Southlake Family Dentistry Blog

Bruxism: Do You Grind Your Teeth?

August 1, 2017

Has your sleeping partner ever nudged you in the middle of the night because your teeth-grinding was disturbing their sleep? Do you often wake up with a sore jaw, painful molars, and a headache? Are your molars worn down or do you tend to dislodge fillings frequently? If the answers to any of these questions are “yes,” you might have a problem with bruxism, more commonly known as grinding your teeth. Check out what bruxism is and how you can stop.

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is, simply stated, when you grind your teeth. Sometimes it also includes jaw-clenching. You might do it when you are frustrated, when you are sleeping, or simply as a matter of habit. The dangers associated with bruxism are pain in the head, jaw, and teeth. You might also experience neck or shoulder pain from being tense while you are grinding your teeth.

Self-Help Tips

If you suspect that you are grinding your teeth, there are a few things you can do that might help. First, make sure you have your stress levels under control. Many people clench and grind when they’re anxious. Try deep-breathing exercises, yoga, talking to friends, muscle relaxation exercises, and other stress-reduction techniques. Secondly, if you notice that you’re clenching, make a concerted effort to stop. Once you are aware of the problem, you might be able to control it. This is, of course, only true if you are clenching and grinding during the day, when you’re awake.

See Your Dentist

Those who don’t find relief with self-help techniques or who grind during their sleep should see their dentists. He or she can fit you for a night guard. This is an appliance that you put in your mouth at night to stop you from grinding your teeth. It can save you a lot of pain, as well as wear and tear on your teeth.

If you are having symptoms of bruxism, please give our office a call so we can create a night guard for you or give you other tips to relieve your pain.

Perfecting Your Oral Health Regimen

July 15, 2017

You already know that you should brush twice daily and floss each night to keep your teeth healthy and your smile bright. Did you know, however, that technique counts? You could be brushing but not getting your teeth as clean as you could be. Read on for tips on how to perfect your oral health regimen by picking up these good habits.

Brush for Two Minutes

If you’ve ever timed yourself brushing your teeth, you might have been surprised at how quickly you got the task accomplished. In this case, however, quicker does not equal better. You should spend two full minutes brushing to allow yourself to get to every surface of your each tooth. You can set a timer, play a song, or hum “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” four times.

Use Floss Properly

If you’re just snapping it between each tooth and calling it good, you’re probably not doing a very effective job flossing. You need to consciously move the floss along the inner edges of each tooth. This requires two passes in each space; first up and down the edge of the tooth closer to your midline, then up and down the edge of the tooth closer to the back of your mouth. Also, be sure to use a clean piece of floss for each space to avoid spreading bacteria around your mouth.

Clean Your Tongue

With lots of nooks and crannies, your tongue is prime bacteria real estate. Use a tongue scraper to clean your tongue each time you brush. You can also just use your toothbrush. Be careful; there’s no need to gag yourself.

Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Rinse your brush well after each use and allow it to air dry. Don’t put a cover on it; that can cause mold or bacteria to grow. Yuck! Change your toothbrush every three months or after you’ve had a cold or the flu.

See your dental hygienest every six months so he or she can evaluate your oral health regimen and check for decay or areas of gum inflammation. By perfecting your technique, you can keep your teeth for many years.

Foods That Strengthen Teeth

July 1, 2017

You might have heard the adage, “you are what you eat.” You know that filling up on sugary sweets or carb-filled salty snacks will do a number not only on your teeth, but also on your waistline. What you might not know is that the foods you eat can positively impact your teeth, too. Here are some foods that can strengthen teeth and brighten your smile.

Cheese and Yogurt

When you combine calcium and protein, you get a teeth-strengthening combination that’s hard to beat, and cheese and yogurt contain both of them. Yogurt also contains beneficial bacteria, which help to fight off decay-causing bacteria. In addition to the protein and calcium, cheese raises the pH in the mouth, which makes it harder for bacteria to stick around and do their dirty work. Go for the hard cheeses (such as cheddar) to keep both your bones and your teeth healthy and strong.

Apples and Strawberries

Apples and strawberries both help to scrub off the plaque that accumulates on your teeth in between brushing. If you’re unable to brush your teeth after lunch or a snack, following it up with a few slices of apple or a couple of strawberries can help. They can’t substitute for brushing twice daily, but these fruits are good for the times in between your morning and evening oral hygiene routines.

Celery and Raw Carrots

If you’re not in the mood for fruit after a snack, how about some celery and carrot sticks? These have the same effect as the strawberries or apples, and the provide a nice crunch for someone who isn’t looking for a sweet palate-cleanser.

Tea

While not exactly a food, tea contains antioxidants that help prevent plaque from sticking to teeth. In addition, some types of tea contain trace amounts of fluoride, which strengthens enamel. One caveat: If you take your tea sweetened with sugar, you could undo the benefits. Try it unsweetened or consider a pinch of stevia.

