Headaches: The Dental Connection

You probably remember the old song “…the knee bone’s connected to the leg bone; the leg bone’s connected to the hip bone…etc.” Your (lower) jaw bone actually is connected to your “head bone”—and it is connected by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This area is known as the temporomandibular joint or the TMJ. When the lower jaw lines up perfectly with the upper jaw and everything functions normally, everything is fine. If the lower jaw does not line up properly or, perhaps more importantly, if there is abnormal stress present when the lower jaw contacts the upper jaw, problems can occur. The abnormal stress is usually clenching or grinding of the teeth and it can occur any time, day or night, awake or asleep. When this happens, a person can develop regular, chronic, or migraine headaches; muscle pain or tenderness in the jaw joint muscles; or the temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Forty-four million Americans suffer from chronic clenching and grinding, resulting in tooth damage and 23 million suffer from migraine headache pain.

While mouthguards have been used with some success to treat TMD patients, an FDA-approved device seems to offer a higher success rate in eliminating TMJ problems. This device has an additional advantage in that it was designed to reduce the clenching habits that often lead to chronic and migraine headaches. This device prevents the upper and lower teeth from coming into contact. By preventing high-intensity clenching (and the muscular irritation that leads to migraine pain, TMD, and chronic headaches), studies have shown that 82% of migraine and headache sufferers has a 77% reduction in the migraine incidents. In short, the frequency and intensity of headache episodes and muscle tenderness can be reduced with the use of a mouthguard.

A tension suppression system is another effective form of mouthguard that can treat TMD. This small removable device, made in the office, can be worn day and/or night and has been shown to reduce clenching intensity by 66%. It takes advantage of a naturally protective reflex that suppresses the powerful chewing muscles active in clenching. For those concerned about insurance coverage, the cost of this device is submitted first to medical insurance for evaluation of benefit coverage. Most insurance carriers do consider this device a payable benefit.

How important is the reduction of clenching stress? Try this simple demonstration. Put a pencil between the last top and bottom molars on one side and bite hard. Remember how hard you were biting. Then take the pencil and place it between the top and bottom front teeth and bite down hard again. You will not be able to bite down as hard when just biting on the front teeth. You should be able to detect a great difference between biting (clenching) on back teeth only and front teeth only. Try another test: lightly place your fingertips on either side of your head in the temporal area (above and in front of the ears). Clench your teeth and feel the muscles on either side of the head bulge out. Then take a pencil, place it between the top and bottom front teeth, and bite down again. You will easily feel that the temporal muscles do not (cannot) bulge out as much, meaning that not as much clenching compression is possible.

Source: Elsevier Mosby, Dental Practice Tool Kit: Patient Handouts, Forms, and Letters

6 Of The Most Common Dental Problems, Fixed!

Smile! There’s good news from the world of dentistry: Older American are keeping their teeth longer than ever before and the average number of teeth people retain into old age is increasing, says Judith Ann Jones, DDS, a spokesman on elder care for the American Dental Association and director of The Center for Clinical Research at the Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine.
But Jones is not all smiles. As people keep their teeth longer, there are more problems that are likely to arise, which is why keeping up with regular dental visits is so important. Here are the most common problems, and what you can do about them:

Tooth Decay

Yes, people over 50 can get cavities. You can get them on the surfaces of teeth that have never been a problem before, but you can also get them around old fillings or at the root of your tooth. “As you age, the root of your tooth becomes softer and sometimes more exposed,” Jones explains.
The Fix: Fluoride is not just for kids, Jones says. “Fluoride is one of the 10 most important health measures developed in the 20th century.” Almost 80 percent of people in the United States have fluorinated water, but if you don’t, you should probably add a daily fluoride rinse to your brushing habit. Or ask your doctor about a stronger fluoride prescription gel. If you are starting to get cavities, even if your water has fluoride, consider a fluoride rinse. Ask your dentist if that’s right for you.

Dry Mouth

Saliva protects us against tooth decay. But if you’re not producing it, your teeth may be at risk. The calcium and phosphate present in saliva prevent demineralization of your teeth, Jones says. How do you know if you have dry mouth? You’ll have a sticky feeling in your mouth, trouble swallowing, dry throat, and dry, cracked lips. You may notice a metallic taste in your mouth or persistent bad breath. You may or may not feel thirsty. Dry mouth is often caused by medications, and as people age, they take more medications. It can also result from smoking or from a blow to the head that somehow damages the salivary glands.
The Fix: If you have dry mouth, you should try to stimulate saliva production. Jones says some people just sip water all day while others find that chewing sugar-free xylitol candies or gum helps. Your dentist may prescribe a prescription saliva substitute or recommend over-the-counter formulations for you to try.

