Category: general dentistry

All over the world, the most common reason patients seek dental help is to relieve tooth pain. Most frequently the cause of the discomfort is tooth decay. However, there are many other reasons, and identifying them may help prevent future toothaches. Tooth decay Decay is the most common cause of tooth pain. Tiny cavities that form in the enamel (outer tooth coating) are usually painless, but when the damage permeates the dentin (inner layer) the tooth then becomes very sensitive. As the decay advances, deeper into the pulp, the pain intensifies. If an infection develops the pulp tissue will die and a pus-filled abscess will form below the root of the diseased tooth. An abscess may also be a sign of advanced gum disease. The inflammation and infection that comes with an abscess cause pulsating pain and throbbing. It can often be difficult to determine which tooth is in distress. Periodontitis Besides swollen, red and bleeding gums, a toothache can also be a sign of advanced gum disease. Infection leads to inflammation of the bone tissues and gum, loss of bone and dull aching pain. An abscess may form in the advanced stages that can be very painful. Accidents and falls Accidents and falls may lead to broken or fractured teeth. Although you may or may not notice the damage initially, it will cause severe pain once the fracture reaches the nerves in the pulp of the tooth. Even a shallow break can cause problems as bacteria and plaque accumulate in the opening and eventually cause decay. Tooth grinding Tooth grinding or bruxism can chip or wear down teeth. The act puts excessive force on supporting tissues and causes tooth, jaw and muscle pain. Poor oral hygiene Improper brushing and flossing can lead to plaque buildup, causing gums to recede or detach around the tooth, and the roots to be exposed. When this occurs, sensitivity to hot, cold and sour foods heightens, and acids cause further erosion since the roots are exposed. Additional problems include crooked or misaligned teeth, impacted wisdom teeth or pain caused by orthodontic treatments. But sometimes, tooth pain is caused by something unrelated to the jaw or a tooth. Certain conditions in the body cause pain that appears to occur in the mouth. For instance, a sinus infection may result in an ache in the upper back teeth. Although rare, jaw or tooth pain may signal a heart attack. When in doubt, always consult your dentist.

“I don’t need to see the dentist if my teeth look and feel fine.” Sound familiar? This is actually one of the most common dental mouth myths in existence. Myths such as these have prevented patients from providing their teeth with the care they need for years, and we want to help put an end to it! For that reason, we’ve compiled a list of misconceptions about dental care that we want to put to rest:

1. “Brushing your teeth harder cleans them better.”

This is a common myth we hear circulating around dentistry, and we don’t recommend it. By brushing your teeth harder, you’re actually causing more harm to your teeth than good. The act of brushing vigorously can wear down the outer layer of your teeth—the enamel. Over time, this can lead to extreme tooth sensitivity and even cause fractures or cracks! Instead of brushing harder, brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

2. “Sugar will rot your teeth.”

This isn’t exactly the case when it comes to tooth decay. Plaque is actually the reason patients get cavities; the reason sugar is commonly associated with tooth decay is because it attracts the plaque that causes this damage. When plaque eats and breaks down these sugars, they produce acids that wear down the outer layer of your teeth, which leads to decay.

3. “Everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed at some point.”

The dental problems associated with wisdom teeth is often why dentists recommend for patients to have them extracted. When wisdom teeth finally erupt, there are some cases in which they may grow in incorrectly, causing pain. Wisdom teeth are also more likely to develop cavities compared to other teeth because they are harder to reach and clean. However, as long as you’re not experiencing any of these problems, and you’re good about your dental hygiene, there’s no need to have them removed. In fact, there are quite a few patients that end up keeping all of their wisdom teeth for a lifetime without any trouble.

4. “If I have gum disease, that means I’ll lose teeth.”

Just because you are diagnosed with having gum disease, does not mean you are guaranteed to lose teeth. In fact, if gum disease is caught early enough, the dentist can create a special treatment plan that will help control the disease and keep it from advancing further. But, by practicing regular dental habits, such as brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day, you can prevent gum disease from developing in the first place. In conclusion, there are a lot of dental mouth myths out there that may be preventing patients from properly caring for their teeth. We always recommend patients to visit our office at least twice a year, so we can examine their teeth and make sure they are being well cared for and are getting the treatment they need. If it’s almost time for your regular dental exam and cleaning, book an appointment with us today!

If you have been suffering from a migraine, you know the pain and misery caused by it. Approximately 14% of Americans get migraine headaches. In the early stages, people tend to get confused between a migraine, sinus and a normal headache. But with time and advanced research, the experts have come up with a treatment which can help reduce the pain.