If you have questions about how you can strengthen teeth and make your smile healthier, give us a call! We’d be happy to talk about it during your next dental checkup.

Creative Commons image by Rodney

What You Need to Know About Oral Cancer

June 15, 2017

Cancer: It’s a word that no one wants to hear. To allow for early detection, most people see doctors regularly (or at least occasionally) for testing, depending on their ages, risk factors, and family history. You might not know this, but every time you see your dentist, you’ll have a visual screening for oral cancer. Here are some facts about oral cancer that might be a surprise to you.

Symptoms of Oral Cancer

The symptoms of oral cancer might not be noticeable unless you are looking for them. Commonly, it will start off as a sore or bump in the mouth. Because bumps and sores are common and usually harmless, it’s easy to just ignore it and then get used to it. Any sore, lump, patch, or bump that persists for two weeks or more should be checked by a dentist.

Other symptoms include hoarseness, numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling in the mouth or throat, unexplained bleeding, and a change in the way your teeth fit together. If you wear dentures and they stop fitting correctly, this is another sign that needs to be checked.

Risk Factors

People, particularly men, who are over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing oral cancer, especially if they also have a family history of cancer. Smokers are the most at risk. So are people who use smokeless tobacco or drink a lot of alcohol. Some oral cancers are caused by human papillomavirus, or HPV.

It’s important to know, however, that many people who develop oral cancer don’t have any of these risk factors. If you notice anything unusual going on in your mouth, have it checked even if you are a young non-smoker.

Diagnosis and Treatment

If your dentist suspects that you might have oral cancer, he or she will refer you to your primary care physician, an oral surgeon, or an oncologist. That doctor can take a biopsy to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. If you do have cancer, an oncologist will go over your options with you. You might have chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery.

The prognosis for oral cancer is better if it is caught early, so it’s important to have any sores, lesions, or concerning symptoms checked as soon as you notice that they’re not going away. Please call our office promptly if you have any signs that concern you. Chances are good that it’s not cancer, but since early detection is key, it’s important that we take a look and refer you for further testing if warranted.

Creative Commons image by Gisela Giardino

Pregnancy and Your Dental Care

June 1, 2017

When you are pregnant, it seems as though almost every part of your body changes. Your gums and teeth are no exception! It might surprise you to know that during pregnancy, you have special needs when it comes to your dental care. Take a look at these considerations that you should keep in mind.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Even if you have never had gingivitis or cavities in the past, it can be disconcerting to notice that your gums are tender, swollen, and maybe even bleeding. This is in response to your hormone levels. It’s normal and common, and it will get better once your baby is born.

You will need to be extra vigilant about brushing and flossing while you are pregnant. Switch to a soft toothbrush if you are experiencing tenderness, and talk to your dentist if your gums are bleeding when you floss.

Dental Checkups

It’s just as important as ever to see your dentist regularly when you are pregnant. Having your teeth cleaned is a good way to keep bacteria under control and also gives the dentist an opportunity to see if there are any areas of concern. It’s best to schedule your cleaning during your second trimester if possible; this is the time when you will be least likely to be nauseated and most likely to be comfortable while laying back in the dental chair.

In most cases, x-rays will be postponed until after your baby arrives. The exception would be if you were to be having a problem that was not able to be diagnosed with a visual exam. Your dentist will use a lead apron to shield your baby from any radiation; also, keep in mind that the radiation used for dental x-rays is extremely low.

Dental Work

It’s safe to have most dental work done during pregnancy. You can have local anesthetic and filling materials used at any point of your pregnancy if it’s needed. With that being said, any cosmetic or non-urgent work can be put off until after your delivery. Your dentist can talk to you about the benefits and risks of either going ahead with dental work or waiting until after the baby is born.

Please call us to schedule an appointment for a cleaning if you don’t already have one. If you do have one set and it’s during the early weeks of your pregnancy and you aren’t feeling well or during the last month or two of your pregnancy, call and find out whether it would be better to reschedule it.

Creative Commons image by Jacob Bøtter

Replacing a Missing Tooth

May 15, 2017

While every effort is made to keep your teeth in your mouth for as long as possible, there are sometimes reasons why a tooth must be extracted. Whether it’s an infection, an injury, or a cracked tooth, it can be worrisome to patients to learn that they need to have a tooth pulled. In some cases, a patient might need to have all or most of their teeth extracted for various reasons. The good news is that there are several options when it comes to replacing a missing tooth.

Dental Implants

One good option for those who have sufficient bone is to have a dental implant placed to replace the missing tooth. An implant consists of a metal rod that is implanted in the bone of the jaw. After some time, a crown is placed over the rod. This gives you a “tooth” that functions exactly the same as a natural tooth.

