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Dental And Surgical Treatment Options For TMJ Disorder

Temporomandibular joint disorder (often known as TMJ disorder or TJD) is a relatively common affliction that can range from slightly discomforting to extremely damaging and painful. TMJ disorder occurs when the jaws that operate your joint become overworked and stressed, commonly locking up and leading to conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) and headaches. TMJ disorder has a multitude of causes, including stress, and is often treated through dental work on a preventative and palliative level due to the damage done to the teeth -- which can include loosened and fractured teeth.

Fear The Dentist? 3 Ways To Deal With A Dental Phobia

One of the most important things you can do for your oral health is visiting the dentist every 6 months. Unfortunately, the fear of going to a dentist office is a huge obstacle that makes it difficult for some people to make the appointment. Having a dental phobia is not uncommon, and is something you must conquer if you want to maintain your great smile. Here are 3 ways to deal with a dental phobia.

The Dangers Of Over Whitening Your Teeth

It seems like having whiter teeth is a popular desire today, and there are many ways people can achieve this. If you want to have whiter teeth, you can use at-home products or get professional services, but you should realize that there are dangers to over whitening your teeth. What are the dangers? If you go through professional tooth whitening services each year, this could be considered a normal part of good dental hygiene and care, but if you start whitening your teeth daily, weekly, or even monthly, you might develop problems.

Oral Problems That Can Occur In Children With Down Syndrome

It's common for children with the genetic disorder Down syndrome to have dental issues that need special attention. Weakened immune systems, low muscle tone, teeth that come in late, bite problems, and an increased risk of periodontal disease are oral problems that dentists often see in patients with Down syndrome. That's why it helps to understand what dental problems may occur so that you can work with a dentist who will best meet your child's needs.

Dos And Don'ts Of Recovering After Tooth Extraction

Whether you've just had a tooth extracted or will have one extracted in the near future, it's important that you know how to properly care for the wound in the hours and days after the procedure. Otherwise, you could end up facing a nasty bacterial infection, excessive bleeding, or other issues. By being aware of both what to do and what not to do, however, you should be in great shape and mostly recovered within the first week.

Two Challenges Associated With Dental Implants For Seniors

It's a given that you can get, and benefit from, dental implants at any age. However, it is also true that old people face unique health challenges that younger people may not have. Here are two of these challenges, and how they may impact the success of your oral health: Low Bone Density The quality (height, width and density) of the bone is one of the essential factors that determine whether an implant succeeds or fails.

Three Good Reasons To Stick With Your Sleep Apnea Treatment

Most patients are pretty good about adhering to their sleep apnea treatment after they're first diagnosed. You've probably been suffering from poor sleep for a while, and when you first start using the medication or oral breathing devices prescribed to you, you feel so much better. After a few months of treatment, however, you get used to feeling good again and may forget the importance of sticking with your sleep apnea treatment regimen.

Want A Job That Combines Science And Art? Check Out The Dental Technician Career Path

Sometimes the title "dental technician" is used interchangeably with "hygienist," but they are very different professions. While hygienists work in the dental office and clean teeth, a dental technician (also known as a dental prosthetist or ceramist) works in a laboratory and restorative appliances, such as false teeth, and orthodontic appliances. If you are investigating schooling and have a penchant for both science and art, this job may be a perfect fit.

4 Ways Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Teen's Smile

Your teen's braces are finally off and she's bursting for that starlet-white smile. Cosmetic dentists can create bright mouths in the office, but is your child ready for a professional procedure? Before deciding between at-home whitening options and an in-office version, consider a few fast facts on cosmetic dentistry for adolescents. 1. Whitening toothpastes. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, whitening toothpastes remove surface stains. These products don't change the color of the teeth or bleach them.

Stay Current With Research When Weighing Surgery For Dental Implants

Since the body can reject dental implants, a dentist must determine a patient's viability as a candidate for the procedure. If you are someone who suffers from a condition leaving you a perceived weak candidate, do not automatically assume your situation is hopeless. Effective research continually helps expand the chances of success even for someone who isn't the optimal candidate. Researching news about implants and avoiding prescribing to myths is advised for anyone wondering about viability for the procedure.