What is a Migraine?

A migraine is a severe, painful headache that can be preceded or accompanied by sensory warning signs such as flashes of light, blind spots, tingling in the arms and legs, nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The cause of a migraine is still unknown, however, there are a few causes which may lead to a migraine pain like any particular kind of food, oscillation in daily routine, lack of sleep and others. Each individual’s triggers may differ from one another. Past studies depict, there is no particular treatment to stop a migraine pain. But a stabilization splint can help you reduce close to 70% of the pain.

Treatment to Reduce Migraine Pain

A migraine headache is unbearable to handle. But there are a few preventive home remedies which can help you to reduce Migraine pain:

• Lavender Oil, Peppermint Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Basil Oil are few oils which can prevent you from a severe migraine headache. These oils can be inhaled or can be applied topically.
• One of the most useful control measures is diet control. Many people face a migraine headache due to irregular and inadequate diet. Certain foods have been shown to affect the frequency and severity of headaches and migraine pain, including dairy items, chocolate, peanut butter, and certain fruits like avocado, banana, and citrus. Other food items such as cottage cheese, onions, and meats with nitrates, such as bacon and hot dogs can also be the cause. Also, food containing tyramine, an amino acid found in red wine; and foods that are fermented or pickled.
• Regular scalp massage is also a way to heal your migraine headache. Brazilian researchers have found out that massaging the greater occipital nerve – the area in the back of the head, at the base of the skull – reduces the pain.
• Some headaches are also caused by inflammation, which can be reduced by consuming omega-3 fatty acids. And flaxseeds are a rich resource of omega-3 fatty acids. Even processed eggs with omega-3 fatty acids are a good source.

The above mentioned are a few DIY home remedies, but the effectiveness of each one depends on your case. Another medical treatment which can help you prevent a migraine headache is a Stabilization splint. Toothworks has experts who can diagnose the cause of your migraine and can help you heal the pain. Give us a call and see if a stabilization splint is the best treatment option for you.

Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once a day, seeing the dentist for regular exams and cleanings every 6 months—these are all good dental habits to have for better dental and oral health. But it’s important to remember that there are such thing as bad habits too, especially with dental health. Not sure if you have a bad dental habit? If you do one of the following, you should break the habit today:

1. Bite your nails.

Nail biting is one of the most common dental habits among patients. Known to be a “nervous habit,” nail biting may seem comforting in times of anxiety or stress, but can actually be detrimental to your dental health over time. When you bite your nails, you actually put your teeth through more stress than they need to be in, which can cause chips. In addition, when you bite your nails, your jaw ends up protruding—a position it would need to be in to have better access to your nails. As a result, you put extra pressure on your jaw as well, which can lead to jaw dysfunction. Ready to dump this dental habit? Try keeping your hands busy when you feel like you’re in a stressful situation, or using other methods to reduce anxiety!

2. Crew crushed ice.

While crushed ice may seem to be a refreshing treat, it’s actually bad for your dental health. The cold temperature and brittle nature of ice can cause small fractures in the surface of your teeth, which can eventually lead to larger cracks over time. Chewing on ice can be tempting, so to avoid it, only drink chilled drinks without ice, or use a straw.

3. Brush your teeth too hard.

Many patients believe that the harder you brush your teeth, the more plaque and surface stains you’re able to remove. However, brushing your teeth harder can actually cause more harm than help. By brushing too hard, you can damage your teeth by wearing down your enamel, and even irritate your gums. Instead, brush your teeth with a gentle pressure. Also, make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush your teeth. Your teeth will thank you! By breaking these bad dental habits, you can instantly have better dental health because of it!

It’s almost time for the New Year, meaning that it’s time for a healthier smile! While you may already have New Years’ resolutions like exercising more and spending less, keep in mind these dental resolutions that will help you better take care of your teeth in the New Year:

Make a Commitment to Floss

While brushing your teeth may be something that’s hard to forget, flossing is certainly overlooked by many patients.This year, make a commitment to floss at least once a day. Flossing helps clean in-between your teeth, spaces and crevices that your toothbrush is unable to reach. By flossing, you’re actually cleaning nearly 40% of your tooth that would otherwise go unchecked and vulnerable to decay!

Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet

In other words, cut back on sugar! A poor diet of sugary treats and junk food with heavy starches can attract a large amount of plaque that can cause decay. Instead, choose to include more fruits and vegetables. The nutrients in these foods actually benefit your teeth. Dairy products high in calcium are also healthy in maintaining h2 teeth. In addition, make an effort to drink more water. It’s not just good for your body; it’s really good for your teeth! Water contains fluoride, a natural mineral that aids in the repairing and protection of tooth enamel.

Visit the Dentist At least Twice

Finally, make sure you stop by our office at least twice this year, around every six months. At each regular visit, we will examine your teeth for any signs of dental or oral complications. We will also provide your teeth with a thorough cleaning by removing plaque and tartar that may have built up on your teeth since your previous visit. Visiting us multiple times in the year will ensure that we are able to give you the right preventative treatments to protect your teeth from decay and gum disease.

Different types of foods supply our bodies with different nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that help us function normally and keep us healthy. However, the foods you eat doesn’t just affect your health, it also affects your teeth! Just like certain types of foods can be bad for our overall health, there are foods that can be bad for our teeth, too. In order to maintain happy, healthy teeth, keep in mind these foods that are good for your dental health:

Dairy Products

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium, a natural mineral that helps promote h2 bone health. This can benefit your jaw bone, the bone responsible for holding your teeth in place.

Meats

Foods that are rich in protein, such as a variety of meats like fish and poultry, are a great source of phosphorus. Both protein and phosphorus are important minerals that help protect and rebuild tooth enamel or the outer protective layer of your teeth.

Fruits and Vegetables

Both fruits and vegetables are high in water and fiber. The water in fruits help balance the large amount of natural sugars that can also be found in fruits; vegetables high in fiber help clean the teeth. In addition, fruits and vegetables help your mouth by stimulating saliva production, which is your mouth’s natural way of cleaning itself of debris and food particles. And if those benefits aren’t enough, many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, which is an important vitamin for healthy gums, and vitamin A, which is a key nutrient that promotes the building of tooth enamel.

Water

Water is the most beneficial drink for your teeth. Not only does it help cleanse your mouth of food particles, it also promotes healthy enamel. Water contains fluoride, a natural mineral that helps strengthen your tooth enamel.

A cavity, otherwise known as tooth decay, is a small hole that forms in your tooth over time due to acid-producing bacteria invading and breaking down the outer layer, or tooth enamel, that protects it.

What causes cavities?

Foods that contain sugars—such as candy, carbonated drinks, etc.—results in plaque, or a film of bacteria. The bacteria thrive off of the sugar residue, and the byproduct is acid. When left on your teeth untreated, the acid eventually starts to wear on your tooth enamel, leading to a fully developed cavity.

How do dentists repair cavities?

There are multiple ways a dentist may repair a cavity, depending on the severity of the problem.

• Fillings: After cleaning the infected area, dentists use a substance that “fills” in the cavity-affected tooth, sealing off the hole that has been created. The filling will also prevent any bacteria from infecting the inside of the affected tooth further.
• Crowns: If a tooth has decayed to the point that it will be unable to support a filling, your dentist may suggest a crown. A dental crown is like a “cap” that is placed over the affected tooth. Crowns can cover a filled tooth to further support the filling and tooth, and it can also restore a tooth if it has already been broken.
• Root Canal: Left untreated long enough, and a cavity can go as far as infecting the pulp, or innermost part of the tooth. For this, your dentist may recommend a root canal, which is a process that involves removing the infected pulp. Afterwards, your dentist will cover the affected area with a crown or filling after it has been cleaned properly. They may decide to wait until the remaining pulp has healed before this step, however.

How do I prevent cavities?

There are many ways you can help prevent the development of cavities in your teeth.

• For one, practicing good hygienic dental habits is important. Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for a full two minutes twice a day.
• Make sure you also floss at least once a day or after meals. Floss can reach and clean the spots in-between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t get to.
• Drink plenty of water: the fluoride found in water can strengthen your teeth.
• Avoid sugary foods and drinks if you can help it. If you have to indulge, make sure to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth immediately after consumption.
• Finally, visit your Toothworks dentist regularly for professional cleanings; at least twice a year!

Whether you want to believe it or not, your toothbrush is actually a significant part of your everyday life, and just like you, it needs the right care and maintenance to remain healthy. Because of this, it’s important to practice proper toothbrush care to not only make your toothbrush last longer, but to make sure it continues to be effective in maintaining good dental care.

