Why is it important to have regular teeth
cleaning?
Did you know "teeth cleaning" does more than
just clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely essential if you want to
preserve your teeth. It builds up on the tooth surfaces and between the teeth.
Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital, but everyone needs their teeth
professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Remember – only a dental hygienist
can completely clean your teeth.
Is fluoride
bad for you?
Fluoride is fine... in small amounts. Excessive
fluoride can cause tooth enamel irregularities. Young children, especially,
often swallow too much toothpaste while brushing. So parents, supervise your
young kids while they brush. Kids (and even adults) often use way too much
toothpaste (a pea-size drop is plenty). A little goes a long way.
My 12-year-old likes to chew ice. Is this harmful?
Tooth enamel is very hard, but that doesn't mean you can't break it. Try to
avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your
teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the
enamel.
Why are soft drinks bad for your
teeth?
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies.
What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy.
Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst.
Dentists even have a name for the damage it does – they call it "Dew Mouth."
These soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents,
watch your kid's consumption of these, because young children's enamel hasn't
developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids. As well as
eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), use a sugar-free
xylitol chewing gum after meals. Also, rinse your mouth with a high-quality
dental mouthwash.
Does the doctor check for oral cancer?
Yes, we
do. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense in detecting and
treating oral cancer. Each year in the US, approximately 30,000 people are newly
diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide, the problem is far greater, with new
cases annually approaching 300,000. In the US alone, a person dies from oral
cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal
cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 10,000 additional new cases per year)
and death are significantly higher. However, the good news is, when found early,
oral cancers have an 80 to 90% cure rate.
I think I grind my teeth at
night. What can I do about this?
Do you wake up with discomfort in your
jaws or a persistent headache? If so, you may be grinding (called bruxing) while
you sleep. Persistent bruxing can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and
shorter. It can also damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even affect
your hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today. Our doctors
may recommend a night guard or other oral appliance.
What is a TMJ
disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, your jaw joints. The
ache, discomfort, or tenderness in or around the jaw joints is called a TMJ
disorder.
Signs that you might have a TMJ disorder are:
There are a variety of treatment options for TMJ. Be sure to ask us about these.
This is just a sampling of often-asked questions. Have one of your own? Don't hesitate to give us a call at 575-522-1983 so we can assist you.
Bridget Burris, DDS
1748 South Triviz Drive,
Las Cruces, NM 88001
575-522-1983
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