Dentistry In NW Calgary

Read more about the article Prevent Teeth Grinding

Prevent Teeth Grinding

Grinding teeth, called bruxism, may develop at any age. It is usually done unconsciously in sleep, but it can also occur when a person is awake.

Causes

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding.  Bruxism is found more frequently in people who snore or suffer from obstructive sleep and in people whose lifestyle includes smoking, drinking alcohol and caffeine.

Treatment

The treatment for teeth grinding depends on its cause, which is evaluated by dentist with a comprehensive exam.

  • One way to protect your teeth and prevent tooth wear and fracture is to wear an occlusal appliance – such as, splints, bite guards, night guards, bite plates and bruxism appliances. These are custom made, plastic mouth pieces that fit over your top or bottom teeth. Wearing one of these appliances will help reduce jaw muscle pain and protect your teeth. The appliances are usually worn at bedtime.
  • If anxiety or stress is believed to be the cause of your grinding, then behavioural management is an option. Relaxation techniques, meditation and psychoanalysis can help manage the stress and anxiety.
  • If your bruxism is due to physical problems such as misaligned or broken teeth, your general dentist may have some suggestions for how to correct these problems with dental crowns or braces, or other techniques that may help resolve the grinding.
  • Stimulants and depressants have also been linked to various sleep disorders. Limit caffeine and alcohol to avoid developing a habit of teeth grinding.
  • If you’re grinding your teeth during the day, make yourself aware of when it happens and train yourself not to clench your jaw.
  • It may also be a side effect of some medications. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects before taking prescription drugs.
  • Limit chewy foods that give your jaw a workout, especially when jaw discomfort is at its worst.

If you’re still not sure what’s causing you to grind your teeth, see your general dentist. Not only will your general dentist help you find the solution to your problem, but regular dental visits will allow your general dentist to check for its signs and help you control it before the damage gets out of hand.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article How Common is Gum Disease?

How Common is Gum Disease?

Gum disease is a very common condition where the gums become swollen, sore or infected and most people experience it at least once. It is much less common in children. As per Canadian Dental Association (CDA), 7 out of 10 Canadians develop gum disease at some time in their lives. The incidence of gum disease is very high. It is seen in all types of people, all races and cultures, regardless of where they live or their level of education

People who do not go to a family dentist are frequently unaware they have a problem — an estimated 20 per cent of Canadians have active periodontal disease and do not know it.

Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a chronic infection that can result in a number of health problems, from mild inflammation to severe gum damage to tooth loss, if left untreated. In addition, gum disease can affect your overall health, and has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

It is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth, and is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.

If you have gum disease, your gums may bleed when you brush your teeth and you may have bad breath. This stage of gum disease is known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is not treated, a condition called periodontitis can develop. This affects the tissues that support teeth and hold them in place.

Signs of Gum Disease:

Your oral health is critical to your overall health. If you notice any of the following symptoms, seek care from a dentist who is knowledgeable about treating gum disease:

  • A sour taste in your mouth or persistently bad breath

  • A change in how your partial dentures fit

  • A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite down

  • Bleeding gums

  • Gum tissue that pulls away from your teeth

  • Loose teeth or increasing spaces between your teeth

  • Pain when chewing

  • Unusually sensitive teeth

  • Swollen and tender gums

Gum Disease Treatment Options:

  • Regular professional deep cleanings

  • Medications that are either taken orally or are inserted directly into infected tissue pockets

  • Surgery, in more severe cases of gum disease.

  • Good oral hygiene home practices i.e. brushing + flossing.

Despite following good oral hygiene practices, people may be genetically susceptible to gum disease. If anyone in your family has gum disease, it may mean that you are at greater risk, as well. If you are more susceptible to gum disease, your dentist or periodontist may recommend more frequent check-ups, cleanings, and treatments to better manage the condition.

Source: www.canada.com/health/disease rise population ages/1353520/story.html

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]
Read more about the article Tips for Fresh Breath

Tips for Fresh Breath

Everyone suffers occasionally from bad breath. Bad breath is most commonly caused by conditions in your mouth, such as the food you eat, and how often you clean your teeth, gums and tongue. This is a dental problem, which you can probably fix yourself.
Read these tips on how to keep your breath fresh:

  1. Floss and brush your teeth, gums and tongue daily to prevent bad breath. Clean as far back on your tongue as you can, as that’s where bacteria often collect. If you don’t clean your mouth, any remaining food particles will attract bacteria, which cause bad breath and contribute to tooth decay.

  2. Brush and floss your teeth after eating. If you can’t do a thorough cleaning, drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum are good options.

  3. Use fluoride mouth rinse for fresher breath. Not only can decayed teeth hurt, they may have an awful odor. Tooth decay can be prevented with fluoride toothpaste and proper dental care.

  4. Be aware that certain foods — such as garlic, onions and some spices — can contribute to bad breath for up to 72 hours after eating.

  5. Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

  6. Keep your nasal passages free. Blowing your nose and making sure you are breathing through your nose rather than your mouth will contribute to fresher breath.

  7. Stop smoking.

  8. Eat more fresh, crunchy fruits and vegetables. The act of chewing on raw, healthy foods enhances saliva flow and also pushes food debris out from between teeth and spaces between the gums and teeth.

  9. Bad breath can also be an early symptom of periodontal or gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums and jawbone, which can lead to a loss of gum and teeth. If left alone, the bacteria will build up on your teeth and irritate the gums. Flossing helps removes food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line. Be sure to also visit your dentist for periodic cleanings and exams.

  10. Dry mouth leads to bad breath. Saliva inhibits the growth of bacteria that contribute to bad breath by cleansing the mouth and removing odour-causing food particles. Dry mouth is also caused by some medications, alcohol and breathing with your mouth open. Drink plenty of water or chew sugar-free gum or candy to keep your mouth moist.

Chronic bad breath however, can be a visible sign that something is not right. If bad breath persists, schedule an appointment with your dentist. It can be an indicator of gum disease or dry mouth. If it is due to an oral condition, your dentist can develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

Our Score
Click to rate this post!
[Total: 0 Average: 0]