Dental Bridge

If you are missing a tooth that’s in between two strong teeth, a dental bridge might be an option. You would have crowns on the two adjacent teeth, with an additional crown fused between the two. This crown sits slightly above your gumline, creating a bridge that is not anchored to the bone. A bridge is a permanent appliance that stays in your mouth as long as you have the teeth that are holding the crowns on either side of the missing tooth.

Partial or Full Denture

Dentures, which are sometimes called “false teeth” can have a bad rap, but the materials used nowadays are a big improvement over those used a few decades ago. Dentures can be full, meaning that they replace all of the teeth, or partial, meaning that they replace only some of the teeth.

Some dentures can also snap into dental implants. This might be a good option if you have sufficient bone to support one or more dental implants but not enough to support an entire jaw’s worth of implants. This is also a much less costly option than having all of your missing teeth replaced with implants if you have more than a few.

It is important to have a missing tooth replaced if possible. One reason is that it will improve your ability to chew and, depending on where the tooth is, speak. Also, if you leave an empty space and you have a tooth above or below it, that tooth can begin to super-erupt, or grow out more, because it doesn’t have an opposing tooth to keep it from doing so.

Talk to your dentist about how you can best replace your missing tooth. He or she will know your specific situation and will be able to advise you best.

Creative Commons image by nikoretro.

What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

April 30, 2017

Are you happy with your smile? Many patients wish their teeth could be straighter, more uniform, or whiter. Of the three common complaints, the color of your teeth is generally the simplest fix. There are several different types of teeth whitening that you might consider in your quest to achieve a lighter, brighter smile. It’s always best to talk to your dentist first, because he or she can advise you based on your own specific circumstances.

Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products

Walk down any pharmacy’s tooth care aisle and you’re bound to see several types of whitening products. These range from whitening toothpastes to whitening gels to bleaching trays. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to use in the convenience of your own home. Win win, right?

While these are good for many people who want to achieve a bit of whitening, they won’t be able to take care of deep staining or heavy discoloration. Also, these products sometimes cause some sensitivity or gum irritation. If these occur, stop using them and contact your dentist.

Custom Bleaching Trays

Your dentist can take impressions of your teeth and have a lab fabricate custom bleaching trays for you. You’d put bleaching solution in the trays and apply them for the time and frequency recommended by your dentist. Since the dentist will choose the type of bleaching solution that is right for your level of staining and your specific situation, you should see the results that your dentist tells you to expect. These can also cause some sensitivity and gum irritation. Because the trays fit your teeth perfectly, however, the solution is less likely to get onto your gums to cause a problem.

Internal Tooth Bleaching

If you have had a root canal treatment on one of your front teeth, you might notice that it is darker than the other teeth in the area. This can sometimes be remedied by having your dentist remove a bit of the root canal filling and bleaching out the crown part of the tooth. This has to be done in-office and involves the use of an ultraviolet light or a laser. Talk to your dentist about whether this is an option for you.

No matter what type of teeth whitening you are using, be sure to avoid foods and beverages that are likely to stain your teeth during the treatment. This means that you should not be drinking large amounts of coffee, black tea or red wine, and you also should not enjoy a slice of blueberry pie right after removing your bleaching trays. Keep up with your oral hygiene regimen by brushing and flossing regularly, and be sure to see your dentist twice per year (or more frequently if you have any problems) so he or she can monitor your progress.

Creative Commons image by Luciane Lazzaris

Dry Mouth: What You Need to Know

April 15, 2017

Have you ever had the experience of waking up in the morning feeling like your mouth was full of cotton? A dry mouth is a common occurrence if your nose is stuffed up when you have a cold or seasonal allergies. Sometimes, however, people have a dry mouth all day long and not because they are breathing through their mouths. If you have been afflicted by this uncomfortable condition, here are some things you should know about dry mouth.

Causes of Dry Mouth

Sometimes, getting a dry mouth can be a natural part of the aging process. Women going through menopause often complain of a dry mouth. This is a common condition caused by fluctuating hormone levels. Other times a dry mouth can be caused by medication. If you are on antihistamines, blood pressure medication, medicine for anxiety, or certain other drugs, a dry mouth can be a side effect. If this is the case, let your doctor know. In some cases, you might be able to switch brands of medication (but don’t stop taking your medications without your doctor telling you to).

Dangers of Dry Mouth

Most of all, dry mouth is a nuisance. Your mouth will likely be uncomfortable and distracting. If your gums and other tissues begin to feel sensitive or even painful, you might be less likely to follow through with brushing and flossing. This can raise your chances of developing gingivitis or cavities. The dry mouth itself can cause these issues, because there’s less protective saliva to wash away plaque and bacteria.

What You Should Do

If you have dry mouth, it’s important to see your dentist for advice and so he or she can evaluate you for dental cavities and gum problems. Some self-help measures can provide relief. For example, you can try chewing sugarless gum or sucking on sugar-free candy. These can stimulate more saliva. Sipping on water or other beverages can also provide some relief. Your dentist will likely have additional suggestions that can help.

