By admin
30 Nov, 2015
Dental Discomfort, Dental Tips, General Dentistry, Lifestyle, Preventive Dental Care
bruxism, clenching teeth, face pain, grinding teeth, grinding teeth due to stress, headache, jaw pain, mouth guards, tmj causes
Protect Your Teeth From Holiday Stress: Avoid the Seasonal Grind
The holiday season is a time of year that comes with many things: visits from loved ones, weekly parties, a multitude of shopping trips, long hours spent in the kitchen, and stress-induced bruxism. Stress isn’t always a bad thing; in fact it can even be good in small doses. It can spur excitement, joy, and eager anticipation, and it can even function as that extra bit of motivation that you need to get everything on your to-do list done. Even when the outcome of the stress you are experiencing is positive, the effects it has on you physically can be negative.
What Is Bruxism?
The gradual onset of mild to moderate head and neck aches, jaw pain, and sensitive teeth can signal that stress is beginning to take a toll and that you might be suffering from a condition called bruxism. Bruxism is a condition in which you clench and grind your teeth throughout the day and night. The clenching and grinding can become so hard and loud that it can be heard by partners and loved ones within the affected individual’s living space.
Some individuals only suffer from short bouts of bruxism. But if you begin to experience any of the following associated symptoms with regularity, you should call and set up an appointment with our provider immediately.
Signs and symptoms that indicate you could be suffering from bruxism include:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Face pain rooted at the jawline
- Earache-like pain
- Headache in the temple area
- Sores from chewing or biting the inside of your cheek
- Grinding teeth during sleeping hours
If left untreated, bruxism can lead to more serious conditions that may require extensive and expensive care to resolve. These conditions include:
Damaged teeth: Individuals who suffer from bruxism end up clenching and unclenching their teeth all throughout the night. The pressure they put on their jaws can equate to 250 pounds or more worth of force, which can cause extreme wear and tear on teeth. Tooth sensitivity is the least of the repercussions this type of pressure can have on oral health. Chipped, cracked, and severely worn teeth can result, requiring extensive restorative treatments.
TMJ: TMJ is disorder of the temporomandibular joints that causes pain in the jaw, head, and neck areas. It can cause the jaw muscles to spasm and make it difficult for sufferers to open and close their mouths normally. Treatments may include Botox injections, medications that relax muscles, and protective nighttime mouth guards.
Sleep disturbances: Bruxism ranks as the third most frequent abnormal sleep behavior. Some suffers become aware of their condition after seeking out help for severe sleep deprivation and exhaustion. They have no idea that they have been grinding their teeth at night, nor that it is the cause of their daytime drowsiness.
Who’s at Risk?
Risk factors that increase your likelihood of suffering from bruxism include:
- Age: Bruxism is most common in children but can extend into adulthood.
- Stress level: If you have a high level of stress or an increase in anxiety, you may begin to experience the signs of bruxism.
- Substance intake: Smoking tobacco, drinking caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, or taking medications that have stimulants in them may increase the risk of bruxism.
Diagnosing Bruxism
If your dentist suspects that you have bruxism, he or she will perform an exam and evaluate you for the following:
- Damage to your teeth, the bone that supports them, and the soft tissues inside your mouth
- Pain and tenderness in the jaw and mouth area
- Common dental abnormalities that are often indicators, like broken, worn-down, or missing teeth and poor tooth alignment
If you have signs of bruxism, our dentist may choose to look for changes that may have taken place over the course of your visits. Your exam may include x-rays and questionnaires.
Treatments
In the case of children affected by bruxism, treatment is rare. The majority of children age out of bruxism. Adults who grind their teeth enough to cause damage and inflict pain have treatment options that include dental protection devices, such as mouth guards and splints, and corrective dental treatment plans designed to align teeth properly. Realigning teeth may require braces and, in severe cases, oral surgery.
If stress is at the root of a patient’s bruxism condition, our dentist will refer them to a therapist that specializes in stress management and behavior therapy. In some cases, medications such as muscle relaxants may also be prescribed.
The holiday season is a time of year to be enjoyed. You don’t have to let the excitement and anticipation take an unpleasant toll. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms that may indicate you are suffering from bruxism, call Dr. Douglas Weber at (661) 952-7865 to schedule an appointment today.