Toothbrush Storing

While using a toothbrush cover may seem like an effective way to protect your toothbrush from any environmental debris or contaminants, it can actually promote the growth of microorganisms compared to not using a cover. Using a toothbrush cover on your toothbrush immediately after use provides a moist environment that bacteria can easily grow in. Instead of using a toothbrush cover, store your toothbrush in an upright position so it has the ability to dry. Afterwards, if you need to cover your toothbrush because you’re travelling or otherwise, you can. Also make sure that whenever you store your toothbrush, it remains separate from any other toothbrushes. This will ensure that there is no cross-contamination between brushes.

Toothbrush Cleaning

After you have brushed your teeth, make sure you rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water to get rid of any excess toothpaste or debris. You also have the option of swishing your toothbrush around in mouthwash if you want to give it a deeper cleaning.

Toothbrush Replacement

It is important to replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months regularly. If you start to notice the bristles fraying after use sooner, you can replace it then as frayed toothbrushes do not clean your teeth as effectively over time.You should also replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, the flu, or any other bacterial or viral infection. This will prevent you from becoming infected again after you’ve recovered. Replacing your toothbrush will also prevent an excessive buildup of bacteria, even if you’re not sick.

Bad breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is actually more common than most people might think. Nearly half of all adults have had experience with it at some point or another. But what does this mean to you? Whether you currently have bad breath or not, here’s a short list of common causes and solutions that will help you both eliminate and prevent any further halitosis.

• Food

Besides the clear culprits of bad breath (onions, garlic, etc.), there’s a lot more than just the food itself that can cause it. When you eat food, your teeth, as well as the saliva your mouth produces,begins to break it down into smaller particles so that it’s easier for you to digest. While this is beneficial to how we absorb our food’s nutrients, it can also leave behind a strong odor. The best solution to get rid of bad breath from this more than common cause is to brush your teeth, floss, or use mouthwash after meals.

• Bacterial Infections

You are more likely to have less than nice breath whenever you’re sick, especially if you have infections in your mouth or throat, because of the bacteria. Other infections, such as mouth sores, or any other result from an oral disease can also cause bad breath. A good way to eliminate bacteria-causing bad breath is to use mouthwashes morning and night and to remember to brush or use a tongue scraper on your tongue frequently.

• Dry Mouth

One cure for bad breath actually already resides in your mouth: saliva. That’s right, believe it or not, saliva can help clean your mouth of small particles that could lead to bad breath. However, if you tend to have a dry mouth, you’re more likely to have bad breath. To increase the amount of saliva you produce while eliminating dry mouth, try eating foods with some crunch to it or foods that requires more chewing. Drinking water also helps keep your mouth from being parched.

Keep Up with Healthy Dental Habits!

As long as you remember to brush, floss, and use mouthwash appropriately, you can stop bad breath in its tracks before it ever becomes bothersome.

It is important to make oral health a priority every day. Even doing so, it is likely you will experience dental issues at some point in life. The key is prevention, by being proactive about maintaining your mouth health so that when problems arise, they can be easily treated and won’t develop into serious medical conditions.

Common dental issues

Some common dental issues can be tough to recognize in the early stages. Here are the top three concerns and how to avoid them:

1. Teeth staining: Over time teeth darken and may appear yellowish or gray. This unsightly discoloration is often caused by consuming richly pigmented foods and drinks such as blueberries, red wine, coffee and tea. Smoking and the use of certain antibiotics will also stain your teeth. Other factors include aging and genetics. Although you can’t eliminate discoloration completely, the best approach is to avoid foods and drinks that are known to stain teeth, stop smoking and thoroughly clean your teeth after eating. Also, keep your routine dental appointments and professional cleanings every six months.
2. Gingivitis: Symptoms of gingivitis are gum inflammation and bleeding, particularly while brushing your teeth. Left untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, a serious condition that spreads to the underlying tissue and bone.The best way to avoid developing this common dental problem is to simply clean your teeth properly, floss consistently and effectively, and see your dentist twice a year for professional teeth cleaning.
3. Halitosis:Better known as bad breath, halitosis is often caused by the foods we eat but is more commonly the result of poor oral hygiene. Like gingivitis, the solution to this dental issue is to improve your teeth cleaning habits. Brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly after each meal, floss correctly and get regular dental cleanings.

Clean your teeth!

With good teeth cleaning habits and regular dentist visits you can prevent avoidable dental issues. Many dental problems start out easily treatable, but if left undetected and untreated, progress to serious medical conditions that can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and internal diseases.