It’s that time of year again — the time when we all make resolutions to be better versions of ourselves in the coming year. But, how often do those resolutions fall by the wayside after a month or two? Do you want a resolution you can actually accomplish? How about getting a stunning smile?
According to the American Dental Association, adults ages 20-64 have three or more decayed or missing teeth. And having missing teeth can lead to a variety of oral and overall health problems.
When you think about transforming your smile from dull to dazzling, you may think the only way to do that is through extensive dental work. However, that may not be necessary. Veneers are a relatively simple, yet highly effective way to correct a variety of common dental flaws.
We get it — going to the dentist is rarely exciting. It’s probably fair to say that most people dread the thought. But these visits are necessary to maintain both your oral health and your overall health. It’s no surprise, then, that researchers have found a clear connection between oral health and Alzheimer’s disease, showing that the bacteria that causes gingivitis can move from your mouth to your brain.
Nearly half of all adults in the United States have some level of gum disease. And gum disease doesn't just affect your oral health. Gum disease, which starts out as gingivitis, and, if not treated, turns into periodontal disease, can lead to serious consequences for your overall health as well.
Dental caps and dental crowns are synonymous terms. Both are tooth-shaped restorations that fit over the entire visible portion of the tooth. If a tooth gets a chip or crack, for example, a dental cap can reinforce the tooth and improve its appearance.
Gum disease, termed gingivitis in its early stage and periodontitis in its more serious stage, is an infection of the gums. Diabetes is a disease that causes high blood sugar levels due to a lack of the hormone insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or cell resistance to insulin’s effects (Type 2 diabetes). What you may not know is that if you have diabetes, you have a higher risk of developing gum disease.
You have two jaw joints, one on each side of your head. Called the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), they’re hinged joints that connect your jaw with your skull and allow you to open and close your mouth to eat and speak. TMJ is also the name given to pain, stiffness, and other issues related to the joints.
When brushing and flossing, many people tend to think that the health of their teeth equals their oral health. However, the truth is your gums are just as important to your oral health, if not more so. Your gums are part of a larger tissue system called the periodontium, and this system not only holds your teeth in place, but it also provides cushioning to prevent tooth damage when you chew or suffer physical trauma.
Earaches, neck pain, and a jaw that pops, clicks, or gets stuck are all signs of a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. At Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, California, Dr. Ellis specializes in diagnosing and treating TMJ problems. In this blog, she explains what TMJ disorders are along with some of the treatment options.
