Archive for the ‘dental care’ Category

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is the grinding, gnashing or clenching of teeth. Most people think of bruxism as something people do when they’re mad, nervous or stressed. However, bruxism can occur unconsciously during the day or during sleep.

What causes bruxism?
There are many causes of bruxism. Some emotional causes of bruxism are stress, anger, or a competitive or hyperactive personality. Bruxism can also be caused by an irregular alignment of upper or lower teeth or changes that occur during sleep cycles.

What are the effects of bruxism?
In some cases bruxism can be a minor problem and not even require treatment, but in other cases it can be very serious. Bruxism wears down the teeth and can cause jaw pain, headaches, neck pain, chronic face pain, loose teeth and cracked teeth.

What are some signs of bruxism?
Other than experiencing some of the aforementioned symptoms, people with bruxism may also experience heightened tooth sensitivity, enlarged jaw muscles, earaches, and even indentations on their tongue. If you are experiencing these symptoms you should contact a cosmetic dentist before the situation worsens.

How is bruxism treated?
Bruxism can be treated in a variety of ways:

Change of lifestyle. One cause of bruxism is stress. Learning to manage stress can be a large step in preventing or stopping bruxism. Seeking professional counseling or practicing stress management therapies can help tackle stress. Some stress management therapies can be as simple as exercise or meditation.

Cosmetic dentistry techniques. There are some cosmetic dental techniques that can help prevent bruxism. A cosmetic dentist may suggest a mouth guard or a splint to prevent harming teeth. In extreme cases a cosmetic dentist might have to implement overlays or crowns to reshape the teeth.

Medications. Medications aren’t typically prescribed for bruxism and haven’t been found to be particularly effective. However, occasionally cosmetic dentists will prescribe muscle relaxants to be taken before bedtime.

How can the effects of bruxism be prevented?
One way damage from bruxism can be prevented is by seeing a cosmetic dentist regularly. A cosmetic dentist can discover bruxism or signs or bruxism early on. The earlier bruxism is caught, the easier it will be to prevent future damage to your teeth.

This is a guest blog post by Dr. Neil Riley
Dr. Riley is a cosmetic dentist in Columbia, MO. Dr. Riley is also a teacher of cosmetic dentistry across the country in various schools and programs. Dr. Riley is continuously updated on the latest cosmetic dentistry techniques, equipment and materials.

Dental spas have grown in popularity over the last few years. They offer a variety of different services depending on the clinic, and there are definitely advantages to visiting a dental spa in order to take care of your teeth.

The Pamper Factor
A stereotypical dental clinic can conjure up images of white walls, sterile instruments and a large x-ray machine. These mental pictures are a far cry from a spa experience, with plush fabrics, low light, and relaxing music.

However, dental clinics are offering more relaxing atmospheres that resemble spas as well as a variety of spa experiences. Some of these pampering amenities can include:

• Aromatherapy
• Accessories like neck pillows, fleece blankets, heated hand mittens and sunglasses
• Complimentary food and drinks
• Overhead flat-screen TVs with remote
• Headphones with music channels
• Reflexology
• Massage
• Facials
• Manicures and Pedicures

It’s important to keep in mind that these services cost extra and are not covered by insurance. Some of the services, like the neck-pillows or a brief foot massage, may be included in the cost of the visit while other services are scheduled and billed separately.

The Importance of Safety
Along with a relaxing atmosphere, safety is a high priority at a dental spa. There are usually a variety of alternative solutions to standard dental work, including mercury-free dentistry at dentists like this dentist in Vancouver, Washington, which apply new technologies to avoid using metal fillings.

Typical fillings are called “amalgam,” a combination of silver and mercury. Mercury is a known toxin, and with advances in dental technology, is no longer required for most procedures as it has been used in the past. Instead of amalgam, substitutions made from porcelain or similar composites are used that look and wear like regular teeth – and don’t contain mercury.

A Stress-Free Experience
It’s much easier for everyone involved when patients feel relaxed while getting dental work done. Dental spas are ideal for a stress-free experience, with techniques that range from deep-breathing exercises to massage chairs. If you need to miss work for a dental procedure, some dental spas offer on-site internet, courier and fax services to help.

Since many dental spas are focused on the whole person, it’s not unusual to be able to choose services that help those with phobia or pain issues. This overall approach to dentistry includes people who otherwise might not go to the dentist regularly, providing them with a stress-free environment for dental procedures.

The Value of Time
Aside from relaxation, there’s a valuable time element when visiting a dental spa. It’s nice to be able to get more than one service in one place; for example, being able to receive a manicure while you get your teeth cleaned. Depending on how luxurious the dental spa, you may even be able to take advantage of services like dog sitting, babysitting, complimentary limousine rides and parting gifts.

Renewed Associations
Regularly visiting a dentist is vital to maintaining good health, and now it doesn’t have to be scary or nerve-wracking. Dental exams, teeth cleanings, and other dental work can now be associated with pleasure instead of pain or discomfort when patients visit a dental spa.

This article is a guest blog post written by Kelly Wilson.  Kelly is a freelance writer interested in alternative solutions offered by professionals like this mercury free dentist in Vancouver, Washington.