How often do you experience headaches? Are you growing accustomed to waking up with soreness in your face and jaw? These conditions may have more in common than you realize. Bruxism, a condition where a person routinely clenches their jaw, can dole out serious harm to your oral health. The pressure your upper and lower teeth place on each other can cause cosmetic damage, and if left unchecked it can do functional damage as well. Another consequence of bruxism is TMJ problems, a condition where poor alignment in your jaw causes a variety of discomfort. Chronic headaches can be a symptom of TMJ problems. (more…)
Quiz: Advanced Dental Work
It is important to put a stop to problems like tooth decay – in fact, taking initiative and stopping problems early can mean less involved treatment. There are several methods your dentist can use to restore a problem tooth, with the most conservative feasible approach being preferred in a given situation. Unfortunately, sometimes problems can demand more involved work. If you find yourself needing a more advanced restorative treatment, your dentist can talk to you about what to expect, and ensure that you have the best possible experience. (more…)
What Is Tartar?
Avoiding the development of tartar is one reason maintaining good brushing and flossing habits is so important. If plaque is not removed from your teeth in time, it can harden into tartar, which will make it exceedingly difficult to remove. This stubborn material can attack your teeth for an extended period of time, which means you are facing greater odds of having a cavity form. How can you be sure you have not let tartar stick to your teeth? Go in for a routine checkup and cleaning with your dentist. One reason these visits matter so much to your oral health is that your hygienist has the necessary tools to effectively clean any tartar from your teeth. (more…)
What To Expect From Your Dental Crown’s Appearance
You may have many concerns when told you will need a dental crown for a problem tooth. What will placement be like? How will it look? How long will the crown last? Your dental crown is meant to last for a long duration, especially so if it is well cared for. Your dentist can check it during regular dental checkups to make sure there are no issues. It takes two visits to receive your permanent crown, one for measurements and preparation, and a second visit (once the crown is made) to have it fitted on your tooth. The question of appearance can vary, based on what material type is used. If the crown is wholly constructed with porcelain, it can be highly life-like. Other materials can also have a realistic appearance, though some may sacrifice some degree of realism for greater strength. (more…)
What You Should Know Before Undergoing A Cosmetic Treatment
The function of cosmetic dental work is to target issues that make you self-conscious, in order to leave you with a better smile, and more confidence. What it is NOT intended to do is make improvements to your oral health. Cosmetic work is elective by its nature, and in fact restorative dental work is a higher priority than a procedure that improves on how you look. If you find yourself considering having a procedure done, you should speak with your dentist about what you would like, and what options are open to you. (more…)
3 Reasons Your Dentist Uses Composite Resin Fillings
Brushing and flossing your teeth, paying attention to your diet, and seeing your dentist for regular checkups can take a big bite out of your cavity risk. However, if one still forms on a tooth, it can be treated with a dental filling. The filling is meant to replace the amount of tooth that had to be removed because of decay. In order to fill this space, your dentist will use a composite resin material. This is a break from the past, as a filling used to consist of a metal material. Composite resin boasts advantages in terms of its look, and its function, which is why your dentist prefers to use it for the restorative dental procedure. (more…)
Quiz: Your Diet’s Effect On Your Oral Health
Think your responsibility to your teeth at home begins and ends with brushing and flossing? Think again. Every time you select a meal or a snack, you can affect the condition of your teeth. If you do not limit how much sugar you eat, your cavity risk can spike, leading to visits to your dentist for restorative work. Your choices can also affect your appearance, as certain items can carry a greater risk of discoloring your teeth. There are also smart choices you can make that lower your risks. Being knowledgeable about your diet’s connection to your smile makes it easier to prevent dental woes. (more…)
