Identifying the Signs of Bruxism

Do you grind or clench your teeth? Advanced wear and fractures of the teeth can be due to bruxism.

Nutrition and Oral Health

Eating a balanced diet will provide your body with the vitamins and minerals necessary for healthy teeth and gums. Limit foods that are high in sugar, such as soft drinks and candy, and enjoy snacks that are good for you, such as apples, carrots and popcorn. Keep plaque off your teeth by cleaning twice a day for two minutes or longer and flossing. Reduce your frequency of sugar intake and avoid sugar between meals in tea, coffee, pop, and foods. It is not the quantity but the frequency that leads to decay. Sugar with meals is ok. Use a mouth wash that contains fluoride. Use special fluoride gels, varnish or fluoride supplements. Starches can take 9 times longer for the bacteria to ferment than sucrose, glucose, or fructose but given enough time in some hard to reach areas it will ferment and lead to tooth decay if the right type of fermenters are present. If you take a medication that has sugar in it, ask to be given this medicine in a sugar free form. Chew sugar-free gum containing Xylitol, a sugar substitute 3-5 times a day. This helps to remineralize tooth structure, plus gum chewing increases saliva production. Saliva acts as a buffer and remineralizing agent. Toothbrushes should never be shared -- bacteria can be transmitted when using someone else's toothbrush. See your dentist every six months for checkups, to catch cavities while they are small, and for necessary cleanings. If you notice white spots, tooth discoloration or cavities make an appointment today!

Dental Care and Prevention Videos
Taking care of your teeth and gums Windows Media 10.2mb Quicktime Video 9.6mb	Prevention Ages 6-8 Windows Media 8.6mb Quicktime Video 10.4mb

Fear of the Dentist

Dental anxiety in the general population is more prevalent in females than in males, and anxiety is not reduced in spite of more modern treatment methods. Intensive fear often leads to avoidance of care and consequences like poor oral health, psychosocial problems and reduced quality of life. The etiology of dental anxiety is complex, but is often associated with traumatic dental experiences during childhood. These negative experiences are reported as painful or unpleasant and are influenced by the patient's perception of lack of coping and control. However, having several positive dental appointments before any invasive or painful treatment sessions can act as a barrier to these perceptions of lack of coping. Our staff has been trained to help you deal with your anxiety. We will inform you of what to expect, answer your questions, and ensure your confidence and comfort during your visit. Sedation is used to PREVENT medical emergencies, and properly administered does not cause them. Here are some of the methods we use to help alleviate dental discomfort or phobia: Nitrous oxide, also know as laughing gas, is given to the patient to decrease anxiety. Oral conscious sedation pills. Topical anesthetics are applied with a swab to numb the gums before the injectable anesthetic is administered.

Links to Other Sites

American Dental Association Academy of General Dentistry American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Sports Dentistry Dentalbytes magE*ZINE The Tooth Fairy American Dental Hygienists' Association American Academy of Periodontology American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry American Association of Dental Schools American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons American Association of Orthodontists American College of Prosthodontics International Association For Dental Research National Institute of Dental Research Orthodontic Cyberjournal ORTHO-ID Identification Network Academy of Oral Medicine Dental Phobia Treatment Center