FAQS

Did you know "teeth cleaning" does more than just clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely essential if you want to preserve your teeth. It builds upon the tooth surfaces and between the teeth. Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital, but everyone needs their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Remember only a dental hygienist can completely clean your teeth.

Did you know "teeth cleaning" does more than just clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely essential if you want to preserve your teeth. It builds upon the tooth surfaces and between the teeth. Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital, but everyone needs their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Remember only a dental hygienist can completely clean your teeth.

Fluoride is fine… in small amounts. Excessive fluoride can cause tooth enamel irregularities. Young children, especially, often swallow too much toothpaste while brushing. So parents, supervise your young kids while they brush. Kids (and even adults) often use way too much toothpaste (a pea-size drop is plenty). A little goes a long way.

Tooth enamel is very hard, but that doesn't mean you can't break it. Try to avoid hard foods. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.

Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy. Because of the acid content, soft drinks seem to be the worst of the worst. These soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these, because young children's enamel hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after meals. Also, rinse your mouth with a high-quality dental mouthwash.

Do you wake up with discomfort in your jaws or a persistent headache? If so, you may be grinding (called bruxing) while you sleep. Persistent bruxing can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and shorter. It can also damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even affect your hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us today. Dr. Nanavati may recommend a night guard or other oral appliance.

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, your jaw joints. The ache, discomfort, or tenderness in or around the jaw joints is called a TMJ disorder.

Signs that you might have a TMJ disorder are: Facial irritation or tenderness, Jaw ache, Ache in or around the ears, Neck strain, Jaw stiffness, Discomfort while chewing, Headaches, Difficulty opening and closing the mouth, Jaw "locking up", Jaw makes a clicking sound, Teeth that don't come together properly when eating or chewing.

There are a variety of treatment options for TMJ. Be sure to ask us about these.