a dentist in Cupertino today.

The older you get, the more you realize that teeth are an important component of your oral cavity. Losing just one tooth can cause significant changes in the functionality of your mouth. While teeth are built to last a lifetime, it is not always the case for people.

Dental decay and cavities have caused many people to lose their adult teeth prematurely. However, there is a dental procedure that can help save your teeth, without having to keep the infection in your mouth.

What Is Root Canal Therapy?

It is a dental procedure that involves treating the pulp of a tooth to get rid of an infection and save a tooth. The process involves treating the insides of a tooth with an effort to save the external structure thereof.

Since the goal is always to save a tooth, this treatment works for patients who have salvageable teeth. Ideally, if you have a severely decayed tooth, a dental extraction would be more suited for you than a root canal.

Understanding the Structure of a Tooth

A tooth has multiple layers. The outermost layer is called the enamel, which is what can be seen when you smile. Beneath it is the dentin, which covers the central part of the tooth, the pulp chamber.

The pulp chamber houses the nerve endings, blood vessels, and other soft tissues of a tooth, which are responsible for nourishing the tooth. As a tooth is growing, it requires the contents of the pulp to keep it developing.

When you have a cavity or infection on your tooth, it breaches the different layers there are. By the time you are experiencing a toothache, it means that the infection has reached the pulp of your tooth. This is where you need an endodontist to perform a root canal procedure to save your tooth.

The Endodontic Process of Saving A Tooth

The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Sedation – it is needed to numb your mouth and keep you calm during the treatment.
2. Drilling – a hole is made on your tooth to create an access point to the insides thereof.
3. Cleaning – this step involves removing the bacteria and infection present in your tooth. The dentist also cleans out the damaged contents of your pulp. Since your tooth is fully developed, it can survive without the contents of the pulp, as it received nourishment from the surrounding tissues.
4. Filling and sealing – once the tooth has been thoroughly cleaned, it is filled. The filling helps maintain the structure of the tooth, promoting optimal functionality. The tooth is then sealed to prevent the re-entry of bacteria.
5. Capping – in some occasions, the structure of the tooth is not strong enough to exist on its own. A dentist may, therefore, recommend placing a dental crown over it to reinforce the strength of the tooth.

How to Know You Need A Root Canal Procedure

Any time your oral health is improper, it is necessary to seek the attention of a dentist. From here, a dental expert is best placed at recommending a dental procedure, whether a root canal or otherwise. For root canal treatment, here are some of the signs that you need to get the procedure done:

1. Pain when you chew food or bite down on something. Sometimes the pain will result from chewing hard foods. However, as the infection progresses, you may have a hard time chewing even on soft foods.
2. Heightened teeth sensitivity – this will often be noticed when you are exposed to hot or cold substances. In some cases, the sensitivity will still be lingering even after the sensation of heat or cold has been removed.
3. Severe toothache – at this point, your tooth has infected a big part of your tooth, usually to the roots. If you wait too long, a toothache may result in the need of having your tooth extracted. This is why it is important to see your dentist before things get extremely out of hand.
4. Swollen or tender gums – you may even notice some pimples on your gums around the affected tooth.
5. A noticeable cavity – usually deep and dark.

Smile makeover treatments provided by professionals in cosmetic dentistry are incredibly beneficial to improve your smile’s appearance. The professionals combine one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental bonding, dental veneers, tooth implants, and teeth whitening to give you the joy of having better-looking teeth and a pleasing smile in a single visit to the dentist’s office in some cases.

Professionals from cosmetic dentistry consider various factors, including skin tone, hair color, facial appearance, gum tissue, and lips, when offering you the best available treatment suitable for your specific needs. There could be several reasons you may need a smile makeover, and the professionals customize your treatment according to your unique considerations.

Some of the questions the dental professionals may ask from you are what you like or dislike about your smile and teeth? The dentist reviews some aspects of your smile and others that need improvement by the following:

Tooth Color

Cosmetic dentistry professionals aim to replace silver or amalgam fillings with natural tooth-colored composite restorations. The removal of the colored fillings from your teeth coupled with teeth whitening to brighten stained or dulled teeth gives you an instant same Day smile making you proud to show it off.

It would be best if you kept in mind that dark or discolored teeth may suggest an aged mouth. A correctly shaped smile with brighter and whiter teeth lends to a youthful appearance. The dentist treating you selects the shade on your teeth, and the tone is carefully evaluated to the color and style of your face and hair. Cosmetic dentists are skilled in finding the right balance between providing you a brighter and whiter smile and simultaneously maintaining the natural color of your teeth.

