Conditions

Causes of Gingivitis: Uncovering the Culprits Behind Gum Inflammation

Your gums, the underappreciated yet essential guardians of your smile, silently shield your teeth from harm. But just like any dedicated protector, they have weaknesses. They’re vulnerable to threats like gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease that silently creeps up on millions of people worldwide. While often reversible with prompt action, understanding the culprits behind gingivitis empowers you to protect your oral health and maintain gum health.

Conditions

Dens Invaginatus: Exploring the Intricacies of Tooth Development Deformities

In the vast landscape of dental anomalies, dens invaginatus is a captivating enigma, a unique quirk in the journey of tooth development. As dental professionals, we must navigate this intricate territory with precision and care as we strive to understand and address this condition’s challenges. In this blog post, we delve into dens invaginatus, exploring its origins, manifestations, and the professional insights that guide its management. If you or a loved one has dens invaginatus, we encourage you to keep reading to learn more.

Conditions

Common Issues Addressed by Restorative Dentistry: From Cavities to Missing Teeth

Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing and restoring damaged or missing teeth to improve oral health and aesthetics. From common cavities to the challenges of missing teeth, restorative dentistry involves diverse treatments designed to preserve natural teeth and restore optimal function. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most common issues addressed by restorative dentistry and the recommended treatment for each.

Conditions

Why a Night Guard Might Be Right For You

Do you wake up with a sore jaw or a headache most mornings? These could be signs that you may benefit from a custom-fit night guard.  At Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp. in Orinda, California, Dr. Ellis, a skilled general and cosmetic dentist, recommends night guards to her patients who grind their teeth at night.

Conditions

Migraines vs. TMJ - What’s Causing My Headaches?

Are you experiencing persistent headache sand wondering if it's linked to TMJ or migraines? At Virginia H. Ellis, DDS Dental Corp., we recognize the importance of distinguishing between the two to provide targeted solutions. Let's delve into the complexities of TMJ and migraines, exploring their differences and similarities and how our skilled team can help you find relief.

Conditions

What Can a Night Guard Do for Me?

Do you wake up in the morning with sore teeth and an aching jaw? If so, you may be unconsciously clenching or grinding your teeth while you sleep. Clenching and grinding can lead to sharp pain or a dull ache in your jaw, as well as excessive tooth wear and problems with the jaw joint. Fortunately, we have a solution.

Conditions

What Can Be Done About My Popping Jaw?

If you’re experiencing popping, clicking, or grating sounds whenever you open or close your mouth, chances are good that you have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, which is a problem with the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 5-12% of American adults deal with TMJ issues.

Conditions

What Does It Mean If You Hear Your Jaw Pop When You Chew?

The lower jaw is connected to the skull by a hinge joint known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Like any joint in the body, the TMJ is vulnerable to injury and wear and tear over time, putting you at risk for a condition known as TMJ syndrome (also known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate that at least 10 million Americans suffer from TMJ disorders, but the numbers are likely much higher.