Author: craigentinny
Triggers of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in Children
Although uncommon in children, temporomandibular joint disorders, or TMJ, can occur for various reasons. Affecting the jaws and the connecting muscles and tissues, TMJ causes pain and discomfort and can be difficult for a dentist to diagnose properly.
TMJ begins in early pregnancy and continues to develop in the child’s first ten years. TMJ can be triggered by:
– Jaw injury
– Grinding of teeth
– Stress
Other factors include “chewing on hard objects such as pencils, ice or hard candy” or an incorrect bite. More detailed information on TMJ in children can be found at: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/tmj-treatment-options-for-children/
Will Autism be Chemically Detected in the Future?
The cognitive condition autism is normally detected by tests later in life. However, certain elements within baby teeth could be used as chemical markers soon after birth. Although seeing a dentist is critical during these years, scientists may very well be able to provide additional options in the future.
– Minerals like copper and zinc are found within all baby (and adult) teeth.
– How these substances were metabolised during gestation can be detected.
– Levels of zinc and copper in these baby teeth could be an early indication of autism.
“One expert in autism said the findings were intriguing.”
Read more about the experiment below:
All You Need to Know About a Cracked Tooth
If left untreated, a cracked tooth may become infected, cause pain and eventually result in tooth loss:
– People are not always aware they have a cracked tooth; signs include sensitivity, pain when eating, and swollen gums around a tooth.
– Cracked teeth can be caused by biting too hard, teeth grinding, or a physical injury.
– Book an appointment with your dentist if you think you may have a cracked tooth as most can easily be treated.
“In the most severe cases, when a crack has penetrated the pulp of the tooth, root canal treatment may be necessary.”
Read the full story here: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322015.php
Understanding Numbness After Dental Surgeries
Anesthetics are important for reducing and numbing pain during oral surgeries. You also require numbing for teeth extraction and fillings. But how long will the shot suppress the pain?
Main takeaways:
– The dose administered depends on the size of the area being treated and the type of procedure.
– Numbness from novocaine should last about 60 minutes.
– However, if you are less sensitive due to infections or other conditions, the dentist might add epinephrine.
Discuss your health status with the dentist to find out if you can use novocaine.
Read more here:
Preventing Your Baby From Developing Gum Disease
Babies can develop gum disease if their oral hygiene is poor. Luckily, gum disease can be prevented:
– Baby’s gums should be wiped gently with a soft damp washcloth after each feed.
– Once baby’s first tooth comes through a small toothbrush with a grain-sized blob of toothpaste can be used; once baby has two teeth that touch flossing can be introduced.
– If baby does develop gum disease, it can easily be treated by the dentist
“Your dentist can further advise you on best practices when taking care of your baby’s mouth to stop gum disease.”
Read the full story here: https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/can-infants-suffer-from-gum-disease/
What are the Dental Impacts of Sleep Apnea?
While there is no doubt that sleep apnea is associated with difficulty when resting, there are additional oral consequences that can affect the teeth and gums. What are some common symptoms and why should you speak with your dentist as soon as possible?
– Bruxism (grinding your teeth) can eventually wear away layers of protective enamel.
– Issues such as pain in the jaw are also common.
– A lack of sleep can impact your overall health from a long-term point of view.
“Getting an official diagnosis is essential to receiving the right treatment that can help restore your quality of life.”
Learn more below:
https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-does-a-dentist-diagnose-sleep-apnea/
What Type Of Mouthwash Is Best For Young Children?
Mouthwash makes for super-clean teeth, but is it suitable and safe for youngsters?
Key takeaways:
– Your dentist can recommend when a child should start using mouthwash regularly – typically after age 6.
– It is important to supervise children and explain that their mouthwash is for rinsing, not for drinking.
– Too much fluoride could cause dental fluorosis, i.e., mottled enamel with irreversible white spots on the child’s permanent teeth.
Children under age six might not fully understand how to use mouthwash; they may be at risk if they swallow it.
Click for further advice from a leading dentist:
https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/should-children-use-mouthwash-what-kind-is-best/
Oral Health Issues May Point to Medical Condition
Oral health is not just about your teeth and gums and certain symptoms may point to medical conditions that will need to be treated by a doctor, not your dentist.
Some of the most common symptoms to look for and their potential causes are:
– Lots of cavities at once – may be a symptom of diabetes
– Erosion of tooth enamel – could be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
– Bleeding gums when brushing your teeth – might be a symptom of gingivitis
– White spots on the tongue – a possible sign of oral thrush
“Problems with your gums, teeth, and tongue can hint at health concerns deeper in the body” so if you notice anything wrong you should book an appointment with your dentist or doctor.
Read more about these four conditions, their symptoms, causes and treatments here http://www.health.com/oral-health/oral-symptoms#91e274f6-0309-4f45-89fc-0efbd737ab40
What are Some Common Causes of White Spots on Gums?
If you have white and painful spots on your tongue, this could indicate a condition known as oral thrush. Thrush is caused by the Candida bacteria which has been linked to several health-related issues. What are some common causes?
– Oral thrush could be a signal that your immune system has been weakened.
– Dry mouth can cause oral thrush as well as problems with your teeth.
– Thrush is often present alongside diabetes; an important reason to see your dentist.
”It’s not super common, but people who have a depressed immune system are more at risk.”
This link offers additional insight:
http://www.health.com/oral-health/oral-symptoms#91e274f6-0309-4f45-89fc-0efbd737ab40
Need to Know: Flossing Correctly?
Flossing is an important part of your oral care routine. It removes food debris from those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth.
Key takeaways:
– Floss gently once a day.
– Floss before brushing your teeth.
– Use a clean section of 15-18 inches of floss.
If you experience bleeding after you have been flossing regularly, see your dentist who can check for gum disease or to help you with your technique.
“Flossing helps reach all the places in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach.”
Read the full article here:
https://yourdentalhealthresource.com/how-can-i-know-if-im-flossing-correctly/