Gum Disease

If your gums are swollen, red, or bleed easily, you’ve got gingivitis, an early form of gum disease that can progress and be dangerous. Untreated gingivitis often becomes periodontitis, which is when the gum pulls away from the tooth and creates pockets which can become infected. If this condition develops and continues unchecked, it could cause the loss of bones in your jaw and eventually, the loss of the teeth themselves.
The Fix: The best fix for this condition is regular dentist visits, Jones says. You may need to visit your dentist more frequently so that your teeth can be cleaned and your gums treated for the condition. People who don’t have good access to dental care are more likely to have gum disease, Jones says.

Oral Cancer

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancers this year, and more than 8,000 will die from it, according to The Oral Cancer Foundation. Oral cancer incidence definitely increases as you get older, Jones says, and is very often linked to smoking and heavy alcohol use. Recently, the number of cases has risen because doctors have discovered that the Human Papilloma Virus also can cause oral cancer.
The Fix: Only about half of people who develop oral cancer survive the disease, Jones says. The best hope for survival is to discover it at its earliest stages—in which case there is an 80 percent chance of surviving for five years. Your dental exam should include a check for oral cancer. Your dentist will hold your tongue and check the soft tissue in your mouth as well as your throat and jaw. If he or she does not, find another dentist, Jones says.

Tooth Crowding

Are you noticing that food is getting stuck in new places in your mouth? Or that the overlapping tooth that was cute in your teens now seems to be overlapping even more? You’re not imagining it. As you age, your teeth shift, according to Lee W. Graber, D.D.S., M.S., M.S., Ph.D., Past President of the American Association of Orthodontists. And that can be problematic, not because you’ll look different, but because it can make your teeth more difficult to clean, leading to more decay. It’s also of concern because misaligned teeth can lead to teeth erosion and damage to the supporting tissue and bone, Graber says. Add to that the tendency of older adults to have periodontal disease, and you could end up losing your teeth even faster.
The Fix: If your teeth have really shifted, you could see an orthodontist, who may fit you with a retainer, spacer, or even braces. This may not be necessary, but you should discuss with your dentist whether your teeth are shifting at your regular check up. If they are, it may mean only that you need to go to the dentist more regularly for more frequent cleanings.

Grinding and Clenching

This is not a habit that begins late in life, but it’s one whose effects might be most pronounced as you age. If you tend to grind your teeth or to clench them in your sleep, you may grind through the enamel to the dentin, which can cause pain and decay. Also, if you have crowns or bridges in your mouth, they may be damaged by such habits.
The Fix: Your dentist can give you a night guard, a small mouth piece that will protect your teeth while you sleep—and protect your investment in the dentistry that’s already there, Jones says.

By: Andrea  Atkins, The Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/6-of-the-most-common-dental-problems-fixed_us_58346501e4b099512f84b510

If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Omni Dental Group at one of our three office locations listed below:

North Austin on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012
Central Austin on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424
South Austin on William Cannon: (512) 445-5811

Happy Valentine's Day!

Roses are red

Violets are blue

Watch out for gummy bears

and jaw breakers, too

Valentine's Day will be here in nearly a week! Whether you're spending the day with a loved one, having a fun party with your friends, or simply relaxing before the work week, you are sure to encounter a few yummy desserts and candies. While everyone enjoys something sweet once and again, it is always good to consider how they impact your health. Here are a few tips for keeping your mouth in good shape during Valentine's Day.

1. Not all candy is created equal. 

• Some candies are worse than others. Tough candy that stays in your mouth for a prolonged period of time such a jawbreakers and suckers can lead to cavities or even chipped teeth. The best option for this type of sweet is to opt for a sugar-free alternative. This way, you are satisfying your sweet tooth without the risk of tooth decay. 
• Also, be on the lookout for chewy candies like gummy bears, taffy, and caramel. Even though these treats are sure to satisfy, they are stubborn and tend to stick to your teeth. This makes these chewy confections more difficult to break down with saliva.  

