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Jaw Pain? It Might Be Bruxism.
Grinding or clenching your teeth is a pretty normal thing to do when you’re annoyed or stressed, and that’s nothing to worry about. However, if you grind your teeth on a more regular basis, whether asleep or awake, it can become a serious problem. This kind of chronic teeth-grinding is known as bruxism.
Why Does Bruxism Happen?
Sleep bruxism, also called nocturnal bruxism, is sometimes the side effect of sleep apnea or snoring, while awake bruxism (diurnal bruxism) can be a side effect of stress. However, not everyone with bruxism is dealing with a sleep disorder or stress, and everyone with a sleep disorder or a lot of stress in their lives will have bruxism. Improperly aligned teeth can also cause bruxism.
Bruxism Symptoms
Treatment for bruxism can sometimes be tricky because there isn’t a single clear cause, so the focus tends to be on reducing symptoms and minimizing the damage. You might not be consciously aware of a teeth-grinding habit, but if you experience at least some of the following symptoms, it could be because of bruxism:
- Sore jaw (with sleep bruxism, your jaw will be most sore in the morning, whereas with awake bruxism, it’ll be most sore in the evening)
- Frequent headaches from the constant strain
- Overdeveloped jaw muscles (because you’re giving them a major workout!)
- Shifting teeth
- Flattened chewing surfaces of teeth
- Exposed dentin and increased tooth sensitivity
- Chipped, cracked, or split teeth
- Tooth loss
Bruxism Treatment
There are a variety of treatments or approaches to either reduce the grinding or the damage it causes, depending on the type of bruxism you have.
Behavioral Therapy
You can become more aware of your clenching/grinding habits with behavioral therapy or habit-reversal techniques and consciously work to stop. Because it’s much harder to control what your jaw muscles do in your sleep, this option tends to work better for awake bruxism.
Relaxation
Relaxation techniques such as yoga, deep breathing exercises, massages, warm baths, calming music, and a full night’s sleep can help you de-stress and stop grinding if your bruxism is stress-related.
Prescribed Medication
Medicine is rarely used to treat bruxism, especially if other treatments are helping, but muscle relaxant medication prescribed by your doctor might help you unclench while you sleep.
Set up a free consultation with us!
If you are experiencing any bruxism symptoms, we’d love to schedule a free consultation with you. Many of our doctors can provide custom night guards to help you stop grinding in your sleep or advise you on any dental health habits or behaviors that can help you get relief.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
The American Dental Association (ADA) established National Children’s Dental Health Month over thirty years ago to promote the benefits starting young to achieve good oral health. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease in the country. Tooth decay affects more children than asthma or hay fever. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 40% of children will have some tooth decay by the time they enter kindergarten. The good news for parents is that tooth decay is preventable!
The following recommendations will get your child off to a great start with good dental health.
- Brush and floss twice each day
The best weapons available to a parent are a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss. The ADA recommends that parents teach their children to brush for two minutes two times a day—morning and evening at bedtime. Use only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and teach your child to avoid swallowing toothpaste. Parents should provide help and supervision until a child is about seven or eight years old.
- Limit sugary treats and drinks
This includes avoiding juice between meals. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends limiting juice to four to six ounces per day. Parents can also replace sugary treats with healthy snacks such as cheese, yogurt, and fruit.
- Schedule a dental checkup
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents schedule their child’s first visit to the dentist when the child turns one year of age. First birthday equals first checkup. However, if a parent detects discoloration or staining, they should schedule an appointment right away.
- Make sure your water has fluoride
Fluoride helps teeth resist acid attacks by strengthening tooth enamel. If your local water supply does not have fluoride, talk to your dentist about fluoride drops or tablets.
National Children’s Dental Health Month is a good reminder that it’s never too early to start your child on the path of good dental health. Habits developed early tend to become lifelong habits.
Tags: children, dental health, national children's dental health month
An Apple A Day May Keep The Doctor and The Dentist Away!
You may have noticed the apple featured on the Mortenson Family Dental logo. Apples have long been associated with a healthy smile. It takes strong, healthy teeth to bite into a crunchy apple! There’s also a more personal reason for the apple on the logo. Years ago, Sue Mortenson took her car to the car wash. When she got back in her car, she found an apple left for her on the front seat. Sue was very impressed by that special touch. That’s why you’ll be offered an apple and apple cider when you visit your Mortenson Family Dental office.
