It is a common misconception that dentists and orthodontists are the same profession. Despite this, there is a big difference between what a dentist does, and what an orthodontist does. Orthodontia is a specialism a dentist can choose to go down, much like if a doctor wanted to specialise within a specific area, such as neurology. You may never have the need to visit the orthodontist, however, if you should need an appointment with one, it is best to have an understanding of who they are, and what they do.
Sensitive Teeth
The causes behind severe toothache
If you have recently found yourself suffering with toothache, you are not alone. Toothache is a common problem amongst adults and children alike. The most common causes behind this are usually down to an infected or cracked tooth. However, that’s not to say they are the only possibilities for toothache being bought on. In this article, we will look at the different causes behind tooth decay, so we can help you to understand and combat it more effectively.
The benefits of regular dental check ups
The importance of keeping up with regular visits to your dentist should not be understated. Having regular check-ups mean that any problems with your mouth can be detected, and you can receive advice on how to keep your oral hygiene at a good standard. You shouldn’t only see your dentist when a problem arises, through regular visits, little issues such as cavities can be fixed before the develop any further. Here are some of the benefits of attending regular dental appointments:
What constitutes an emergency dental appointment?
Taking care of your teeth isn’t always as simple as brushing twice a day. There are many reasons why you may need to see your dentist, however, it is important to differentiate the difference between needing to see your regular dentist, and needing an emergency visit. Accidents happen every day, but some injuries will require immediate treatment, while others can wait for the normal business hours in which your dentist operates.
How important is flossing?
Although many people forget or skip flossing during their brushing routine, it is recognised as an important part of a daily hygiene process. The question is how important is it when compared to brushing your teeth? Is it really worth the extra time to do? In this article we will look at the benefits of flossing, and look at how important it is in improving your health and day to day life.
The benefits of flossing
Flossing is recommended from a young age. Generally speaking, as soon as you develop two teeth that touch, you are able to start flossing. So why is this practice so heavily recommended by dentists? Well, to start with; through flossing you remove up to 40% of plaque and sticky bacteria from your teeth. Plaque can develop acids which can lead to gum irritation, cavities or gum disease.
Without flossing, we aren’t cleaning all five sides of our teeth exposed, leaving two unclean and therefore able to produce more bacteria. Through flossing, you are able to reach and cleanse all regions of your mouth effectively, removing bacteria and improving your overall oral hygiene.
Flossing, in some cases, can also help with keeping your youthful looks for longer, as preventing gum disease means less damage caused to your gums, teeth and jaw. People who floss look better as they age due to their bones being better maintained and preserved.
The damage of not flossing
Your dental hygiene is important and by not flossing, you are putting yourself at risk of developing detrimental dental problems in the future, such as gingivitis and cavities in between your teeth. This is due to the bacteria in your dental plaque building up after not being removed, irritating the gum tissue. The gums will become inflamed and start to bleed if left untreated, leading to more bacteria being created and gingivitis developing.
The same bacteria harming your gum tissue, is also wearing down the enamel in between your teeth, leading to holes in your teeth known as cavities.
Conclusion
It is very clear that flossing should be incorporated into all of our daily routines, just as much as brushing. You should floss at least once per day, the optimal time being just before bed to remove any excess food debris and plaque left over from the day.
Through flossing more, you will gradually notice the benefits to your oral health, and add more protection from potential oral diseases and cavities!
If you are concerned about your oral health, why not contact Ascent Dental Care Tamworth today, to see how we can help you!
How to prevent grinding teeth
The repetitive and sub conscious grinding of your teeth and jaws is known as bruxism. This can develop at any age, and to anybody. It usually occurs during sleep, although it can happen whilst you are awake.
During the day, you can experience bruxism through intense concentration, through tasks such as heavy lifting, reading, writing and driving. This can also be a symptom of anxiety if you are doing repeatedly throughput the day for no particular reason.
Bruxism symptoms
Having a headache is the most common and noticeable symptom of teeth grinding. According to the bruxism association, people who grind their teeth are three times more likely to be suffering from headaches.
Other symptoms can include muscle aches, enlarged facial muscles, stiff shoulders and next, ear pain and trouble sleeping. Grinding your teeth can also wear them down, causing fracturing and even loss of teeth.
Why do I grind my teeth?
Bruxism can be bought on through a variety of causes. The most common include; stress, anxiety, heavy alcohol use, depression, high caffeine use, smoking and sleeping disorders. However, researchers have found little evidence to support any cause. People who snore or suffer from sleep deprivation are more likely to develop bruxism, as well as people whose lifestyle includes smoking, caffeine and alcohol.
Treatments for bruxism
There are different methods for treating bruxism, depending on what is causing it in the first place. Determining whether the grinding is bought on through your mental health, lifestyle or anxiety will help with developing a treatment plan unique to you.
There is protective gear available for this condition through occlusal appliances, better known as mouth guards. These guards are custom made, and fit over your top and bottom row of teeth. Wearing these at night will drastically reduce tooth erosion, jaw muscle pain and pain in the temporomandibular joint. This is usually the direct treatment for this condition.
Further treatment
Mouth guards are a great way to protect your teeth if you have developed bruxism, however, if you have developed it through anxiety or stress, you may have to look further into the cause in order to stop you from grinding your teeth. Managing your anxiety through mediums such as meditation, relaxation techniques, behavioural management and psychoanalysis can prove effective when trying to combat bruxism.
Mandibular advancements devices are effectively a step further than mouth guards. They are custom made and fit over your top and bottom teeth, and are designed to bring your bottom jaw forward, to reduce snoring and sleep apnea. If this is the cause of our bruxism, this is the preferred treatment.
Are you suffering from bruxism and would like some advice on how to reduce teeth grinding? Why not contact friendly Ascent Dental Care Tamworth today, to see how we can help you!
