Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

According to the latest statistics TMD is one of the most commonly occurring musculoskeletal conditions. However, only half to two-thirds of the suffering population seek treatment for the condition. There are several reliable treatment options available to patients for resolving TMD and reducing or eliminating the associated jaw pain.

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, or TMD, has been shown to affect up to 12% of the American population. This makes TMD the second most frequently occurring musculoskeletal condition resulting in pain and disability next to chronic lower back pain.

Effects of TMD are often serious; early diagnosis and dental therapy can help ease and eliminate the muscle pain, headaches and tension associated with the disorder and restore healthy, pain-free jaw movement.

Dr. Shwartzman says identification of the underlying source of pain and discomfort are essential to crafting an individualized treatment plan. Although there are a wide variety of causes for TMD, she says some of the more prevalent reasons include poor bite alignment; chronic clenching or grinding of teeth, especially during sleep; trauma or accident; anxiety or stress, and chronic illness. Dr. Shwartzman assures patients that through diagnosis of oral history and habits, x-rays of the teeth and jaw, and a thorough examination from an experienced dentist, patients can identify TMD and treat it using personalized solutions such as neuromuscular dentistry for bite realignment and a custom-fitted oral bite guard called an orthotic.

"There are many treatment options, but oral appliances such as orthotics can be a straightforward solution to relieve from jaw pain," says Dr. Shwartzman. "For some patients, they are an ideal solution because they are custom crafted for each individual and generally can provide rapid relief from symptoms."

Dr. Shwartzman says patients seeking relief from the pain associated with TMD should consult a qualified neuromuscular dental practice before undergoing treatment to ensure proper therapy and the most effective results. She also adds that given the right treatment for each individual, patient(s) can resume normal daily functions and get back to living their lives without pain.

"Because TMD symptoms like headaches, tension, and muscle tenderness aren't always attributed to the temporomandibular joint, some people experience years of discomfort before receiving a proper diagnosis, says Dr. Shwartzman" "When patients finally experience relief from their symptoms, they couldn't imagine living life any other way."

Original article SF Gate

Dental hygiene is directly related to your overall physical health. But how can you be sure you are taking proper care of your teeth, mouth and gums? Generally, your teeth and gums should not hurt or bleed, after brushing; your breath should be fresh for a few hours after brushing and eating breakfast. The easiest way to prevent gum disease is to clean your teeth properly, here are some tips:

1. Use the right mouthwash.

If you use alcohol free mouthwash twice a day, you'll slash your risk of gum disease by 60%. Ideally you should aim to rinse for about 30 seconds with a mouthwash that has microbial protection to fight plaque and gingivitis.

2. Floss before you brush.

You should floss before you brush your teeth, rather than after. That way you'll be able to brush away any food that was stuck between your teeth to prevent bacteria from growing.

3. Use the right toothbrush.

Soft or extra soft bristles are best. Using a medium or hard-bristled toothbrush scratches the tissue of your gums away over time, exposes the root surface underneath and leads to possible bone loss.

4. Brush smart.

To really clean your teeth, aim to brush them for a full two minutes. Also brush your tongue and cheeks as well as your teeth to improve the removal of harmful bacteria. Be sure to replace your toothbrush about every three months.

For more oral health tips, or for routine visits, contact Dream Smile Dental.

When your teen needs braces, it is really the parent’s who suffer. Have you heard of Invisalign? Invisalign Teen invisibly straightens your teen’s teeth with a series of custom-molded aligners.

Of course teens want straight teeth, and as their parent you want to make the best decision for them, giving them a beautiful smile for life is the right choice. But you may have another option. The dentists at Dream Smile will determine if Invisalign is right for your son or daughter.

Invisalign straightens your teeth with a series of clear, removable aligners. These aligners are comfortable and removable so your teen can eat, drink, brush, and floss as usual. See the video below of a true Dream Smile Invisalign Patient. Contact us for more information.