If you are dealing with a dry mouth, don’t continue to suffer. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and we will see if we can help you find some ways to find relief.

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Keep Your Children’s Teeth Safe This Spring

April 1, 2017

It’s warming up, and your attentions might be turned toward all things spring. If you have children, chances are good that they will be more active and enjoying different foods during the hot months of the year. You likely ensure that your child wears a helmet when riding his or her bike and that the kids are buckled up when you go places in a car, but do you take special precautions when it comes to keeping your children’s teeth safe? Here are some ways you can keep those little chompers healthy and in good condition this spring and beyond.

Use a Mouthguard

If your child plays any type of sport, it’s a good idea to make sure they’re wearing a mouthguard. You might think this is a no-brainer when it comes to sports like hockey or football, but even non-contact sports like tennis or soccer could result in a nasty dental accident if a ball or a racket is in the wrong place at the wrong time.

You can have a dental mouthguard fabricated at your dentist’s office, or you could opt for the “boil and bite” type at your local pharmacy or discount store. The most important thing is that your child wears it whenever he or she could take a ball, baseball bat, tennis racket, or even the head of another child to the mouth.

Be Careful in Swimming Pools

Most families are safety-conscious around swimming pools, particularly when the children are young. Once your child is a good swimmer, however, you might not implement the rules as much as you did when he or she was younger. Keep in mind that older kids might be more likely to roughhouse and take risks when jumping into a pool than they did when they were little.

Be vigilant that your kids do not engage in horseplay on slippery pool decks. No one should be tossed or pushed into a pool unexpectedly, and it’s important that they do not jump onto pool toys that are near the edge of the pool. This is because a slip could result in their teeth hitting the side of the pool. Keep the deck clean so it’s not slippery, and urge the kids to use caution. In addition to saving their teeth, this could also prevent injuries to their faces, wrists, and other body parts, too.

Watch Their Dental Hygiene

During the hot days of spring and summer, kids tend to spend more time outdoors. They might indulge in treats from the ice cream truck, or you might pass out popsicles after dinner to enjoy by the pool or while they play in the sprinklers. When kids come in exhausted, it’s tempting to let them just crash and go to bed, particularly on the weekends. While skipping the brush-and-floss routine once isn’t going to do any lasting harm, making it a habit could lead to gingivitis and dental decay. Be stern about at least getting their teeth taken care of before they fall asleep.

If your child is due for their cleaning and checkup, give us a call. We want to help you keep your children’s teeth healthy and strong, and regular dental visits are one way to make that happen!

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How Your Oral Health Impacts Your Overall Health

March 15, 2017

You probably do things that will improve your health: You exercise regularly, eat your veggies, take any prescription medications your doctor has recommended, and get enough sleep. Did you know, however, that brushing and flossing your teeth are important not only for your oral health, but for your overall health as well? If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums, you could be negatively impacting more than just your smile. Read on to find out how your dental health regimen could be affecting other parts of your health, as well as how your overall health could be impacting your teeth and gums.

Problems From Bacteria Overgrowth

If you don’t brush or floss well, or if you have cavities that aren’t taken care of, you could end up with an overabundance of bacteria in your mouth. The signs of this happening include swollen gums, bleeding gums, loose teeth, and bad breath. If you don’t get that addressed, it’s possible that the bacteria will move into your bloodstream, where it can cause a host of problems. You could end up with a septic infection if the bacteria overload is severe. If you have heart problems, rheumatoid arthritis, or an artificial joint, bacteria can settle in these areas and cause infections around the heart or in the joints.

Malnutrition

If your teeth are crumbling and your mouth is painful, it’s likely that you will not be able to eat the fresh fruits and vegetables that you need for good health. One problem with neglecting your teeth and gums is that your mouth will not work the way it needs to when it comes to chewing and swallowing food. You might make small changes in your diet that you think won’t make a difference, but over time, a lack of nutrition can build up. If you have noticed yourself changing your diet to accommodate a sore tooth or difficulty chewing, this is a sign that you should see your dentist promptly.

Problems With Your Teeth Caused by Health Problems

The relationship between your oral health and the rest of your health goes both ways. If you have diabetes, for example, you might be more prone to gum and tooth infections. People with cancer who take chemotherapy often find that their dental health suffers as a result. Pregnancy or even monthly hormone fluctuations can cause gingivitis in women. If you have any health issues or hormonal changes, talk to your dentist about ways you can preserve your oral health.

Remember that your teeth and gums are vital parts of your body and that most body systems work hand in hand. If you are concerned about your oral health, make an appointment with your dentist to have your questions answered and to develop a treatment plan, if needed.

Creative Commons image by Moyan Brenn.