The temporomandibular joint (also called the jaw joint or TMJ) is one of the most frequently used joints in the human body. These all-too-important joints allow us to speak, chew, yawn, and laugh. So, when our jaws fall victim to injury or dysfunction, it can have devastating effects on our physical, mental, and social health. Luckily, calling attention to these overworked (and underappreciated!) joints can help you avoid painful TMJ disorders in the future. And ...
Enamel is an incredible part of our body. In fact, tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body! How is that fun fact? Despite the powerhouse strength of this mineral, teeth are highly susceptible to damage and decay. We all know that eating healthy is important to our bodies, but it is also vital to our teeth. These eight, innocent products are items we consume every day. Clinical studies show the ...
The goal of dentistry is to help patients achieve a healthy mouth, not just healthy teeth. This includes your gums (aka gingiva). Your gums seal and protect your teeth, teeth roots, and jaw bones, against disease-causing bacteria. Additionally, the gingiva hold your teeth in place. Without gum tissue, your teeth would fall out and bacteria along with food debris would cause serious destruction to your sensitive teeth roots. To recognize National Gum Care Month, we ...
If it’s been a while since your last dental cleaning, a standard cleaning may not be enough. In these cases, dentists often recommend a deep dental cleaning, or deep teeth cleaning to gently and skillfully remove plaque and tartar from all parts of the teeth, preventing decay and disease. Learn more about the deep cleaning process, benefits, cost, and more in this blog. The Deep Teeth Cleaning Process The deep dental cleaning process involves ...
According to a study completed by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, a beautiful smile can make a person appear more attractive, intelligent, happy, and successful. Would you like for those things to be said about you? We all would! Even more important than what others will think is what you think and feel about yourself. If you have stained, gapped, or crooked teeth, you may feel self-conscious about your smile. This can lead to ...
The American Dental Association recognizes June as Oral Health Month. This is an opportunity for families to evaluate their oral health habits, get back on track, and create oral health goals. That may sound like a strange thing to do, but if you suffer from chronic gum disease, cavities, or bad breath, your oral health may be affecting your overall health. Additionally, if you don’t love the way your smile looks, it may be ...
When you chew, there are about 30-40 pounds of pressure put on your teeth. If you grind your teeth, that pressure can increase to 250 pounds. Yikes! It’s no wonder that people who suffer from regular teeth grinding (or bruxism) often experience excruciating toothaches, dental damage, and jaw pain. In many cases, a person doesn’t know that they grind their teeth because it typically happens during sleep. A family member, roommate, or spouse ...
According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, 3 million people in the United States have implants, and that number grows by 500,000 each year. If you’re a candidate for dental implants, educating yourself on what to expect and how to ensure a successful outcome is key. Below, we’ve listed five common mistakes that can derail your dental implants. 1) Being unaware of your options The dental implant journey is lengthy yet ...
Tooth decay, or softening of the enamel, is one of the most prevalent dental conditions. Acids produced by bacteria weaken tooth enamel over time, which results in a cavity. According to one study, 92% of adults have had cavities in their permanent teeth. The good news is that decay occurs in stages, and early treatment can prevent it from progressing and potentially spare you from needing a root canal or complete extraction. While our busy ...
You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and schedule dental cleanings every six months, so do you really need a new set of dental X-rays every year? Maybe. Like all things health-related, the answer depends on your personal health history and your dentist’s specific concerns. Why do I need dental X-rays? Just as X-rays on other parts of your body allow doctors to identify damage beneath the surface, dental X-rays provide your ...