2. Select your beverages with care.

• While they might be packed full of vitamin C, it is best to avoid drinks that have too much citrus like orange grapefruit juice. The acid from these beverages can erode away your enamel and weaken your teeth.  
• If you are wanting a soda with your meal, keep in mind that its carbonation and sugar can also damage your enamel. Sugar-free sodas are a better alternative, but water is always the best option. 
• Even though most people enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the morning, the caffeine coupled with its dark color can dry out your mouth and stain your teeth. Consume it in moderation and try drinking with a straw to avoid some of those stains. 
• If you find yourself wanting to a cold drink, try refrigerating it instead of adding ice. Chewing ice can lead to dental emergencies and isn't the safest way to go. 

3. Look out for your pearly whites.   

The best way to prevent cavities and other dental health diseases is to take care of your teeth. Remember to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once. If you decide to eat or drink anything too acidic, try waiting at least thirty minutes before brushing your teeth.



Source: Mouth Healthy by the American Dentist Association

Our aim is to treat all patients with respect and provide a stress-free experience for the whole family. If you would like to schedule a cleaning after eating Valentine's Day sweets or have any questions, feel free to call one of our three convenient locations.

North location on Hymeadow Drive: (512) 250-5012  
Central location on Jollyville Road: (512) 346-8424  
South location on William Cannon Drive: (512) 445-5811

Splinting Teeth

Healthy Teeth Are Strong and Steady
In their normal state, teeth surrounded by healthy supporting structures exhibit very little mobility. Mobility can be defined in this case as movement of the teeth. Pushing on the teeth with dental instruments may cause the tooth to be deflected slightly from the "at rest" position, but this movement will be very, very slight.

Why Teeth May Need To Be Splinted
When the supporting bone is compromised and affected by periodontal disease, the teeth will show more mobility. If the tooth or teeth are subjected to trauma, they can be loosened in their sockets. Bruxing and grinding habits can also loosen teeth.

Teeth that are not too severely damaged by trauma will return to their former stability. Temporary splinting of the loosened teeth to each other or to other undamaged teeth may be required.

If the mobility is caused by clenching or grinding of the teeth, adjustment of the bite (occlusion) and the fabrication of a protective antigrinding/bruxing appliance may be indicated. In this case, no splinting of the teeth would be required.

The most common reason for splinting teeth is mobility cause by periodontal disease. The teeth show more movement as the bone support for the teeth diminishes. Multi-rooted teeth (molars) often show less mobility than single-rooted teeth with the same amount of bone loss. But the need for treatment is just as important. The more mobile the teeth, the more damage has been done, and the more splinting will be necessary.




The Splinting Procedure

Fixing periodontal disease

The first step in elimination of tooth mobility is to begin to correct the periodontal problem. If the teeth are mobile, the periodontal problem is probably advanced and the corrective measures could be both involved and time-consuming. Splinting may be started immediately. It involves attaching the mobile and perhaps non-mobile teeth together with a wire, acrylic, or a combination of the two. Attaching the teeth together gives them all more strength. Splinting has a limited life expectancy and must be repaired or replaced periodically. There is often a fee separate from the initial splinting fee associated with these procedures. You will be informed as to what your particular condition requires for short- and long-term therapy.

A more extensive form involves splinting the teeth together with cast and cemented restorations - crowns, bridges, bonded metal retainers, etc. This type of splinting will last much longer and is more expensive. The purpose is the same as that of external splinting - to attach the mobile teeth together so that they derive more strength and move less.

Teeth that are splinted will also require different and more involved brushing and flossing on your part. We will demonstrate these procedures for you.

Fees
Costs for splinting procedures vary greatly. It will depend on the number of teeth to be splinted, severity of the mobility, prognosis of the teeth, and the type of splinting selected.

If you have any questions about splinting teeth, please feel free to ask us.

Dental Injection

The amount of discomfort caused by any one dental injection can vary significantly. And even though so many patients are focused on the fact that a needle is involved, most of the pain from a dental injection is not related to the needle itself. Instead, it has to do with the location and type of tissue in which the shot is given.

Why is it not the needle's fault?
The needle initially does prick as it first enters the skin, but this only lasts for a split second. Once the needle is in position, the dentist does not move it around, so what would cause a further pricking sensation?

What is causing the pain?
The bulk of the discomfort that a patient experiences during an injection has to do with the act of placing a quantity of liquid (the anesthetic) into soft tissues. Shots in different locations have varying potential to hurt. It is the act of dispensing the anesthetic liquid into tissue that is painful.



