Why is it important to have regular
teeth cleaning?
Did you know "teeth cleaning"
does more than just clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely
essential if you want to preserve your teeth. It builds up on the tooth
surfaces and between the teeth. Brushing and flossing are, of course,
vital, but everyone needs their teeth professionally cleaned on a
regular basis. Remember – only a dental hygienist can completely clean
your teeth.
Is fluoride bad for you?
Fluoride is fine... in small amounts. Excessive fluoride can cause
tooth enamel irregularities. Young children, especially, often swallow
too much toothpaste while brushing. So parents, supervise your young
kids while they brush. Kids (and even adults) often use way too much
toothpaste (a pea-size drop is plenty). A little goes a long way.
My 12-year-old likes to chew ice. Is
this harmful?
Tooth enamel is very hard, but that
doesn't mean you can't break it. Try to avoid eating "hard foods" such
as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice.
Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.
Does the doctor check for oral cancer?
Yes, we do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense
in detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US,
approximately 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer.
Worldwide, the problem is far greater, with new cases annually
approaching 300,000. In the US alone, a person dies from oral cancer
every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal
cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000 additional new cases per
year) and death are significantly higher. However, the good news is,
when found early, oral cancers have an 80 to 90% cure rate.
Why are soft drinks bad for your teeth?
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking
about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy. Because of
the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst.
Dentists even have a name for the damage it does – they call it "Dew
Mouth." These soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to
decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these, because young
children's enamel hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even
more damaging for kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at least
reducing their consumption), use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after
meals. Also, rinse your mouth with a high-quality dental mouthwash.
I think I grind my teeth at night. What
can I do about this?
Do you wake up with
discomfort in your jaws or a persistent headache? If so, you may be
grinding (called bruxing) while you sleep. Persistent bruxing can damage
teeth and cause them to get shorter and shorter. It can also damage your
temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even affect your hearing. If you
suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today. Our doctors may recommend
a night guard or other oral appliance.
What is a TMJ disorder?
TMJ
stands for temporomandibular joint, your jaw joints. The ache,
discomfort, or tenderness in or around the jaw joints is called a TMJ
disorder.
Signs that you might have a TMJ disorder are:
There are a variety of treatment options
for TMJ. Be sure to ask us about these.
If you have been living with the pain and discomfort described above, we invite you to call (858) 578-0800 to discover the benefits that these treatments may bring to your quality of life.