Monday, January 7, 2019

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Take a look at your symptoms. If you are unsure, start with your dentist.They will look at x-rays and the condition of your teeth to determine if you are grinding your teeth, have a tooth abscess, a cavity or other tooth and jaw related problems.
If your dentist determines all is well, the next step can be to your doctor or urgent care who can determine if you have a sinus infection or congestion and prescribe the right kind of allergy relief, antibiotics or pain relievers.

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Spring has sprung and along with it seasonal allergies for many people. Beyond the annoying runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing, those allergies can also cause allergy sufferers to experience tooth pain, especially those in the area of your sinuses – your upper molars.
We often see patients who aren’t sure if the facial pain they are experiencing is due to those pesky allergies and the related sinus pressure or if it has something to do with their teeth or jaw. Whatever it is, they usually want to know two things: How to relieve tooth pain from sinus pressure and Do I see a dentist or a doctor for this tooth pain?

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Some stains will not respond to the traditional bleaching methods; in these cases, veneers could be an option to beautify your smile.
Timeline: Multiple visits will be required with final product delivered within two to three weeks
Cost: Expect to spend $700 – $1,000 per tooth.

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Another option only available at dental offices, Boost uses a hydrogen peroxide based power bleaching gel for removing stains with no special light required.
Timeline: Expect to spend one to two hours in the chair; results will be immediate
Cost: Again, you can expect to spend around $500

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This procedure is only available at dental offices and uses a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel in conjunction with a special lamp to whiten your teeth.
Timeline: The procedure takes about 45 minutes and results are immediate
Cost: Expect to spend about $500

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Many dentists provide take home teeth whitening options. Options may include a ready-made kit or custom made trays with bleach. While some of these resemble the over-the-counter whitening kits, they typically contain a more concentrated level of bleach.
Timeline: Varies depending upon strength of bleaching agent, but generally one to two weeks.
Cost: Varies by dentist, but expect to spend around $150-$200

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There are lots of teeth whitening options available only at a dentist office. Depending on your specific goals and needs, your dentist can recommend the options best for you. Options can include take home kits as well as in-office professional teeth whitening treatments, which can be done over a series of visits, or in one.
Having teeth whitening done professionally means there won’t be gaps in the coverage area (typical of whitening strips), nor will they be over bleached or cause damage to your gums (which can happen with in-home self-treatments).

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Natural remedies for teeth whitening include everything from eating healthier, jumping onboard a current trend, avoiding teeth staining foods and/or sugary and acidic drinks. If you smoke or use tobacco, those are your biggest culprits, so give those up for brighter teeth.
Abrasives such as baking soda or charcoal, or rinsing agents like coconut oil can have benefits, but they are really simply creating a habit of brushing and rinsing your mouth on a daily basis. The habits of brushing twice a day, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash daily, chewing sugar-free gum and seeing your dentist twice a year results in overall good oral care.
Timeline: your lifetime
Cost: varies greatly

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Teeth whitening kits can include strips, trays and/or brushes that allow you to put a substance on your teeth for a more extended period of time than toothpaste. These kits usually contain peroxide which bleaches your teeth to reach stains deeper than surface stains. Again, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when considering over the counter teeth whitening solutions.
Timeline: They take about one to two weeks to see results when used daily for a few hours.
Cost: varies, but expect to pay $50-100 for an at-home kit.



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Whitening toothpastes use a variety of techniques to lighten your teeth. Baking soda, abrasives or chemicals are used to polish the teeth and/or give a reflective appearance that removes surface stains from teeth. Look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when considering teeth whitening toothpaste.
Timeline: They can take several weeks of use to see results.
Cost: varies, but under $30 in most cases

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With prom, graduation, and wedding season just around the corner, the photo opps will be numerous, and the resulting pictures, everlasting. In our selfie-crazed, photo-sharing world, it’s not a surprise the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that teeth whitening is the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedure.
Whitening trends making their way in and out of social media and commercials show us just how easy a variety of over-the-counter products can be. But there are there are many other options as well. We will briefly outline several options here to help you know what to discuss with your dentist at your next visit. (Please note that overuse of any of these products can result in tooth sensitivity, pain, and/or discoloration.)

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Since most teeth grinding happens when we sleep, following a stress reduction routine before bed is a great way to prepare your body for relaxation. First, turn off all electronic devices, including the TV at least 30 minutes before bed. Studies have shown that doing so prepares your mind for a better night’s sleep.
In addition, be sure to exercise, drink plenty of water and focus on good nutrition. Healthy choices during the day will reward you with less stress and better sleep. Plus, those who exercise get the endorphin boost that supports a positive mood. You should also avoid nicotine, caffeine and other substances that could keep you awake or jittery.
Do a relaxing activity. Consider reading, journaling, praying, meditating, or listening to soft relaxing music before bed. These all help slow your mind and body down to prepare for sleep.
Create consistent habits such as brushing your teeth, washing your face, and going to bed at the same time every night. Consistency creates a routine that your mind and body understands which conditions it to certain behaviors, such as relaxing and falling asleep.

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The first way to stop any problematic habit is to identify why it is happening. Your dentist can help you determine the severity of the grinding and if you have a bite misalignment or tooth concern that is causing it. From there, he or she can make suggestions about how to correct the problem, and if a tooth protecting device is recommended.
Your dentist has options in regards to dental mouth guards that will protect your teeth from enamel loss or damage due to teeth grinding.
We can also all benefit from stress reduction, so consider these options if you want to reduce teeth grinding due to stress or anxiety.

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Most people want to stop their teeth grinding due to the associated jaw pain. It may cause difficulty with chewing, extreme headaches, and discomfort in the jaw area. Grinding your teeth wears down the enamel on your teeth, making it more difficult to chew and leaving your teeth more susceptible to cavities and breaking.




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There are a few ways to determine if you grind your teeth including:
  • Waking with a sore jaw
  • Being told by a partner who hears you do it
  • Catching yourself doing it (you wake yourself up)
  • Low grade headaches
  • Pain or popping in your jaw
  • Your dentist notices excessive tooth wear


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There’s no doubt that Americans are stressed. So much so that The American Psychological Association studies it. Recently they have discovered we are most stressed about the future of our nation, money, work, our current politic climate, crime and violence. Source: APA.org
While we take a look at stress as a reason for why we grind our teeth, it may not be the only cause. Teeth grinding (or bruxism) can be caused by a misaligned bite, sleep disorders, missing or broken teeth, or, yes, stress.

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It’s recommended to have your child see the dentist within 6 months of your child’s first tooth eruption, or at age 1, whichever comes first. This helps establish a foundation for good dental hygiene. The dentist will help your baby with brushing techniques and address any concerns you have about oral care, such as thumb or pacifier sucking, teething, and more.
Always see your dentist if your baby has a mouth or tooth injury or other concern.