Saturday, March 24, 2018

Diet considerations for your dental health

I love the warmer weather.  It is generally a hint for me to get my self on a vacation and fast.  THis is because it helps me and my mental and physical health.  It is a jump start to getting better.  This Summer many of us like to branch out and try new drinks and treats.  It is only natural in the United States to end up drinking and eating more at social gatherings.  It is a part of the countries tradition and many things come up during this time which can be harmful.  Not all drinks are bad and many of them are just fine in moderation, but knowing what to moderate is really important. The more you know and are able to apply to your life especialyl in health areas is always a win. 



Now with summer comes nice wine on summer nights.  Most of us know that wine is healthy in some way or another. The one problem is that wine is not the most healthy for your teeth.  I have found that not only does it stain your teeth, but it can be highly acidic.  The real issue for me is that the white wines are more acidic but stain your teeth less.  Overall they are worse for your dental health because they end up decaying your teeth faster.  I do say though that red wine is slightly better for the tooth enamel of your teeth.  The bad side effect is that red wine stains your teeth much more.  This means that neither is really great, and red wine is always a win for health for almost everyone.



So the other end of the spectrum is that some people flat out love beer in summer.  The fact is that a lot of studies are not giving a lot of information on beer.  But some are showing that hops that are in beer usually have beneficial aspects on teeth.  The truth is though that if the beer is acidic then you should not be indulging too much.  There are lots of people who drink 2 or 6 plus beers a day and that can be harming your teeth.  Keep and open mind and a wise one too.


Warm weather means that water is a big part of Summer and it is something that we should be drinking a whole lot more of.  The more the weather cools down the more people end up working out more.  Unfortunately, a lot so people drink lots of sugary drinks instead of water.  Water is very beneficial for your teeth.  The effects of water rise the sugar or acid off your teeth and also help you to create more saliva.  I think saliva is the body's natural tooth cleanser.  It is a fantastic way to not only rinse your teeth but replenish your body's natural mouth wash.  So try and drink as much as you can.  If you are also drinking lots of sweet drinks, make sure to follow these drinks up with some water to help clean the tooth-damaging things away. 



There are imposters in the water world. Even if the commercials are great for them, sparkling water can be very detrimental to your health.  The sparkling waters can have very acidic PH levels and can cause lots of harm.  The issue is that they are breaking down your teeth instead of cleaning them and hydrating your body.  So make sure to be very careful when you drink these sparkling deceivers.  The cost is a financial pain, so just avoid it.



Thursday, February 15, 2018

How To Treat Orofacial Pain

Orofacial pain is a discomfort that involves the unpleasant sensation in the muscles, joints, or bones in the mouth and face. Symptoms of this pain include pain in or around the eyes, discomfort in the depth of the jaw, locking or clicking of your jaw, and headache when you eat, speak, or swallow.

You can have one, some, or all of these symptoms, and they can be a cause of concern. You may want to visit a dental professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What causes orofacial pain?

There can be various reasons for you to have orofacial pain. Some of these reasons are the following.

  • Migraine
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw, head, or neck area
  • Surgery complications
  • Uneven bite
  • Missing teeth
  • TMJ disorder
  • Tooth decay or gum disease
  • Bruxism (also known as grinding of teeth)
  • Injury to the face or jaw

Dental conditions

Your dentist will determine the cause of dental pain based on the type and severity of the discomfort you experience. For instance, your dentist will suggest that you have tooth sensitivity if you feel pain when you eat or drink hot or cold foods. It usually occurs due to tooth decay or gum recession, which is a condition that can expose the unprotected part of your tooth. If you feel pain when you bite down on anything, you may have a cracked tooth or loose filling. According to the National Health Service, the severe tooth pain that radiates to the neck, jaw, or ear is a sign of tooth abscess. If you have a tooth abscess, you may be able to control the resultant pain by taking over-the-counter medicines. But, it is not a permanent solution. Make sure to have an appointment with your dentist as soon as you can.

Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)

The joints and muscles that connect your lower jaw to the upper skull make a complex structure. Any malfunction in that area can cause severe pain and loss of jaw functionality. These joints are known as Temporomandibular joints (TMJ), and any problem with these joints is known as Temporomandibular joints, also known as TMD. This disorder may cause jaw pain, dental pain, earache, facial pain, and a sensation of swelling around the joint. Your dentist may run some physical tests and follow other diagnostic measures to determine the exact cause of the problem.

How to manage orofacial pain at home

Measures that you can take at home to manage orofacial pain will only address symptoms. You are going to have to contact your dentist for an immediate appointment to find permanent relief from the problem. At home, you can take over-the-counter medication to control symptoms until you reach the dental office.

Your dentist may also suggest some actions to control symptoms at home. For instance, he or she may recommend you to use a toothbrush with soft bristles and toothpaste for sensitive teeth to control hypersensitivity pain. If you are suffering from TMD, you may want to eat soft foods, reduce jaw motions, and apply ice to alleviate pain.

You will need to stay in touch with your dentist to discuss your condition. The dentist will guide you through the period until the day of the appointment comes.