Lingering jaw pain can damper even the brightest spirits. Whether you experience sharp twinges when you yawn or a chronic dull throb throughout the day, the pain associated with TMJ disorder and bruxism (teeth grinding) inhibits your ability to speak and eat normally and can place you in a decidedly negative frame of mind. Your dentist can help treat the disorder using a custom-fitted mouthpiece that allows your jaw muscles to rest and protects your teeth. However, making the right choices regarding what foods you eat and how you eat them can further reduce jaw pain. (more…)
How North Texas Allergy Season is Messing with Your Mouth
We survived Ice-mageddon and the cold, wet, dreary weather that ensued. Now North Texans have at least a few weeks of warm, sunny weather to look forward to (before spring thunderstorms start wreaking their own particular brand of havoc). Unfortunately for allergy sufferers, evergreens like mountain cedar, cool season annuals like chickweed, and deciduous flowering trees like elm and pecan take advantage of warmer temperatures and produce copious amounts of pollen in the early spring and late winter. The result? Severe seasonal allergies that can actually lead to oral health problems like bruxism and dry mouth. (more…)
Three Habits of Highly Effective Bruxers
Bruxism, a chronic and potentially destructive parafunctional behavior, is characterized by unconsciously grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw. Although this behavior usually occurs during the night, many bruxers grind their teeth during the day, especially during periods of stress or anxiety. If left untreated, bruxism can lead to serious oral health problems like worn enamel, tooth sensitivity, and TMD (TMJ disorder). However, people who have effectively controlled their bruxism usually stick to the following three good habits: (more…)
What One Visit Teeth Whitening Can and Can’t Do
When it comes to popular cosmetic dental treatments like Zoom! one visit teeth whitening, it’s often hard to find the facts amongst all the marketing. All the websites and ads say that the treatment is safe, the results are reliable, and the appointment itself couldn’t be more convenient, but how do you know if it’s the right option to address your tooth discoloration? To help you make an informed decision, we’re providing a straightforward guide to the limits of what one visit whitening can achieve. (more…)
Can You Whiten Your Teeth Too Much?
Since 2000, the teeth whitening industry has boomed, raking in over $1 billion a year in revenue. In an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey, more respondents identified whiter teeth as the primary aspect of their smile they’d like to change. The thousands of teeth whitening products available at the store, at bleaching spas and kiosks, and at your dentist’s office have made this cosmetic dental procedure extremely affordable. Even the ADA says that teeth whitening, when administered by a licensed dentist, is a safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile. Unfortunately, using teeth whitening products irresponsibly can lead to serious and even permanent oral health issues down the line. (more…)
Who Shouldn’t Get Veneers?
First, the good news: porcelain veneers offer a reliable way for a skilled cosmetic dentist to correct a wide range of esthetic flaws and help you achieve the kind of beautiful smile you imagined. Now, the bad news: some patients may not make good candidates for the procedure. Today, we’re discussing a few issues that could interfere with qualifying for porcelain veneers. (more…)
An Unauthorized Biography of Plaque
Plaque. You hear about it in mouthwash commercials. Your dentist warns you about it at every checkup. Gum disease and tooth decay, the two most prevalent oral health problems in the U.S., are caused by plaque buildup. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the life and legacy of this sticky, yucky, bacteria-laden substance. (more…)
Dental Crown or Veneers: Which One Should You Choose?
Traditionally, dental crowns have been considered a restorative technique while porcelain veneers have fallen into the category of cosmetic dentistry. However, thanks to advances in dental materials and techniques, the line separating veneers and crowns is blurring. Use our simple guide to understand the ins and outs of these two restorations. (more…)
You Might be a Bruxer If . . .
You may not have heard the term “bruxism,” but you’ve probably heard of teeth grinding and jaw clenching, two related subconscious behaviors often caused by stress, anxiety, allergies, or TMJ disorder. Treating bruxism is a simple process involving a custom-fitted mouthguard designed by your dentist. However, many bruxers (people living with bruxism) don’t seek treatment because they’re unaware of the problem. Knowing the signs of bruxism and seeking the help of your family dentist can help alleviate chronic discomfort and even save your teeth from extensive damage. (more…)
How to Extend the Life of Your One Visit Teeth Whitening
You’ve decided to dramatically brighten your smile with the help of a one visit teeth whitening session with your dentist. You’re happy with the results and just can’t stop grinning at yourself in the mirror. But without proper care, your enamel will begin to accumulate miniscule stains that counteract the effects of even the most powerful teeth whitening treatment. Today, we’re discussing a few techniques for extending the brilliance of your smile. (more…)
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