Alignment and Spacing

Crooked, overlapping, or gapped teeth are straightened by cosmetic dentists and aligned whenever required using orthodontic braces or Invisalign and enhanced with dental veneers.

Fuller Lips, Smile, and Cheeks

Unshapely and aging faces are improved or rejuvenated with some procedures in the smile makeover category, including orthodontics and/or oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Cosmetic dentists work in unison with you to develop a treatment plan specifically for your needs after understanding what you want from the makeover treatment. The treatment plan consists of cosmetic and functionally restorative procedures and may include composite bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and oral maxillofacial surgery, besides reducing a gummy smile.

Aesthetic Components of Smile Makeovers

Your teeth have many attributes that your cosmetic dentist evaluates besides looking at the color, alignment, and balance of the teeth in your mouth’s aesthetic zone. The components include your tooth length, smile line, tooth proportion, texture, and characterization.

Cosmetic dentists are aware that long teeth lend to a youthful appearance while aging exposes you to wear and tear, resulting in shorter teeth and a gummy smile. When treating a gummy smile, the cosmetic dentist recommends modifying the line and lengthening your teeth’ appearance as required with laser dentistry procedures.

The cosmetic dentist examines your teeth to determine if they are in proportion to each other. Most people think a pleasing smile is where the two central front teeth are prominent and have a width to length ratio of 4:5. The proportion guides the other teeth’ length and width in the smile zone to make them appear balanced.

Artistic cosmetic dentists can characterize your dental crowns or veneers to give you famine and or masculine appearance besides matching the restorations’ look and feel to your natural teeth, as you may have noticed in photographs.

Maintaining Cosmetic Dentistry Results

Cosmetic dentistry can enhance your teeth’ appearance and smile in one of several visits to the dentist’s office. However, you wouldn’t want to continue the visits indefinitely, would you? Cosmetic dentistry professionals recommend it is incredibly essential for you to maintain the results they deliver because the procedures require regular oral hygiene care and maintenance over time.

For example, teeth whitening treatments are not permanent, and repeat procedures are needed either in the office or at home trays to maintain their brightness. If you have porcelain veneers, you must care for them appropriately to ensure they don’t chip or crack to need replacements. A procedure like cosmetic bonding is prone to staining and may require replacement or enhancement. Therefore maintaining the results of cosmetic dentistry helps you safeguard the investment you made in smile makeovers.

Cosmetic dentistry procedures are not as expensive as they earlier were and are now available at affordable prices. You can choose any method you think is appropriate to enhance your smile and request help from the cosmetic dentist to evaluate your mouth and providing the most appropriate treatment as needed.

Periodontitis is a serious dental disease that can cause complications if not treated.  This disease leads to gum tissue damage. If not treated on time, gum disease can destroy the jawbone leading to tooth loss.  The good news is that gum disease is preventable through proper oral hygiene.

Most patients who get this disease fail to observe proper oral hygiene. Your dentist will put you on a treatment plan once they diagnose you with periodontitis. Understanding the causes, symptoms risk factors, and treatment of periodontitis is important. It will help you know when to see a dentist for a check-up if you suspect gum disease.

What Causes Periodontitis?

The main cause of this disease is plaque.  There are however other factors that can lead to periodontitis.

Some Illnesses

Illnesses that can affect your gums can end up causing gum diseases.  Patients with diseases like HIV, cancer, and diabetes are at a high risk of developing gum disease.  This is because these diseases interfere with the immune system.

Hormonal Changes

There are hormonal changes in the body during puberty, menopause, and pregnancy.  Gums are usually sensitive when these changes occur. This makes it easier for infections to attack the gums and cause gum disease.

Bad Habits

Your gum tissue won’t be able to repair itself if you smoke. This can lead to infections causing gum disease. Quitting tobacco use reduces the risk of developing periodontitis.

Certain Medications

Some medications interfere with the flow of saliva in the mouth. If there is less saliva in the mouth the gums and teeth won’t have enough protection leading to infections. Anticonvulsant and anti-agina medication can interfere with the gum tissue leading to abnormal growth.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Failure to adhere to a strict oral hygiene routine can cause periodontitis.  If you fail to brush and floss your teeth regularly there will be plaque buildup which leads to gum disease.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

These are some of the symptoms of periodontitis you should look out for.

