Tag: tooth enamel

Oral Health Essentials: Bruxism

Are you aware of what bruxism is? Bruxism is a common, yet potentially serious disorder that is recognized by a distinct grinding of your teeth while unconscious. In most occurrences, bruxism takes place while the victim is sleeping, making a diagnosis difficult to detect. Are you showing any signs of bruxism-related dental damage?

Not all forms of bruxism happen when you sleep. Because stress and anxiety can play a role in the creation of bruxism, you should try meditative techniques such as yoga or calming music when you start to feel overly stressed or anxious.

Locating the signs of bruxism is important, as the disorder can potentially go on for years before a person ever pinpoints their ailments. Be sure to check your teeth and gums for any signs of damage after you wake up every morning. Are you aware of or have you ever noticed any chips or cracks in your teeth that have no explanation of how they got there? Is the cheek tissue on your mouth heavily worn down? Do your teeth look extremely worn or shorter than usual? If so, bruxism may be the reason why.

No matter which option for your bruxism treatment you choose, Dr. [doctor_name] and our team at [practice_name] will make sure that you receive the care and quality your smile requires. If you would like to come visit us at our dentist office in [city], [state], please schedule an appointment at [phone]. Come in today to learn all about the joys of bruxism treatments.

A Modest Cavity on a Molar Can Sometimes Be Repaired by an Amalgam Filling

There are times when even the most diligent and consistent oral hygiene routine is simply not sufficient in preventing a cavity from forming on one of your teeth. This is even more likely to occur if you have deep textures on the molars in the back of your mouth. If the cavity is relatively small, Dr. [doctor_name] and our dental team might be able to repair it with an amalgam filling.

Dr. [doctor_name] will perform a thorough examination of the tooth to determine the extent of the decay. This might also include taking a few X-rays to make sure the interior of the tooth is healthy and unaffected.

Dr. [doctor_name] will then inject Novocain into your gums to numb the area. Then, [heshe] will use a drill to remove any decayed tooth enamel. This leaves behind a perfectly clean surface to cement a filling.

The material Dr. [doctor_name] recommends for the filling is primarily based on the tooth’s location and visibility in your smile. Amalgam fillings are known for being durable, making them a good choice for repairing a cavity on one of your back teeth. They are made from a blend of dental-grade metals.

Once the filling has been cured by a special ultraviolet light, the newly repaired tooth should last for many years to come.

If you suspect you have a cavity in [city], [state], you should call [phone] to have it examined and treated at [practice_name].

How to Brush Your Smile with Style

Caring for your smile is crucial to good oral health. You want to protect your teeth and gums from tooth decay and gum disease. At [practice_name], we have some tips to share with our patients in [city], [state], and the surrounding communities, on how to properly brush those pearly whites!

 Your Toothbrush

First, you want to make sure you brush your teeth every single day, twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Using medium or firm strength bristles can damage gum tissue and tooth enamel. Now, whether or not you choose a manual toothbrush or a powered one, is your choice. The goal is to make tooth brushing an event you do faithfully, and whichever one makes you want to brush, do that. Just be sure that the size and shape of your toothbrush fits into your mouth comfortably, letting you reach all your teeth. Aim for replacing your toothbrush as the bristles wear down and become worn, this usually means 3-4 months. Worn bristles can’t effectively clean tooth surfaces and in between teeth and gums.

Brushing Correctly

Once you have your toothbrush, you want to aim for brushing for two minutes each time, using an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste. Generally speaking, if your toothpaste carries the ADA Seal, it will have fluoride in it to protect your tooth enamel. Why do you want to use ADA approved products? Because ADA-approved products have been proven to be both effective and safe to use. Any claims made on the packaging have been proven to be true so you know that the product works exactly as it claims to do.

To begin brushing your teeth, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. You will want to gently brush back and forth in short movements. Clean the outside of your teeth, the inside areas, and the tops or chewing surfaces. For the inside of your front teeth, hold the brush vertically and use up-and-down movements.

Caring for Your Toothbrush

Once you finish brushing your pearly whites, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to remove food particles and toothpaste residue. Let your toothbrush air out between use, so be sure to store it uncovered and upright, and avoid letting it touch another toothbrush to prevent contamination.

Lastly, don’t forget to floss between teeth and under the gumline to remove plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t clean, limit snacking between meals, and come in for professional cleanings.

Dr. [doctor_name] and the rest of our dental team in [city], [state], are happy to help you with all of your oral care needs. Call us today at [phone] if you have any questions or need to schedule your next checkup!