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Debbie Van Eman celebrated her 20 year anniversary as of one of Austin Dental Spa’s hygienists. She has worked for our Austin Dentist, Dr. Mark for 20 years! Everyone wore T-shirts with a photo of Debbie that read “got dve?”, along big red glasses like the ones she used to wear. We had some cake and some laughs. Everyone at Austin Dental Spa is so happy to have her as a part of our dental family. Thank you Debbie and congratulations.
Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headache? Have you noticed that your teeth have changed shape? Do you feel that there’s more space between your teeth? Do you feel that your teeth are loose? Do you have TMD or TMJ? Do you suffer from unexplained hearing loss? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.
Teeth grinding can be particularly problematic because the condition may seem to be out of our control. Occurring throughout the night, teeth grinding may seem to be a silent killer, but not to the partners we sleep with at night. In truth, over time teeth grinding catches up with all of us that grind.
Teeth grinding can be costly from several perspectives. Because we are likely to experience ongoing pain from teeth grinding, bruxism is associated with chronic pain. This pain can affect our relationships, our social life and professional life. In addition, teeth grinding places extensive friction and pressure on the teeth. In turn, teeth grinders are more likely to experience tooth fractures. In fact, teeth grinding can wear teeth down to stumps or result in tooth loss. Bruxism also destroys tooth restorations and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers. Teeth grinders who do not receive treatment are at a higher risk for dental bridges, dental crowns, root canals, dental implants and dentures. When we consider all costs associated with teeth grinding, a preventative treatment plan becomes important.
Teeth Grinding Prevention
Mouth Guard: Dentists can custom design a mouth guard that fits to the size of your teeth as well as contours of your teeth and tooth restorations. Mouth guards protect your teeth, cosmetic dentistry and tooth restorations from damage due to grinding.
Oral Hygiene: Improper oral hygiene is a contributor to teeth grinding. Daily brushing and flossing is important for teeth grinders. Obtaining dental fillings, root canals, dental crowns and the like, when necessary, reduces the risk of teeth grinding. Proper alignment of your bite, also known as occlusion, helps to prevent teeth grinding.
Massage: Certain massage therapists can focus on areas of the jaw to relax the jaw muscles. Regular massage has been known to alleviate the pain associated with teeth grinding.
Stress Relief: Stress is a factor in teeth grinding. Cardiovascular exercise and weight training help to reduce stress. Holistic therapies such as Tia Chi and Meditation are known to reduce stress.
Diet: Refrain from caffeine foods and drinks that contribute to teeth grinding. This includes soda, coffee and chocolate. Stay away from alcohol that makes grinding worse. Don’t chew gum as the chewing motion can be a trigger for grinding.
And don’t forget that general dentistry care is critical for tooth grinders.
If you are suffering from teeth grinding, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist, at (512)380-1300.
Fighting off bio films is the latest number one health priority among many dentists today. First, let’s clear this up- what are biofilms? Biofilms are an unhealthy layer of bacteria pathogens, fungi and poisonous microbes that form in the gums and mouth. Research has mounted to prove that biofilms can enter the body, cause inflammation and contribute to several diseases.
Biofilm Pathways
When biofilms are found in the mouth, they can localize in pockets between gum tissue and teeth which can cause periodontal disease. When biofilm bacteria are present in the mouth, the same bacteria is also found in the lungs of lung abscess patients. When biofilms from the mouth come in contact with brain tissue, the result is beta amyloid- the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. When biofilms enter the body, they contribute to plaque build up which disrupts blood flow. Hence, biofilms are associated with cardiovascular disease and stroke. When biofilms are not managed through dental treatment, diabetics have higher sugar levels. In the end, biofilms can create a pathway for medical conditions and diseases.
BioFilm Warning Signs
Dentists are the best people to diagnose your risk for biofilms. If you have periodontal disease, you most certainly have biofilms. Since 75% of the population has gingivitis (precursor to periodontal disease) or periodontal disease itself, here’s a fast glance at some of the signs of periodontal disease.
No one is immune to biofilms. And most people do have biofilms to some degree. The trick is in managing biofilms. The goal is to prevent biofilms from entering the bloodstream to avoid harm to your health.
