TMJ

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ, are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth. Located on each side of the head, your TMJ work together when you chew, speak or swallow and include muscles and ligaments as well as the jaw bone. They also control the lower jaw (mandible) as it moves forward, backward and side to side.
Each TMJ has a disc between the ball and socket. The disc cushions the load while enabling the jaw to open widely and rotate or glide. Any problem that prevents this complex system of muscles, ligaments, discs and bones from working properly may result in a painful TMJ disorder.

Possible causes of TMJ disorders include:

• arthritis
• dislocation
• injury
• tooth and jaw alignment
• stress and teeth grinding

Diagnosis is an important step before treatment. Part of the dental examination includes checking the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the diagnosis, the dentist may refer you to a physician or another dentist.

There are several treatments for TMJ disorders. This step-by-step plan from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research allows you to try simple treatment before moving on to more involved treatment. The NIDCR also recommends a “less is often best” approach in treating TMJ disorders, which includes: 

• eating softer foods
• avoiding chewing gum and biting your nails
• modifying the pain with heat packs
• practicing relaxation techniques to control jaw tension, such as meditation or biofeedback.

If necessary for your symptoms, the following treatments may be advised:

• exercises to strengthen your jaw muscles
• medications prescribed by your dentist; for example, muscle relaxants, analgesics, anti-anxiety drugs or anti-inflammatory medications
• a night guard or bite plate to decrease clenching or grinding of teeth.

In some cases, your dentist may recommend fixing an uneven bite by adjusting or reshaping some teeth. Orthodontic treatment may also be recommended. Your dentist can suggest the most appropriate therapy based on the suspected cause

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentists by calling our friendly staff at (305) 940-3135 or by visiting www.SkylakeDental.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Skylake Dental if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Skylake Dental –North Miami

http://www.SkylakeDental.com

(305) 940-3135

1660 N.E. Miami Gardens Dr. Ste 3

 N. Miami Beach, FL 33179

 

Acidic Foods Can Contribute to Teeth Sensitivity

Acidic Foods Can Contribute to Teeth Sensitivity

Many of us consume acidic foods as a part of our regular diet. When searching the grocery store aisles, we are usually aware of calories, fat and even fiber in the products we buy. However, many of us usually don't consider the pH levels of the foods we choose. There is a general lack of awareness on the topic of acidic foods and how they can impact our health.
Why is it important to know how alkaline or acidic the foods we eat may be? You may be surprised to learn that consuming too many acidic foods can impact your oral health.

What Research Says About Acidic Foods

One-third of 700 dentists surveyed by the Academy of General Dentistry say that acidic foods and beverages are the single most prevalent contributors to sensitive teeth, followed by the technique in which people brush their teeth.
How can you better recognize and understand acidic foods and learn how to keep your body’s pH levels neutral? You can ask your doctor, consult with a dietician, or do a bit of homework on your own. It’s easy to find research on acidic foods, alkaline foods and the pH levels of food in literature or on the internet. If you're concerned about tooth sensitivity, avoid eating acidic foods as much as possible. Here is a list of acidic foods and their general level of acidity.

Moderately Acidic Foods

• Meat
• Beans
• Most Grains
• Corn
• Fish
• Fowl
• Coffee
• Plums, prunes and cranberries

Highly Acidic Foods

• Sport Drinks
• Orange Juice
• Tomatoes
• Yogurt/Sour Cream
• Wine
• Sodas (e.g. cola beverages)
• Most fermented foods and aged cheeses
• Fruits
• Pickled Products

Enjoying Acidic Foods

Acidic foods can certainly be enjoyed in moderation. If you prefer a diet high in acidic foods, but are experiencing significant tooth sensitivity, there are many steps you can take to reduce your tooth discomfort.

According to The Academy of General Dentistry, the simplest way to alleviate sensitive teeth from acidic foods is to use desensitizing toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.

If you really enjoy your acidic foods but want to avoid the discomfort associated with sensitive teeth, try this regimen to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.