You’ve heard the expression “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. It may also be true that an apple a day keeps the dentist away. Children have a natural sweet tooth that draws them to sugary snacks and chewy candy that can stick to the teeth. Tooth decay results when cavity-causing organisms feed on this sugar and turn it into enamel-eroding acid. Apples are naturally sweet and offer a healthy alternative to processed, sugary snacks packed with nutrient-deficient calories.
Apples have other advantages over sugary snacks and even over many other fruits.
- Apples are portable and can be packed in a lunch box with no refrigeration needed.
- Apples can satisfy a sugar craving at ¼ the calories of candy or chocolate.
- Apples are packed with Vitamin C which is great for the immune system.
- Apples have flavonoids with antioxidant properties that guard against heart disease.
- Apples have been shown to lower bad cholesterol and may have cancer-fighting benefits.
- Apples come in many varieties of taste and color. If you don’t like a Granny Smith apple, have a Gala, a Honeycrisp, a Golden Delicious, or many others!
You might be surprised that in addition to apples and apple cider, you’ll find chocolate chip cookies waiting for you at your next visit to a Mortenson Family Dental office. The cookies are to help you feel at home and comfortable, too; Sue Mortenson knows that one cookie won’t hurt you. Our dental hygienist will clean your teeth during your appointment, so you’ll leave with a healthier smile!
Tags: apple
So Many Brands, So Little Time!
Since Crest toothpaste became the first toothpaste to receive the American Dental Association’s Seal of Approval in 1960, more than 400 toothpastes have shown up on retail store shelves. Every brand offers multiple sizes, flavors, and specialties. Buying a simple tube of toothpaste is not so simple.
Toothpaste is a daily essential, or should be, in every household. Toothpaste improves the cleaning power of your toothbrush by helping to remove plaque, the film of bacteria on teeth and gums that contributes to tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Most toothpaste contains detergents that cause a foaming action to remove food particles. Some add abrasives to help remove stains or flavoring to improve taste. Beyond that there are baking soda toothpaste, natural toothpaste, gels, desensitizing toothpaste, breath-freshening toothpaste, and many more. With so many choices, what’s a shopper to do?
- Look for fluoride
The fluoride in toothpaste strengthens tooth enamel which helps prevent tooth decay. Fluoride also works to remineralize teeth worn by acid.
- Look for the ADA Seal
The American Dental Association evaluates toothpastes for safety and effectiveness. All toothpastes with the ADA Seal contain fluoride.
- Evaluate special claims
Many manufacturers have specialty products in their line that make certain claims. You should know that whitening toothpaste doesn’t really whiten teeth but contains abrasives or chemicals to remove tooth stains. Tartar control toothpaste doesn’t remove existing tartar; only a dentist can do that. Instead, the product helps prevent tartar from accumulating.
- Consult your dentist
Based on the results of your dental exam, your dentist can determine if a special product is necessary. If there are no specific concerns, most dentists advise their patients to choose a brand they like because they will be more likely to use it regularly. Also, check with your orthodontist before making a selection. Some orthodontists advise patients who wear braces to avoid certain toothpastes, such as those containing a whitening agent.
New Year’s Resolutions to Smile About
Did you know that the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions started with the Babylonians 4000 years ago? Since the Babylonian New Year coincided with the planting of new crops, their most common resolution was to return borrowed farm equipment. That’s probably not one of your resolutions, but there is something about that blank calendar or planner that makes the start of a new year a logical time for a fresh start.
Today the most common resolutions have to do with health issues such as losing weight, exercising more, or eating healthy. Here are four resolutions that will improve your dental health in the coming year.
- Schedule your dental checkup. Even if you’re not having any dental problems, call your dentist at the first of the year to schedule an appointment. Use your new calendar or planner to record the date.
- Commit to brushing and flossing. Most of us brush twice a day but often neglect to make flossing part of our daily routine. Just as you keep your toothbrush easily accessible on the bathroom counter, put the floss where you will see it when you brush your teeth.
- Reduce your sugar intake. Reducing the amount of sugary foods and beverages you consume can reduce your risk for tooth decay. Start with easy substitutions like sugar-free gum and replace sodas with water. Add more dairy products and high-fiber foods to your diet. Your waistline will also benefit!
- Stop smoking. Most of us know the health risks associated with smoking, but we may not be aware of the increased risk for gum disease. Use your new calendar to schedule healthy activities to help take your mind off the cravings. Enlist the help of your family and friends. Look forward to the day you can write “Tobacco Free” on your calendar!
Studies show that it can take thirty days before a new habit becomes routine so don’t give up. Commit to these resolutions for your dental health one day at a time!
Tags: new year, new year's resolutions, resolutions