Biofilm Treatment
Biofilms can be fought off by maintaining adequate saliva flow in your mouth. Saliva contains an antibacterial agent called lysozyme. So, avoiding dry mouth syndrome is highly desirable. In addition, two new products have been introduced to control biofilms, Carie Free and Perio Protect. Carie Free offers an at home approach with an assortment of gel toothpastes, mouth rinses and gums that combine fluoride, xylitol and pH neutralizing technology to prevent and treat dental infections. Perio Protect uses a tray of oxygenating agents to kill bacteria in the mouth. The technology works by having the patient place the tray in their mouth each day for a few minutes. The results of Carie Free and Perio Protect have been remarkable. Patients have remarked that their mouth feels cleaner after using the products. Dentists have remarked that the products provide a healthier environment for the mouth. The benefits of disease prevention and caries treatment have been known to stimulate healthier teeth and jaw bones through products like Perio Protect.
Dentists work to manage biofilms in the office as well. The first professional call to action is dental cleanings twice a year for general dentistry and more often when prescribed. Secondly, dentists can perform root planing and scaling to improve the depth of pockets containing harmful bacteria. Antibiotics may be placed in the gum pockets to attack infected areas. Periodontal flap surgery may be performed to reduce the pocket size located between the teeth and gums. Bone surgery may be necessary to fill holes in the jaw bone that contain bacteria. Laser treatment may be used to reduce gum pocket size as well. Biofilms can grow back in three months following treatment. So, it’s important to continue with dental treatments every three months in order to maintain the benefit.
Dentists suspect that the public will learn much more about biofilms in the years to come. The National Institutes of Health has been dedicated to biofilm research because of the risk that biofilms represent to the public. Their research has been leveraged since the advent of laser technology, digital imaging, scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent probes which are used to identify locations of biofilms with specific gene expressions.
If you are concerned about biofilms, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist certified in biofilm treatment, at (512) 452-9296.
Do you remember in elementary school being taught proper brushing techniques for keeping our teeth white, clean, and cavity-free? You may have gotten a free toothbrush and a pack of toothpaste. Surprisingly, while dental flossing was invented by a New Orleans dentist back in 1815, it has only been in the last 10-20 years that flossing has been promoted as a necessity for oral hygiene.
Even so, the Journal of the American Dental Association reports that while nearly every American brushes his or her teeth, only 10-40% of people floss daily. It used to be that we’d floss a day or two before a dental appointment to avoid the shame and wrath of the dental hygienist. Flossing is now considered to be an absolute ongoing necessity for proper oral hygiene.
Dental Flossing Facts
Studies have shown that without flossing, an astonishing 40 percent of the surfaces of your teeth are never clean! Brushing and mouthwash regimes only clean 60 percent of your pearly whites. Would you clean 60 percent of your kitchen floor and leave the other portion dirty? Of course not!
Here are five key reasons why you should floss:
1) Flossing prevents tooth decay. Brushing is only partially effective. Flossing prevents tooth decay in those hard-to-reach places between teeth.
2) Flossing keeps away gum disease. This goes hand-in-hand with the first point. Healthy teeth mean healthy gums and result in a healthy mouth.
3) It promotes fresh breath. Regular flossing blocks halitosis because bacteria lives in the crevices between teeth. Mints and mouthwash only cover up bad breath. Flossing can remove the bacteria and make you more appealing to be around!
4) It brings comfort. There are few things more comfortable than popcorn kernels or stringy fruit or vegetable remains that lodge between teeth. Flossing removes the offending pieces of trapped food without damaging your teeth.
5) It makes for a healthy, dazzling smile. There’s nothing more unappealing than having leftover food in and on your teeth.
How do you get into the daily habit of flossing? Here are four important pointers:
1) Establish a pattern. Floss the same time every day. It makes the most sense to do it as part of your pre-bedtime ritual in order to remove food build-up from the day so you have a clean mouth overnight.
2) Combine flossing with another activity in your life. Some people floss after brushing. Others like to do it while watching television. With practice, you may not even need a mirror.
3) Keep floss around you—in your car, in the bathroom, by your favorite place to sit and relax. Today most drugstores offer small disposable floss picks that are very convenient. A pack of 36 costs less than $2.
4) Remember as you get into the habit of flossing that other people may not enjoy watching you floss, so be sensitive to this when you’re out in public.
Make a mental note or write it down. Floss for life and keep your teeth healthy for a lifetime. General dentistry care is an important part of life.
If it’s time for your dental check up, contact Dr. Mark Sweeney, an Austin Texas dentist, at (512) 452-9296.
It’s spring and if you’re looking to brighten your smile check out our Facebook Fan coupon for April. This offer is only available to Fans of Austin Dental Spa and our way of saying thanks for staying in touch. Just go to our fan page and look for the tab or Click Here.
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Email Us Now!Mark Sweeney, D.D.S.
Austin Dental Spa
3305 Northland, Suite 515
Austin, Texas 78731
Ph. 512.380.1300
Fx. 512 452 5983
