topics of interest
Bruxism, commonly known as "tooth grinding," is the process of clenching together and the grinding of the upper and lower teeth. During sleep, the biting force of clenched jaws can be up to six times greater than during waking hours.
Bruxism can cause complications over the years:
- Wear down tooth enamel
- Break fillings or other dental work
- Worsening of TMJ dysfunction
- Jaw pain, toothaches, headaches, or earaches
- Tooth sensitivity
- Tooth mobility
- Chipped teeth
- Erodes gums and supporting bones contributing to gum disease
There is no cure for bruxism; however, the condition can be managed. The most common procedure to help to alleviate pain and discomfort is a Nightguard.
We ask that our female patients who are pregnant or think they possibly could be to inform us prior to your x-ray examination and dental treatment.
Children using smokeless tobacco has become a serious problem in recent years.
- Causes tooth decay
- Eats away at your gums
- Leads to tooth loss
- Causes bad breath
- Stains your teeth
- Causes increased sensitivity to hot and cold
- Decreases your sense of smell and taste
And Worst of All...
- Causes Oral Cancer!
Oral piercing can cause serious dental problems. Oral jewelry may cause problems such as:
- Chip or break your teeth and/or fillings
- Erode your gums
- Damage a tooth's inner pulp (resulting in a root canal to correct the problem)
- Interferes with x-rays and diagnosis
- Causes drooling problems
- Causes speech impairment
- Can cause permanent numbness in your tongue
Baby bottle tooth decay or syndrome is a form of tooth decay that can destroy the teeth of an infant. This decay may even enter the underlying bone structure, which can hamper development of the permanent teeth. The teeth most likely to be damaged are the upper teeth.
Baby bottle decay is caused by frequent and long exposure of a child's teeth to liquids containing sugar such as milk, formula, fruit juices, pop and other sweetened liquids. These liquids fuel the bacteria in a child's mouth, which produces acids that attack enamel.
