10 tips to reduce grinding and TMJ issues

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10 tips to reduce grinding and TMJ issues

Grinding or clenching your teeth is known as Bruxism. You may be unaware if you are clenching during the day or grinding and clenching during the night. Occasional teeth grinding doesn't cause harm, but if teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis and has been going on for a long time, it will cause damage and wear on the teeth causing other oral health problems. But why do people grind their teeth? Some reasons may be due to anxiety and stress, an abnormal bite or crooked teeth and by a sleep disorder or sleep apnea.

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How can diabetes affect my gums and teeth?

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How can diabetes affect my gums and teeth?

One of the most chronic diseases in patients is diabetes. When you come into the dental office you will fill out a medical history form. You and the doctor will review your medical history and go over your oral health. A very common oral disease associated with diabetes is periodontitis also known as gum disease. Periodontal changes may be one of many signs of diabetes in the body. Periodontal disease is examined and determined by visible inflammation, depth of gum pockets measured between tooth and gums, recession of gums and bone loss.

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What is diabetes and how can I help prevent it?

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What is diabetes and how can I help prevent it?

Diabetes is a disease that happens when your blood sugar is too high. Blood glucose is another name for blood sugar. Your blood glucose is the main source of energy and comes from the food you eat. The pancreas makes a hormone called insulin. This helps glucose from foods get into your cells to be used for energy. For one reason or another some bodies can’t make enough insulin or any at all. When this happens, glucose tends to stay stuck in your blood and can't reach your cells. Overtime, having glucose stuck in the blood will cause many health problems like heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, dental disease, nerve damage and many more.

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Dangers of Energy Drinks

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Dangers of Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are loaded with sugar and high amounts of caffeine. Large amounts of caffeine can have a huge danger effect on the heart and blood vessels. The caffeine alone in energy drinks can cause heart rhythm disturbances and can increase heart rate and blood pressure. The stimulants in energy drinks can be awful to the nervous system. Consumed quickly, the caffeine and sugar rush into your bloodstream, giving you a jolt and raising your blood sugars making your heart race really fast. Some of the dangers of energy drinks include anxiety, sleep problems, heart complications, depression and dehydration.

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11 Superfoods that lower high cholesterol

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11 Superfoods that lower high cholesterol

First let's know what cholesterol is. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in our blood. Our body needs cholesterol to build healthy cells. For a child and adult a healthy cholesterol level is under 200 mg/dl. Cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dl is considered high cholesterol. High cholesterol is a medical condition called hyperlipidemia. Hyperlipidemia is mainly caused by not exercising enough, being overweight, eating lots of fatty foods and it can also run in our genes. Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels causing heart problems or even a stroke.

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Can I eat pizza and drink soda with my braces?

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Can I eat pizza and drink soda with my braces?

Everyone likes to enjoy a fizzy drink once in a while. The crisp fresh taste and sweet flavor, yumm! It can be a refreshing drink. And while you are out, the thought of grabbing a slice of pizza sounds just as tasteful. But wait, you think to yourself am I allowed to eat pizza and drink soda while wearing braces?

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Is there a superfood that can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels, aid in weight loss and help with avoiding diabetes?

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Is there a superfood that can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels, aid in weight loss and help with avoiding diabetes?

Simple lifestyle changes can improve your health. Chia seeds are known as a superfood. Chia seeds are plant based and have zero sugar! According to the Mayo Clinic, “Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and omega-3, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health. Fiber takes longer to digest and makes you feel satisfied longer, which is how it can help with weight loss and decrease your risk of developing diabetes or heart disease.”

Chia seeds can be added to any drink. Chia seeds can be blended or baked. They are great for energy. Here is a simple recipe for a yummy fast chia pudding.

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Can I kiss while wearing braces?

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Can I kiss while wearing braces?

You may have heard of stories about people kissing and getting their braces stuck together. This may make you a little more nervous about getting braces but the fact is this is not very common at all.

Orthodontics has advanced and with modern braces, kissing with braces is something you don’t have to worry about.

Follow these helpful tips to help make your kiss go smooth while wearing braces.

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What should I expect after a filling?

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What should I expect after a filling?

A tooth that has decay will require a filling. A filling is necessary as soon as possible to prevent further decay and damage to the tooth. After giving a bit of local anesthetic, the doctor will remove the decay from the tooth and fill it with a resin composite material. There are a few important steps that will help with taking care of your new filling.

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My child has special needs. Is dental care important for their overall health?

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My child has special needs. Is dental care important for their overall health?

Families with children can understand how difficult it may be to get their kids excited about brushing and taking care of their teeth. But if you have children with special needs, getting them to brush and care for their teeth every day, or to even visit the dentist, can feel overwhelming, scary and nearly impossible. Children with cognitive, developmental, emotional, physical or medical conditions may experience heightened anxiety, hypersensitivity or discomfort when it comes to dental care, even at home. Taking care of the unique needs of kids with special conditions requires patience, understanding, compassion and lots of love.

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12 tips to get the best sleep possible

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12 tips to get the best sleep possible

Sleep is very important for dental health, mental health and physical health. Bad sleep can trigger Bruxism, which can lead to dental problems, like chipped teeth and jaw pain. Bruxism can speed up the aging process of our smiles. Sadly, many of us are not getting enough sleep or enough good quality sleep. Only 2 in 5 Americans say their sleep is “excellent.” A recent survey revealed sleep tips of people who say they sleep really, really well.

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