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By admin
22 Nov, 2015
Dental Tips, General Dentistry, Lifestyle, Preventive Dental Care
dental health, healthy fall foods, healthy pumpkin prepration, healthy recipe, holiday dental tips, oral health, oral health benefits of pumpkin
Dentists Say, “Back Away From the Spiced Latte! But the Pumpkin Can Stay.”
It probably comes as no surprise that the Pumpkin Spice Latte is Starbucks’ most popular seasonal drink of all time. Everything about the pumpkin’s color, aroma, and savory flavor screams fall. Every year coffee enthusiasts eagerly await the release of this highly anticipated beverage, then flock to the coffee shop as soon as it becomes available. At least that is how it has gone for the better part of the last 12 years, since its inception in 2003.
But the Pumpkin Spice Latte isn’t your average cup o’ joe. Recently, the beloved libation has come under fire for the large amount of calories (380) and sugar (50g) it contains. Health and fitness professionals are urging people to consume it like they would any other dessert: in moderation. And while most health professionals are worried about the damage the Pumpkin Spice Latte can do to people’s waistlines, dentists are more concerned with the impact it could have on their patients’ teeth.
The bad news is that any way you look at it, the amount of sugar in your beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte, along with the length of time you spend sipping it down, is a recipe for tooth decay. The good news is that you can still satisfy your autumnal craving for pumpkin goodness by preparing and consuming it in different, delicious, healthier ways — and actually improve your dental and overall health while doing it.
Health benefits related to consuming pumpkin are plentiful. This vitamin-packed fruit can please both your nutrition/fitness professional and your dentist by protecting your teeth and whole health. Pumpkin provides:
- Zinc: Zinc is your mouth’s best friend. It plays a key role in healing wounds, which does wonders for damaged soft tissues inside your mouth, or gums that are healing from gingivitis-induced bleeding. Zinc is also considered an anti-plaque agent and is added to toothpaste to prevent buildup.
- Vitamin A: Vitamin A aids in the flow of saliva, which is key for washing bacteria from the mouth. It also plays a key role in healing soft tissues.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is key for maintaining a healthy immune system and fighting off infections. It’s good for your mouth and your overall health.
- Magnesium: Magnesium and calcium work together to create strong, protective enamel that can resist decay. Without the proper amount of Magnesium in your diet, your enamel becomes soft and susceptible to cavities.
- Fiber: Pumpkins are packed with fiber, which is important for maintaining excellent overall health. Fiber helps with weight control, and fiber-rich foods help stimulate the flow of saliva (your best natural defense against tooth decay).
If you are looking for a way to get your pumpkin fix this season while keeping your teeth and physique fit, minimize or eliminate the sugar. Consider replacing your daily spiced latte with these healthy pumpkin preparations:
Pumpkin seeds: From the store or straight from the gourd, these baked snacks are packed with flavor and good-for-your-teeth vitamins. They are easy to prepare and pack for lunch or an in-between-meal snack.
Pumpkin smoothie: Incorporate canned pumpkin into your breakfast or workout smoothie. It pairs well with coconut milk and almond butter. Throw in some pumpkin spice and maple syrup and your morning meal will be transformed into a healthy liquid version of the traditional pumpkin pie.
Baked pumpkin: You can make a tasty meal out of pumpkin by simply baking it with cinnamon and adding a little bit of butter. Pumpkin works as the main course but is also perfect as a side dish.
Pumpkin seed oil: One easy way to enjoy the health benefits that pumpkin has to offer is by incorporating pumpkin seed oil into your cooking. It adds a nutty seasonal taste to whatever dish you are preparing and is perfect for keeping you in that seasonal holiday mood.
Being dedicated to your physical and dental health doesn’t mean swearing off the Pumpkin Spice Latte for good. It just means taming your daily addiction and satisfying your pumpkin craving with snacks and dishes that are low in sugar and high in vitamin-rich goodness.
Call our Lancaster, CA dental office today at (661) 952-7865 and check up on your oral health. This is the perfect time to talk to Dr. Douglas B. Weber to find out more about how you protect your oral health through the holiday season.
