Month: October 2021

Teeth grinding is a dental condition wherein people grind or clench their teeth from time to time. Medically known as bruxism, teeth grinding does not cause harm when done occasionally. But, if bruxism continues for prolonged periods, it can cause damage to the teeth and lead to other oral complications. But, before hopping on to the details of what teeth grinding can do to our teeth, let us explore the various causes of the problem.

Causes of Bruxism or Teeth Grinding
The medical community is not sure of the causes of teeth grinding. Still, there is a pervasive assertion that it is caused due to a combination of physical, psychological, and genetic actors. There are two types of bruxism:

• Awake Bruxism: It may be caused by intense emotions such as anxiety, anger, stress, frustration, and so forth. Awake Bruxism may also be a coping mechanism or a habit during deep concentration.
• Sleep Bruxism: It may be caused due to sleep-related chewing activity associated with arousals while sleeping.

After talking about the causative factors of the two main types of bruxism, some risk factors are also associated with the problem. As mentioned above, stress, anxiety, and frustration are some leading causes of teeth grinding. Likewise, bruxism is also common among children and goes away by adulthood. Moreover, in a few cases, teeth grinding may manifest as a side effect of medications. The problem is also associated with specific mental health disorders like dementia, night terrors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, and so forth. 

Now that we talked about the causes of teeth grinding let us examine the condition’s problems.

Teeth Grinding and its Impacts
It is noteworthy to highlight that bruxism does not cause severe complications in most scenarios. But, at times, it can damage the teeth, dentures, restorations, crowns, and so forth. Extreme cases of teeth grinding can also result in damage to the jaw. Teeth grinding can result in tension-type headaches as well. Intense facial or jaw pain may also arise due to bruxism. Lastly, disorders that occur in the temporomandibular joints can also manifest due to bruxism. Let us now move forward to the various treatments and symptoms of bruxism. Untreated bruxism can also cause the enamel to erode and result in cracks and chips on the teeth.

Symptoms and Treatment of Bruxism
The common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Worn, fractured, or chipped teeth
• Tired jaws
• Increased toothache and sensitivity
• Erosion of teeth enamel
• Sleeping problems
• Mild headaches that originate around the temples
• Neck, facial and jaw pain

The most common way of dealing with bruxism is to use a mouth guard while sleeping to don’t damage your teeth. Other methods include coping with stress and anxiety, counseling sessions, muscle relaxants, and so forth. Although mild bruxism is not harmful, it is essential to be vigilant as severe teeth grinding can cause significant disruptions to our oral health.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

Diabetes is a disease that has, unfortunately, engulfed the human population in its clutches. In the USA alone, 29.1 million people, 9.3 percent of the total population are diabetic. Furthermore, 1.7 million new cases are registered each year, and 8.1 million people living with diabetes are not even minutely aware that they have the disease. 

If defined in simple words, diabetes hampers the human body’s ability to process sugar. 
All the food that we eat is turned into sugar and then utilized as energy. But, in Type I diabetes, the body doesn’t produce enough insulin – the hormone that carries sugar from the blood to the cells. And, in Type II diabetes, the body stops responding to insulin itself. Both types of diabetes cause high blood sugar levels that can consequently result in problems related to the eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, and so forth. It is essential to note that looking after teeth and gums is crucial for surviving diabetes. Dental problems are widespread among diabetic patients. Now that we have briefly discussed the nitty-gritty of diabetes let us examine how diabetes affects dental health.

Dental Health and Diabetes
It is undeniable that people who have diabetes and don’t control their blood sugar levels appropriately are more likely to deal with teeth and gum problems. The various dental issues that can increase due to a diabetic condition are – 

• Dry Mouth: Diabetes can slow down the production of saliva, thereby causing doctor mouth or xerostomia. The saliva and its enzymes attack bacteria, and in their absence, there can be a proliferation of plaque inside our mouth causing tooth decay. Moreover, dry mouth can also lead to sores and ulcers.
• Infection: A fungal yeast infection called thrush is also widespread among people with diabetes. The condition manifests as white or red patches on the tongue, cracking of the skin at the corner of the lips, and open sores. 
• Gingivitis: It is the initial stage of gum disease caused by an inappropriate oral health regimen. The condition is characterized by the presence of red, tender, and swollen gums that can bleed while brushing. 
• Periodontitis: Although gingivitis is a reversible condition and can be treated with a proper dental health routine and some help from the dentist, the prolonged presence of gingivitis can result in mild periodontitis. The conversion of gingivitis and periodontitis is typical among diabetic patients. In simple terms, periodontitis is a dental condition wherein the gums and bones supporting the teeth begin to wear away and recede. 

Therefore, the dental problems facilitated by diabetes are many. But, the good news is that by following a robust dental health regime, you can keep various teeth and gum diseases at bay. Also, it is crucial to maintain a proper diet and keep the blood sugar levels under control. Lastly, exercising and quitting smoking are essential if you have diabetes and want to keep it under check. 

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!

An attractive smile does not need to take months or years to achieve. The right kind of dental veneers can solve chipped, discolored, unevenly spaced, and misshapen teeth with ease. It is one of the best procedures performed in cosmetic dentistry. This is  because of the potential benefits offered by dental veneers. If you’re considering veneers, we can help you decide if they’ll be a good fit for you. 

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

A veneer is a simple and easy way to improve the appearance of teeth.
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain bonded to the surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. They are custom-designed to achieve the most attractive look for each patient. A veneer is tooth-colored and reflects light just the way natural teeth would. They do not stain easily, making them a great choice for those who want to look perfect.

Veneers give a natural look to your teeth.
This type of dental restorations might take more than one appointment to complete, but the results look natural! An imprint of your teeth is taken at your first appointment. This impression is sent to a laboratory where veneers will be made. Veneers are custom-made to mimic the color and shape of natural teeth and match the enamel color.

A dentist sculpts each veneer exactly on the mouth to create a natural-looking smile when the veneers arrive from the lab, and it is time to place them. 

Porcelain veneers are minimally invasive.
A dental veneer is a less invasive restoration option than other options offered by a practitioner. To place them, the dentist first removes 1/2 millimeters from the surface of the treated tooth, instead of 20 millimeters needed for a crown. A special cement is used to set each veneer overlay after the tooth’s surface is shaved down. During the placement and management of the veneers, the dentist may make small adjustments to their size or color to ensure that the veneers look and feel as natural as possible.

A veneer is a long-lasting and durable material.
The porcelain veneers are permanent and resist decay and staining more effectively than normal teeth. Did you know this? Due to the non-porous nature of veneers, they are more resistant to staining and cavities compared to your natural tooth enamel. Dental veneers will typically last between 10 and 15 years as long as they are properly cared for.

In the case of enamel loss, veneers are a viable option.
Although your teeth’s enamel is extremely strong, it can still wear away by too much tooth brushing, acid reflux disease, or acidic foods. It is believed by most people that once the tooth enamel wears away, it can never be replaced. Using veneers to replace enamel is aesthetically pleasing and provides durability.

A dental consultation could be the best solution if you are conscious about your smile. You can receive porcelain veneers for many years, and they are easy to care for. Compared to your natural enamel, they provide your teeth with additional strength and durability. Plus, the benefits to your social and aesthetic lives are enormous.