There are two reasons aging is important to oral health: 1) the population of elderly people in America is growing rapidly, and 2) more and more of those people are keeping their natural teeth! Research projects that by the year 2030, twenty percent of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65. This […]
Spring has sprung! This time of year is a time for new beginnings and fresh starts. Trees are budding, and flowers are in bloom. Most people are familiar with the concept of spring-cleaning. We clean out our closets and our flowerbeds. We throw out things we do not use anymore. Obviously, spring-cleaning carries with it […]
What is dry mouth? Dry mouth or xerostomia is a condition in which the salivary glands do not function properly. In some cases, there is some limited salivary flow. In others, there is no salivary flow at all. At rest (when not eating), your body is supposed to produce more than 1/10mL of saliva per […]
What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the medical term for the grinding of teeth or the clenching of jaws. Bruxism often occurs during deep sleep or while under stress. Clenching and/or grinding the teeth can be a subconscious act, meaning you are unaware that you are doing it. Many people clench or grind their teeth when […]
Cancer is a disease caused by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in a part of the body. Oral cancer is a type of cancer in which these abnormal cells originate in the mouth. Cancer is classified by the original site of abnormal cells. Oral cancer kills approximately one person every hour in the United States. […]
What is Gum Disease? Gum disease, referred to as periodontal disease, is a disease that affects the structures supporting the teeth, including both the gums and the jawbone. Its primary cause is bacterial buildup on the teeth, and some people have a higher risk due to genetic factors, systemic disorders (such as diabetes), and habits […]
What is the TMJ? The TMJ is arguably the most complicated joint in the body. It is a ball-in-socket joint, just like your shoulder and hip joints. The complicated part is that during normal function, the ball comes out of the socket! The “ball” of the joint is the condyle of the mandible (lower jaw). […]
Did you know that snoring can be a sign of a serious health problem called obstructive sleep apnea? Snoring is the sound of turbulence as air moves through the back of the mouth, nose and throat. The human airway is composed of collapsible walls of soft tissue. Because the muscle tone of the body ordinarily […]
We are not supposed to breathe through our mouths. Our bodies function best on air that is warm and humid after passing through our noses and sinus passages. Constant mouth breathing is like always using a back-up plan. It gets oxygen to our brains, and it keeps us alive, but it is not the best […]
Spring is on its way. And with it come allergies, sinus infections, and colds. It is very common for dentists to see an increase in “toothaches” during this season. We put “toothaches” in quotes because while the tooth definitely aches, it is not a tooth problem. Many patients will call us with a toothache and […]
