Here is another reason why you should avoid stress. Teeth grinding!
According to Toxteth dentists, stress is the primary cause of bruxism, the habit of teeth grinding and clenching. A mild bruxism may not pose a threat on your health. It is when bruxism happens during sleep that makes it a major health issue.
Most cases of bruxism are activated by reflex chewing activity. Here are some symptoms of bruxism:
• Tension or stress
• Eating disorders
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Jaw pain
• Depression
• Insomnia
Several factors are identified to be associated with bruxism:
• Malocclusion, an occlusion problem of the lower and upper teeth.
• Sleep disorders such as hypopnea, snoring, obstructive sleep apnea and moderate daytime sleepiness.
• Disturbed sleep patterns
• Over consumption of foods and caffeinated drinks such as colas and coffee
• High blood alcohol level.
• Excessive stress and anxiety
• Smoking
• Parkinson’s and Huntington’s diseases
• Use of stimulant drugs
If you have the telltale symptoms of bruxism, talk to your Toxteth dentists and have your jaw and mouth examine for signs of teeth grinding or clenching.
You can also take these steps to avoid becoming a teeth grinder:
• Avoid eating foods and drinking beverages that contain caffeine.
• Do not chew on pens, pencils and gums. Chewing on non-food items allows your jaw muscles to get used to clenching.
• Train the muscles on your jaw to relax and not to grind or clench your teeth.
Archive for May, 2009
All You Want to Know About Teeth Grinding
Saturday, May 9th, 2009Your Bootle Dentist and Dental Hygiene
Saturday, May 9th, 2009
In order to enjoy healthy teeth and gums, it is important to establish excellent dental hygiene practices. Taking care of your teeth should begin at an early age and should continue from then on. Consider these tips from your Bootle dentist:
• Dental Hygiene for Infants – parents should make sure that their babies are checked by the dentists as soon as their first tooth appears. Proper cleaning tips will be provided as well as tips concerning nutritional requirements. Your dentist will also be able to tell you what to do to prevent tooth decay and how to manage teething.
• Dental Hygiene fro Older Children – as your child grows older, dental hygiene practices should also improve. Your dentist will require regular visits to ensure that the permanent teeth are growing properly and there is no sign of tooth decay or gum problems. In addition, this is the age when you should stress the importance of brushing and flossing.
• Dental Hygiene for Adults – as people grow older, dental hygiene will be focused on gum care. Again, you will need to make regular trips to your dentist for proper cleaning. At this age, you are more susceptible to all kinds of oral conditions because of your lifestyle and diet.
• Dental Hygiene for Elderly – as you reach your twilight years, your dental hygiene practices should be adjusted as well. During these years, you might be more prone to oral conditions such as dry mouth, darkened teeth, periodontal diseases and tooth loss. Aside from poor dental hygiene, you may also have certain medical illness that could aggravate these oral conditions. For this reason, it is vital that you check with your Bootle dentist for advice and proper dental care.
Your Wirral Dentists Will Give You the Best Teeth Whitening Service
Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Needless to say, getting a teeth whitening procedure from your Wirral dentist is one of the best decisions you can ever make. Glowing white teeth will give you a smile that captivates and will radiate your new-found self-confidence and greater self-esteem.
Actually, you have three general options to whiten your teeth:
• Teeth whitening procedure in a dental office
If you want immediate results, this is the best option. You can have your teeth whitened in just an hour. First, your dentist will protect your gums with a rubber dam, and then apply a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel for several intervals of about 15 minutes each. In-office teeth whitening can whiten your teeth by 9 or more shades.
• Take-home teeth whitening kits from your dentist
Take-home kits prepared by your dentist consist of a gel with lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide and customized bleaching trays that look like mouth guards. You will apply the gel on your teeth for at least an hour or overnight, depending on your dentist’s instructions.
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening products
These are teeth whitening products usually cheaper than dentist-prepared kits. They consist of lower-concentration bleaching gels. You apply them on your teeth using strips or paint-on applicators.
Since these tools are one-size-fits-all products, oftentimes they only whiten a few of your front teeth by one or two shades.
If you like to whiten your teeth without actively undertaking teeth whitening, just change the tooth care supplies you are using, namely your toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, to products that add some percentage of teeth whitening agents.
Of course, your professional Wirral dentist can give you specific advice and information on which of several teeth whitening options is best for you.
Expert Teeth Straightening from Merseyside Dentist
Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Nowadays, having perfect teeth is important as part of one’s self image. It certainly boosts confidence and self-esteem. It is therefore not surprising that a lot of adults are undergoing teeth straightening procedures done by a Merseyside dentist.
Aside from aesthetic reasons, teeth straightening procedures are also done to:
• As part of treatment for bite problems
• Prevent strain on jaw muscles and jaw
Orthodontic or teeth straightening procedures are usually effective in moving teeth to the best possible position allowing you to have straight teeth. Usually, surgery is required especially if the space in your mouth is not enough for your teeth to be aligned. The procedures can actually be done by your dentist or an orthodontist.
Braces are actually the most common teeth straightening device. In the past, they were really obtrusive, uncomfortable and unsightly but today there are a lot of modern designs which are unobtrusive and no longer unappealing.
Of course, the choice on the type of braces will depend on your preferences and budget. Here are the different types of braces:
• Fixed orthodontic braces – traditional braces that come with metal wires and brackets attached to teeth
• Lingual braces – wire braces fitted to the back of the teeth
• Invisalign – uses clear aligners that can be removed to clean the teeth
• Inman aligner – hybrid between metal braces and invisible braces
• Damon Braces – alternative to traditional braces; friction-free
If you have been longing to smile with great confidence, simply ask your Merseyside dentist about these teeth straightening procedures.
Gum Disease Diagnosis and Treatment by Expert Birkenhead Dentist
Saturday, May 9th, 2009
Although most people would think that tooth decay is the main reason for tooth loss, it is actually gum disease. In fact, this oral condition is quite common that 3 in 4 adults in the United Kingdom suffer from gum disease. It is important that periodontal or gum disease is treated early by your Birkenhead dentists to prevent its progression.
There are basically three kinds of periodontal or gum disease:
• Gingivitis – a condition characterized by gum inflammation. First sign could be bleeding while brushing or flossing teeth. The gums can also become red and sore.
• Periodontitis – a more serious inflammation of the gums and affects the bones which results to the tooth becoming loose in their socket. If left untreated, the tooth will likely fall off.
• Acute Necrotizing Ulcerative Gingivitis – a rare gum condition that affects severely-malnourished individuals. This gum disease is characterized by ulcers and inflammation.
Diagnosis of gum disease is usually based on the symptoms presented. Your dentist might even refer you to a periodontist, who specializes on these kinds of oral diseases. Usually, an x-ray image will be taken to identify the extent of the damage.
Treatment of gum disease is relatively-simple if the condition is detected early. They could include:
• Scaling
• Root Planing for receding gum or bone loss
• Gum Surgery
• Laser
• Antibiotic
Of course, you will need to improve you oral hygiene to prevent recurrence after treatment. Your Birkenhead dentist will advise you on the right oral hygiene program for you.