Everything You Need To Know About Tooth Grinding 31 January 20246 September 2022Tooth grinding (bruxism) is a condition where you grind, gnash or clench your teeth. If you suffer with bruxism you may unconsciously grind your teeth during the day or when you’re asleep.Sleep bruxism is considered a sleep related movement disorder. People who suffer with sleep bruxism are more likely to experience other sleep disorders such as snoring or sleep apnea.Mild bruxism may not require treatment, but people with more severe symptoms can experience jaw disorders, headaches, damaged teeth and other issues.SymptomsYou may notice these symptoms that are a sign of bruxism:Teeth grinding or clenchingTeeth that are flattened, fractured, chipped or looseWorn tooth enamel. exposing deeper layers of your tooth.Increased tooth pain or sensitivityTired or tight jaw musclesPain that feels like earacheDull headache in the templesDamage from chewing the inside of your cheekSleep disruption.TreatmentFirst, your dentist will try to determine the cause of your bruxism. They will ask questions about your general dental health, daily routines, medications and sleeping habits.In many cases, treatment isn’t necessary. However, if the problem is severe, options include certain dental approaches, therapies and medications to prevent more tooth damage.There are options to try to prevent bruxism, including splints and mouth guards. These are designed to keep the teeth separate to avoid the damage caused by grinding and clenching. These can be worn at night to prevent night bruxism.Other ApproachesThere are other methods you can use:Stress or anxiety management: If your tooth grinding is caused by stress, it may be a good idea to consider some stress relieving strategies to help promote relaxation.Behaviour change: Once you are told that you have bruxism, you may be able to change the position of your jaw to the proper position. Ask your dentist to show you the right position.Lifestyle And Home Remedies Reduce stress: Listen to relaxing music, taking a long bath or exercising can help you relax and could reduce your chances of developing bruxism.Avoid stimulating substances in the evening: Don’t drink coffee or caffeinated tea after your evening meal and avoid alcohol during the evening.Practice good sleeping habits: Getting a good nights sleep may help to reduce the symptoms of bruxism.Schedule regular dental exams: Dental exams are the best way to identify bruxism. Your dentist can spot signs of bruxism.If you are concerned about tooth grinding or clenching, or think that a mouthguard would be beneficial please contact us at info@newbydental.co.uk or call us on 01723 670500.
What Is Gum Recession And What Causes It? 24 January 20246 September 2022What Is Gum Recession?Gum recession is a form of gum disease that happens when your gums start to pull away from your tooth, exposing the roots underneath. This also makes your teeth more susceptible to cavities as well as making them more sensitive when brushing and eating.Who Does Gum Recession Affect?Gum recession can affect people of all ages but it is most common in people over 65. There are some risk factors that will make it more likely that you will develop recession:If you have periodontal disease.If you had braces or other orthodontic treatment.If you use chewing tobacco.If you have a lip or tongue piercing.If you brush your teeth aggressively.Symptoms Of Gum RecessionThe most obvious sign is the exposure of tooth roots but there are other warning signs:Pain or discomfort near your gum line.Sensitivity to heat, cold and sweets.Sensitivity when brushing and flossing your teeth.Sensitivity during dental cleanings.If left untreated, gum recession can lead to other serious oral health problems such as bone loss or tooth loss. If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned, you should book an appointment with your dentist.What Causes Recession?There are a number of reasons that your gums may recede:Brushing too hard or aggressively.Dental plaque or build up of tartar.Periodontal disease.Trauma or injury to the gum tissue.Abnormal tooth positioning.Smoking or chewing tobacco.Lip and tongue piercings.A lot of the time, poor oral hygiene contributes to gum recession but it isn’t always the case. Some people have a genetic predisposition to recession.How Is Gum Recession Diagnosed?Your dentist will be able to diagnose gum recession during a routine check-up appointment. They will use a periodontal probe to measure the amount of gum recession on each tooth.Management And TreatmentUnfortunately, gums can’t grow back, but there are things you can do to stop it from worsening. Mild cases of recession can be treated with nonsurgical treatments such as topical antibiotics, dental bonding or orthodontics.During gum recession surgery, a gum graft is used to replace your missing gum tissue. The graft would usually be taken from the roof of your mouth but can occasionally come from sterilised human donor tissue.