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By admin
11 Nov, 2015
Dental Discomfort, Dental Tips, General Dentistry, Lifestyle, Preventive Dental Care
brushing, enamel, fluoride, gum disease, sensitive teeth, teeth grinding, teeth whitening, tooth decay, tooth sensitivity
A breath of crisp winter air, a sip of hot cocoa, a bite out of a sweet candy cane — all of these have two things in common: They remind us of the rapidly approaching holiday season, and though less pleasant, each can also trigger the sharp, unexpected pain associated with tooth sensitivity.
What Is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is experienced as a sharp, sudden pain that is felt in the tooth and gum areas. It occurs when gum and enamel loss expose the sensitive surface of the teeth that lie beneath, called dentin. Dentin is less dense than enamel and contains thousands of tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve center, called the pulp. Once the protective cover is lost, heat, cold, and sweet and acidic foods can reach the nerves inside the tooth through the tubes, eliciting a pain response. Fortunately, once the cause of tooth sensitivity is identified, there are options for treating it and restoring optimal oral comfort.
Causes of Tooth Sensitivity
Some of the things that lead to tooth sensitivity include:
- Overbrushing, brushing too hard, or brushing with a hard-bristle toothbrush
- Grinding and clenching teeth
- Tooth decay located near the gumline
- Plaque buildup
- Tooth-whitening products
- Gum disease
- Fractured tooth
- Dental work
Preventing Tooth Sensitivity
The key to preventing tooth sensitivity is maintaining good oral-hygiene practices. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and rinsing regularly will go a long way toward keeping your gums and teeth healthy and strong. The following are additional steps you can take for reducing tooth sensitivity:
- Always use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush gently
- Avoid foods and beverages that are acidic
- If you grind your teeth, talk to your dentist about getting a mouth guard to wear when you sleep
- Brush with toothpaste for sensitive teeth
- Keep your enamel strong by using products with fluoride
Treating Tooth Sensitivity
The manner in which tooth sensitivity is treated largely depends on the condition that led to it or the situation that is causing it. If sensitivity is resulting from a cavity or a chip in a tooth, a restoration can be placed to fix it. However, if sensitivity results from exposed dentin, there are treatments designed to reduce the discomfort.
- Fluoride varnish can be applied to the vulnerable, exposed areas of your teeth.
- A mouth tray with a high concentration of fluoride in the form of foam can be placed in your mouth for five minutes. This treatment strengthens weak areas.
- The bonding agent used to adhere restorations to teeth can be used to put a protective seal over the surface of the dentin.
- Gum tissue can be moved from one area of the mouth to an area where tissue has been lost from the root with a gum graft.
If you think you might be suffering from gum sensitivity, call us today at (661) 952-7865 to set up an appointment and find out more about what you can do to restore your oral comfort before the holidays hit.
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By admin
24 Aug, 2015
Dental Emergency, Dental Tips, General Dentistry, General Health, Lifestyle, Preventive Dental Care
anxiety, broken tooth, chipped tooth, cracked tooth, lost tooth, nutrition, oral hygiene, plaque, smoking, stress, tooth decay, tooth loss, tooth trauma
It’s a beautiful summer day outside. You are walking through a park when, out of nowhere, a levitating bowl full of giant pinwheel lollipops appears in front of you. You reach for a particularly colorful one and take a huge chomp out of it. Suddenly, clouds fill the sky and shards of the lollipop fall from your mouth. You look down only to realize it’s your teeth that have all fallen to the ground instead!
Sound like a familiar nightmare? Bad dreams about tooth loss are not uncommon, and neither is the fear of losing your teeth as you age. While it can happen, tooth loss isn’t inevitable. There are certain avoidable conditions that lead to it, and if tooth loss does occur, there are some amazing solutions — like dental implants — that can restore your natural-looking smile to its original state.
Are You at Risk for Tooth Loss?
Tooth loss is not a natural occurrence. The following are some common circumstances that most often lead to the loss of a tooth or teeth.
Tooth trauma: One of the most common causes of tooth loss is trauma caused by impact or unexpected contact with a hard surface. Breaking, chipping, and cracking that leads to a tooth needing to be removed can be caused by a fall, getting hit with a bat or ball while playing sports, or biting down on a hard object, like a hidden seed or shell.
The use of teeth as a tool is another example of how trauma can lead to a tooth extraction. Avoid activities like removing caps, tearing tags, and cutting threads with your teeth. There are tools that are made for these types of jobs, so you can avoid damaging your teeth.