For more information visit us at www.SkylakeDental.com

Braces

Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion (teeth that are crowded or crooked). In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking.
If you have an abnormal bite your dentist may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including:

• tooth decay
• gum disease
• tooth loss
• affected speech and/or chewing
• abnormal wear to tooth enamel
• jaw problems

Straightening your teeth can be accomplished in different ways. The kind of orthodontic treatment you have will depend on your preference and the options provided by your dentist or orthodontist. Traditional braces realign teeth by applying pressure. They usually consist of small brackets cemented to your teeth, connected by a wire, which is periodically tightened by your dentist or orthodontist to gradually shift your teeth and jaw. The brackets may be metal or tooth colored. Sometimes they are placed behind your teeth. Removable aligners are another option for treating orthodontic problems.
Orthodontic treatment may be provided by your dentist or an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It will depend on the orthodontic experience of your dentist and the severity of your case.
Since abnormal bites usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, orthodontic treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. That doesn’t mean that adults can’t have braces; healthy teeth can be orthodontically treated at any age.
Treatment plans will vary based on your situation, but most people are in treatment from one to three years. This is followed by a period of wearing a retainer that holds teeth in their new positions. Today’s braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments.

While you have braces it’s important to maintain a balanced diet for the health of your teeth. Of course, a healthy diet is always important, but eating too many sugary foods with braces can lead to plaque build-up around your brackets that could permanently stain or damage your teeth. Avoiding foods like popcorn, corn on the cob, chewing gum, whole apples, and other sticky foods is also a good idea. Ask your dentist about foods to avoid while you are in treatment.Not all of us are born with beautiful smiles, but with a good oral hygiene routine, and a little help from orthodontics, you can have a beautiful and healthy smile.

For more information visit us www.SkylakeDental.com

or call us at (305)940-3135

Dental Sealants

Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material usually applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where decay occurs most often.

Thorough brushing and flossing help remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth. But toothbrush bristles cannot reach all the way into the depressions and grooves to extract food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas by "sealing out" plaque and food.

Sealants are easy for your dentist to apply. The sealant is painted onto the tooth enamel, where it bonds directly to the tooth and hardens. This plastic resin bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of the chewing surfaces of back teeth. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting enamel from plaque and acids. As long as the sealant remains intact, the tooth surface will be protected from decay. Sealants hold up well under the force of normal chewing and may last several years before a reapplication is needed. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will check the condition of the sealants and reapply them when necessary.

The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, so children and teenagers are obvious candidates. But adults can benefit from sealants as well.

Key ingredients in preventing tooth decay and maintaining a healthy mouth are:

• brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
• cleaning between the teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner
• eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks
• visiting your dentist regularly

Ask your dentist about whether sealants can put extra power behind your prevention program.

For more information visit us www.SkylakeDental.com or call us at

(305) 940-3135

Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product. Then, get to your dentist’s office right away.
• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
• For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.

There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
• Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Call your dentist and provide as much detail as possible about your condition.

For more information visit us at www.SkylakeDental.com or call us at (305)940-3135

Teeth Whitening

Whitening

Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours. Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from daily oral hygiene and regular cleanings at your dentist’s office, but if you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your whitening options.
Start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. If you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth the whitener will not affect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. You may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

If you are a candidate for whitening there are several ways to whiten your smile:

• In-office bleaching. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and usually requires only one office visit. The dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used. Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.
• At-home bleaching. Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. There are potential side effects, such as increased sensitivity or gum irritation. Speak with your dentist if you have any concerns.
• Whitening toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening" toothpastes have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these products do not change the color of teeth because they can only remove stains on the surface.

For more information visit us at www.SkylakeDental.com or call us at (305)940-3135

 

Happy Holidays from Skylake Dental!

 

A World of Good Wishes from Skylake Dental. One of the real joys this holiday season is the opportunity to say thank you and wish you the very best for the new year. Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year!

 

Start the New Year with a beautiful smile. Make an appointment with our cosmetic dentists by calling our friendly staff at (305) 940-3135 or by visiting www.SkylakeDental.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Skylake Dental if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Skylake Dental –North Miami

http://www.SkylakeDental.com

(305) 940-3135

1660 N.E. Miami Gardens Dr. Ste 3

N. Miami Beach, FL 33179