Am I Too Old For Invisalign? 17 January 20246 September 2022The simple answer is no! Many people delay having orthodontic treatment until later in life when they are able to afford it. In fact, treatment works well with adults because they tend to comply with wearing their retainers regularly.Reasons Adults Seek Invisalign TreatmentMany adults who have issues with their smile actually had braces when they were younger but didn’t keep up with wearing their retainer. This has caused their teeth to shift back into their old position.Other patients have always had crooked teeth but did not have the opportunity to have them corrected when they were younger.Whatever reason for being unhappy with your smile, it’s never too late to enjoy Invisalign treatment.Pros And Cons Of Invisalign As An AdultThe benefit to having orthodontic treatment as a child is that they have jaws that are still growing. Undergoing orthodontic treatment during this stage means that dentist can account for growth when planning treatments.Having Invisalign treatment as an adult means that you are more likely to comply with wearing the retainer. As an adult you are more likely to appreciate the results that the aligners provide you, meaning you will look after them effectively and wear them when instructed to do so.What To Expect During TreatmentOnce you have decided to go ahead with treatment, impressions of your mouth will be taken and you will be given your first set of trays. The trays are normally worn for two weeks at a time. Once you have worn all of your trays, you will be given a retainer to wear at night.If you are interested in having Invisalign treatment, you can book a complimentary appointment with our treatment coordinator who will help you decide if it is the right treatment for you. Please call us on 01723 670500 to book an appointment.If you would like more information, please visit our Invisalign page or email us at info@newbydental.co.uk.
Cleaning And Caring For Your Dental Implant 10 January 202430 August 2022The right oral hygiene routine will help to minimise the discomfort you feel after your implant procedure, as well as improving the healing times, and helping to ensure the implants don’t become infected.What To Expect After SurgeryThe healing time after surgery will depend on the person, the number of implants placed and other procedures performed such as tooth extractions or sedation.For a single tooth implant, you should be able to manage with over the counter painkillers for the first couple of days. Try ibuprofen as it is anti-inflammatory so it will help with the swelling. Also try using a cold compress to help reduce swelling.If you have had multiple implants, or have had teeth extracted, you will need more time to recover. Take the medications prescribed and stick to a soft diet for the first several days.How To Keep Your Implant CleanOnce the implant has fully healed, you should care for your implant as if it was a natural tooth. You should clean it at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and a low abrasive toothpaste. Brush under and around the implant crown. Use a nylon coated interdental brush to clean hard to reach places. Floss daily with unwaxed tape or implant-specific floss. The goal of your hygiene routine is to prevent gum inflammation and gingivitis.What Causes Infection After Implant Placement?Dental implant failure is usually caused by risk factors such as gum disease or poor placement. By maintaining a healthy oral environment before and after the implant placement, you can reduce your chance of infection or failure.With the right care, dental implant placement is extremely comfortable and can last a lifetime.if you are interested in making an enquiry about dental implants, please email us at info@newbydental.co.uk for more information.
How To Cope With A Lost Filling 3 January 202430 August 2022If you lose a filling when you are eating, brushing or flossing you will need to book an appointment with your dentist to have it replaced. In the meantime, here is what you should do.Call your dentist. Schedule an appointment as soon as possible. If your dentist can’t see you right away, ask their advice of what to do to protect your tooth.Keep the tooth clean: If you can’t see your dentist straight away, you need to keep your mouth very clean. An unfilled tooth can trap food which then causes harmful bacteria to accumulate. Brush gently and carefully inside the hole to remove the debris. You can rinse your mouth out with warm salt water after eating.Avoid chewing on the area of the exposed tooth.What Should You Do If You’re In PainTake an over the counter pain killer like ibuprofen to reduce pain and swelling.Use a cold compress to relieve pain and swelling.Apply a topical numbing agent.Can A Loose Filling Cause Complications?If a filling isn’t replaced in good time, it could cause damage to the unprotected tooth. Bacteria and food particles can stick to the empty space and cause decay. The missing filling could also expose the dentine which is softer than enamel and more susceptible to decay.If more of the tooth becomes damaged, the tooth may require extra work. This is why the sooner you get it repaired, the better.How Long Do Fillings Last?This depends on the materials used and your personal hygiene. If you look after your teeth and see your dentist regularly, your filling is likely to last longer.The lifetime of the filling is also affected by the position and size. If the filling is large and expected to experience high pressure from chewing, it is likely that it won’t last as long.How To Prevent A Filling From Coming Loose?The key to looking after a filling is to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular check ups. Here are some oral hygiene tips:Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using a fluoride toothpaste.Floss your teeth everyday.Replace your toothbrush regularly (every three months)Brush your tongue to remove build up food.See your dentist regularly for check-ups.Here are some other preventative measures that might help protect your fillings:Avoid grinding your teeth.Avoid chewing hard objects.Try not to clench your teeth.Be careful with sugary, sticky foods that could dislodge your filling.See your dentist if the filling area becomes sensitive to hot or cold, or becomes painful.If you need help with a lost filling, please call us on 01723 670500 to see one of our dentists.