• Bad breath
• Pain while chewing
• Bleeding gums
• Gums feel tender to touch
• Swollen gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth

Periodontal Treatment

Treatment for gum disease calls for oral surgery.  The stage of the infection usually determines the type of treatment the dentist will choose. These are some available treatment options for this disease.

Tooth Scaling and Root Planing

This is a two-step periodontal treatment procedure.  The first procedure involves scraping off the tartar buildup on your teeth. Our dentist will scrape off the tartar below and above the gumline. In the next procedure, the dentist will smoothen up your tooth root to prevent bacteria from collecting and causing tartar buildup.

Flap Surgery

The dentist will recommend flap surgery if the infection persists.  A periodontist will remove tartar from the pockets around your teeth.  To prevent the issues again, the periodontist will stitch up the pockets so that the gum tissue sticks to the teeth. Flag surgery makes it easier to floss and brush your teeth.

Grafts

In severe cases where the bone and tissue have been damaged grafting is necessary.  The periodontist will use bone and tissue grafts to replace damaged tissues and bone.  Guided tissue regeneration is the technique we use to treat the damaged bone and tissues.  This technique will help the tissue re-grow without expanding into the bone space.

Doxycycline Gel

This is an antibacterial gel that can kill bacteria and seal the pockets caused by gum disease.   After tooth scaling and root planning our periodontist will apply the gel to the pockets. The doxycycline gel will work by releasing the antibacterial slowly over the next few days.

Preventing Periodontitis

It is possible to prevent gum disease by keeping your gums strong and healthy through proper oral hygiene.  This is important as periodontitis can cause tooth loss among other serious complications. Regular dental visits are also important in preventing gum disease. The cleanings and exams performed during dental visits will prevent plaque buildup. It is important to note that you will need to visit the dentist more often if you have any risk factors.

Risk Factors

These are risk factors associated with periodontitis

• Tobacco use
• Obesity
• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition and vitamin C deficiency
• Genetics
• Certain medications
• Diseases like cancer and HIV
• Gingivitis

There are several people with twisted or crooked teeth. This messes with the appearance of your smile and maybe a significant blow to your self-esteem. For years, dentists have relied on traditional braces to treat patients with this condition. The problem, however, is that everyone can notice when you’re wearing them. This makes people even more self-conscious.

Advancements in the field of orthodontia have seen the rise in popularity of Invisalign. Invisalign aligners are like braces in every way, only that they comprise tiny plastic trays instead of metal brackets. The trays are clear, so even people with the keenest eye won’t notice you have them on.

Are you looking to have invisible braces for teeth straightening but aren’t sure yet? This article compiled some of the crucial facts people that have undergone Invisalign treatment wish they knew before the procedure.

Wear the Aligners for most of the Day

This is the first and most important tip when beginning Invisalign treatment. With this treatment, it is the patient that wields power, so you can choose whether to follow or ignore your orthodontist’s instructions. Whichever way, it is you that suffers the repurcations of your actions. The longer you put the aligners on, the faster they work to align your teeth. The amount of time you should wear your invisible braces isn’t predetermined. It solely depends on your orthodontist’s instructions following an assessment of your teeth’s condition. However, most patients have to keep their aligners in for at least 22 hours daily. You can remove them when you are eating, brushing, or flossing. Remember to brush your teeth before putting them back on.

It may Interfere with your Speech

Before booking yourself in for this treatment, remember that it could affect your speech. During the first days, you may experience a lisp. Unfortunately, this cannot be prevented because it is a natural response by your mouth that is still adjusting to the new addition. However, with time, you will be able to speak normally. The lisping may tempt you to remove the aligners before talking to people, but dentists strongly advise against this. Practise talking with your aligners on.

The Length of Treatment varies from One Person to Another

The length of the treatment period is a common question that patients ask their dentist. While Invisalign treatment may take approximately one year, it is essential to understand that each patient unique. Thus, the length may vary depending on several factors–your teeth’ condition and the extent of your flaws. Once you have grasped this, you will understand why your treatment may take longer or shorter than expected.

It Yields Faster Results

Another distinguishing factor between metal braces and invisible braces is that with the latter, you will see the results faster. For some, it might take just weeks; for others, a few months. Worth mentioning is the fact that your results are directly proportional to the length of time you wear your aligners. The longer you keep them in, the faster the results and vice versa.