Disease: Poor oral hygiene and nutrition cause the buildup of plaque and tooth decay that leads to periodontal disease. Preserving your teeth means more than just brushing twice a day and flossing; it means taking care of your whole health. You need to maintain a balanced diet, moderate or eliminate activities like drinking alcoholic beverages, and get to those routine dental visits. Periodontal disease doesn’t just put you at risk for tooth loss — it puts your whole health at risk.
Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety are detrimental to many aspects of your health, including your teeth. It can cause you to clench your jaw and grind your teeth during the day, as well as in your sleep. There are many stress-relief techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation that can help. You should also talk to your dental provider about being evaluated for a bite guard to protect you from nighttime clenching and grinding.
Smoking: Everyone knows that smoking is bad for your lungs and your heart, but people don’t realize that it also increases the likelihood of tooth loss. It affects the blood supply to your gums and increases the occurrence and severity of periodontal disease. The risks of tooth loss increase with both traditional and smokeless cigarettes.
The bottom line is that the key to keeping your teeth throughout your lifetime is taking care of your whole health. If tooth loss does occur, don’t despair: Your provider has solutions available that can restore your smile. From tooth implants to a variety of denture options, there is a natural-looking option perfect for you.
To find out more about how to maintain your natural smile, call the office of Dr. Doug Weber today at (661) 952-7865.
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The wondering and not knowing is stressful. The sudden unexpected confirmation is humiliating. And trying to cover it up feels futile.
Bad breath — we all suffer from it at some point in our lives, but why? What does it mean? And how do we get rid of it? Often it comes on without warning, and it’s identified with a grimace and a turn of the head during close conversation, when a spouse or partner rejects a kiss, or worse yet, when your beloved child publicly announces, “Your breath stinks!” at the tippy top of their tiny but strong lungs.
The following are four common causes and remedies for bad breath, as well as an important “Did you know?” that you won’t want to miss. (Hint: Bad breath may be your body’s way of sending out an SOS.)
Causes of Bad Breath
Dry Mouth: Prolonged sleep, dehydration, and some medications can lead to dry mouth. When the mouth becomes dry, bacteria begin to break down dead cells on the tongue — a process that emits a foul odor.
Insufficient Oral Hygiene: Though bad breath is usually caused by bacteria on the tongue, if bits of food get stuck in your teeth, the same bacteria that attack dead cells on your tongue will build up on your teeth and create an unpleasant scent.
Crash Diets and Fasting: Fasting and diets that cause the body to break down fats rapidly will release ketones, causing a condition called ketoacidosis, which can create an unpleasant, fruity odor that is carried on the breath.
Food Choices: Onion and garlic are two foods that are well-known causes of bad breath. What most people don’t realize is that the foul smell is caused by the sulfur compounds in these foods. Once absorbed by the body, their odor is carried on the breath for hours.
Remedies for Bad Breath
Clean Your Whole Mouth: Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once is key to avoiding bad breath, but something is missing from this routine: your tongue. Bacteria that grow in your mouth are the most common cause of bad breath, and your tongue is a big part of your mouth. Make sure to brush and clean it twice daily if you want to stay fresh.
Drink Water: Drinking lots of water keeps you hydrated and stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps wash away food particles and works to keep your mouth clean. The more you drink, the fresher your breath will taste and smell, and the healthier you will feel overall.
Adjust Your Diet: Avoiding food that causes bad breath, like the aforementioned garlic and onions, only helps your breath so much. Filling your plate with foods packed with vitamin C will take you to the next level of fresh by creating an environment that is inhospitable to mouth bacteria. Some of the crunchier vegetables and fruits will also act as nature’s toothbrush and knock particles of food off your teeth, keeping them extra clean.
Did You Know?
If you have a case of halitosis you just can’t seem to get rid of, it may be your body’s way of telling you that something serious is going on. Several health conditions that are associated with bad breath and require immediate attention from a health professional include:
- Severe periodontal disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Serious lung conditions
If you have recurring bad breath or are struggling with a difficult case of halitosis, we can help you identify the cause. Give Douglas B. Weber, DDS a call at (661) 952-7865 to set up a quick consultation. A good cleaning might be all you need to refresh your smile and your confidence.
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