You might think the best method to brush your teeth is using a hard toothbrush and back and forth motion.  Although it might make you feel like you are cleaning your teeth thoroughly, you just might be causing more harm than good.  If you have sensitive teeth, brushing too harshly can cause microscopic scrapes and scratches on your teeth.  With... read more »

There are generally two types of treatments – surgical and nonsurgical.  The majority of TMJ treatments do not require a surgical procedure.  Most of the nonsurgical treatments will help relieve the pain and improve function, but not cure the problem. The most common treatment is a stabilization or bite splint.  This treatment uses a plastic guard which fits over the... read more »

This month we are focusing our educational blog on the temporomandibular joint, more commonly known as TMJ.  The American Dental Association (ADA) considers the temporomandibular one of the most complex joints in the body because it is composed of numerous muscles, ligaments and bones. Its function is to allow the jaw to move up and down, facilitating chewing and speech... read more »

A root canal is a method used to repair and save a tooth that’s badly decayed or infected. When a tooth is compromised, there is usually pain involved. The root canal removes the nerve tissue, which eliminates pain. We also clean the inside of the tooth, fill it full of medicine and seal it so food and moisture can’t get... read more »

I can hear my mother saying, “Kids, will be kids!”  Inevitably when the kids are being kids, there can be an elbow to the mouth or a knee to the cheek.  Not to mention accidents involving sports or other physical activity. What should you do if a tooth is knocked out?  If it is a permanent tooth: first locate the... read more »

You and your family have just set out on a great trip when your tooth begins to ache.  Now what?  First, do not put any pain killers, such as aspirin, directly on the gum surrounding the tooth because the medicine can burn the gum tissue.  You should clean your mouth out by rinsing with warm salt water.  Gently swish the... read more »

Drinking hot coffee or eating your favorite ice cream should not be painful.  Nor should brushing or flossing your teeth. If you feel a twinge; you might have sensitive teeth. The causes of sensitivity vary: tooth decay, gum disease, worn enamel and older fillings are all culprits. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated. We have a... read more »

Congratulations!  You or someone you love might have just received the exciting news of pregnancy! There is so much to plan and to prepare for the new bundle of joy, but do not forget about the dental care of the mother.  With all the changing hormones that occur during pregnancy it can cause some dental issues to worsen. Often mothers-to-be... read more »

There are simple things you can do daily to help deter the onset of dementia, like keeping your mind active with crossword or other puzzles, or drinking green tea. Yet, did you know that the health of your teeth and gums can help predict dementia? Research conducted at the University of Southern California found that having periodontal disease before the... read more »

Do you usually have a dry mouth or bad breath?  What about cracked lips, the skin splitting at the corners of your mouth or a frequent sore throat?  If you answered “yes,” you may suffer from xerostomia, a condition caused by a lack of saliva. Commonly known as “dry mouth,” it makes swallowing, speaking and occasionally tasting food more difficult.... read more »