Flossing is Key

Yes, flossing sucks! It seems like a heavy chore. While many people brush their teeth religiously, the same can’t be said about flossing. If you have been avoiding flossing like a plaque, invisible braces will give you a reason to get back on track. With these aligners, flossing is essential. Failing to floss causes food and plaque buildup between the teeth. This can prove problematic if food debris gets lodged between the aligners. Consequently, they won’t fit well over your teeth, causing you pain.

Keep the Aligners Clean

Now that you have aligners, it is your responsibility to take care of both your teeth and them. Cleaning them is easy. Use a brush and fluoride toothpaste to scrub them on the outside before thoroughly rinsing them. Also, every time you remove them, give them a rinse before putting them back in.

You have to take them off when you Eat

Although some may argue that this is cumbersome, it is actually a blessing in disguise. Because you can take them off and eat anything you want. While metal braces come with a list of foods to avoid, there is no such thing with clear aligners. You can devour your favorite meals without worrying about them interfering with the teeth straightening. Just ensure you brush your teeth after you’re done.

Do you think snoring is a funny habit that is normal and doesn’t require any treatment? Your thinking undoubtedly needs treatment because snoring persistently and loudly is a surefire indicator you could be affected by obstructive sleep apnea. Snoring is caused by the partial closing of your upper respiratory tract. The habit, although appearing inconsequential, can have severe implications on your overall health.

Snoring causes a significant health risk as your upper airway is obstructed and stops you from breathing when sleeping. Let us look at why you are snoring and the risks you are exposed to because of this problem.

Why Do You Snore?

Snoring is a problem that doesn’t affect everyone but is prevalent in five percent of Americans older than 40. The problem affects men more than women and is common among people with obesity, smoking, or breathing problems. These factors lead to enlarged tonsils, excess weight around the neck, or an enlarged tongue, making the airway of the affected individual narrow for air to move to their lungs. The obstruction causes vibrations in the throat bringing out the snoring sound.

Is always snoring dangerous? If you are a sporadic snorer, you may not be exposed to the hazardous consequences of snoring. However, you have a problem on your hands when you have daily loud and prominent snoring episodes when sleeping. If you are affected by sleep apnea, you can suffer from the following symptoms when sleeping or awake in the mornings.

Symptoms When Sleeping

Besides loud and persistent snoring, you repeatedly pause when breathing and wake up choking or gasping for air. Your sleeping patterns are restless, forcing you to make frequent visits to the bathroom.

Symptoms When Awake

Daytime sleepiness and early morning headaches are common symptoms you confront during the day. You also develop the habit of falling asleep during routine activities while at work and are plagued by low concentration. You can be irritable and difficult to approach when affected by the problem of snoring.

How to Spot the Dangers of Snoring?

Trying to spot the dangers of snoring yourself is a challenge you will find difficult to overcome, if not impossible. It helps to talk to your bed partner to understand if they are frequently disturbed by your loud snoring and determine by yourself whether you are affected by any symptoms described above.

Your bed partner may be hesitant or reluctant to provide information about your snoring habits. However, suppose you are affected by daytime symptoms. In that case, it is time for you to discuss your problem with your doctor or dentist, who can determine whether the issue needs evaluation and even explain the dangers of snoring to you.

Snoring not only exposes you to health issues like heart disease, strokes, and mental health concerns. It also makes you susceptible to accidents because of the lack of concentration during the day. You can be detracted from your activities when driving to pave the way for road accidents. Your blood oxygen levels can drop to dangerous levels when sleeping, especially when you snore for over 30 seconds.

How Does the Dentist Diagnose the Snoring Issue?

Dentists are not experienced in sleep medicine but are the pioneers of treatment for sleep apnea. When you contact your dentist for a remedy, you are referred to a sleep medicine specialist who may recommend a home sleep apnea dentist to determine whether you are affected by the problem of sleep apnea.

After receiving the results of the test, the sleep medicine specialist refers you back to your dentist or to a physician to gain control over the problem of sleep apnea. The discretion of receiving treatment from a physician or dentist is entirely yours. Physicians offer you a CPAP or BPAP device to wear when sleeping. Although extremely useful, the device is uncomfortable to make it difficult for you to adhere to the same. It is also expensive and difficult to carry along if you are a frequent traveler.

On the other hand, if you prefer treating sleep apnea from your dentist, they provide you with an oral appliance that helps keep your lower jaw in a forward position to make airway passage to your lungs easier and help you sleep better. The oral device is portable and comfortable to wear. Most importantly, it is custom designed for you by your dentist. You will find it convenient to overcome sleep apnea with the device provided by the dentist to rid the problems affecting you.