Shots that are less likely to hurt:
Loose tissue: In some locations, the tissue receiving the injection is comparatively "loose," thus making it easy for the injected anesthetic solution to find a space to occupy.

• In locations where the tissue is relatively loose and flabby, the anesthetic solution will flow into the tissue easily and you probably will not feel the injection process much at all. Shots given on the cheek side of a person's upper molars, and probably even this bicuspids, involve this type of tissue and are often remarkably painless.

Shots that are more likely to hurt:
Dense tissue: In other areas, the construction of the tissue will be dense and tight. The anesthetic solution is injected, and it must forcibly make its own space - this is what pinches so much.

• In situations where the soft tissue receiving the injection is relatively tight and dense, the anesthetic liquid must force its way in. This type of instance is where you are likely to feel discomfort. As an example, injections given directly into the type of tight gum tissue that surrounds a person's teeth and covers over their palate are likely to pinch.

Will my shots hurt?
Ask your dentists what to expect with any specific injection. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn what they have to say.

What can I do to ease the pain?
Give your dentist some cooperation with the injection process. The more you cooperate with your dentist, the more pleasant the experience will be.

• The more you rush your dentist, the more likely it is to hurt: One factor associated with ease with which the anesthetic solution can enter into soft tissue has to do with the rate at which it is injected. The slower the rate, the less potential there is for discomfort.
• Be a cooperative patient: If you are an uncooperative patient, your dentist's natural instinct will be to speed up the injection process so it is finished more quickly. That is the exact opposite of what you want.
• Help your dentist be on-target, the first time: When a dentist performs a dental injection, they must place the anesthetic in the proper location. This takes a little concentration. If the dentist is focused on your behavior, as opposed to just performing the injection, it will increase the likelihood that the injection will be off-target and additional shots will be required. 
• If you want it to hurt, it will: Some people place themselves in a position of creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. They expect the injection to hurt and therefore do not give the process a chance, thus making a guaranteed unpleasant experience. 

If you have apprehensions about injections, let your dentist know in advance. They can address your concerns and take steps to make the process as pleasant for you as possible.

Foods That Cause Tooth Decay

Cariogenic: causing tooth decay.
Foods (such as candy and sweets) that contain sugar and other carbohydrates that can be metabolized by bacteria in plaque are described as cariogenic. 

How long food remains in mouth:

• Sugary liquids, such as soft drinks, leave the mouth quickly and are not as cariogenic
• Sticky foods, such as raisins or caramels, adhere to the teeth and stay in the mouth longer and are more cariogenic

Frequency vs. Amount:

• Someone who snacks all day on small amounts of cariogenic food is far more likely to develop decay
• Someone who eats a larger amount of cariogenic food, but only once a day, is less likely to develop decay 

Refined carbohydrates vs. Complex carbohydrates:

• Foods such as crackers, although not sweet, are cariogenic because they contain refined carbohydrates that stick to the teeth. They remain in the mouth long enough to be broken down into sugars that can be used by the bacteria in plaque.

• Complex carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables, are less cariogenic because they clear the mouth before they are converted into simple sugars that can be used by bacteria.  

Flow of saliva to speed clearance of food from mouth and provide a source of dietary fluoride to strengthen the tooth and assist in remineralization

• Sugarless gum or hard candy, as well as sipping water frequently, will increase the saliva flow
• Various medicines can cause a dry mouth, and try to avoid spicy or salty foods

Give Yourself A 60-Second Dental Check-Up

Regular visits to your dentists are absolutely essential to prevent serious dental problems. But it is also important to give yourself an oral check-up from time to time. This simple process just takes a minute, but it can yield valuable clues to the health of your mouth, teeth, and gums.

Stand before a well-lit mirror and open your mouth wide.

1. Check your gum line and the lines between your teeth
Good: There should be no brown lines here
Bad: If you see brown lines, that is a sign of tartar build-up
What to do: Time to go to the dentist. Once the brown lines are cleaned up at the clinic, regular flossing will keep tartar away.

2. Stick out your tongue. What does the surface look like? 
Good: A healthy tongue should be pink
Bad: If it is coated with white, it can be an indication of poor digestion. This coating also results in bad breath.
What to do: Use a stainless steel scraper to clean your tongue every morning. 

3. Are there ridges along your tongue? 
Bad: This is often a sign of tooth grinding. People may not be aware they grind their teeth, but it can happen when they are stressed. 
What to do: If you wake up with an aching jaw, you should see a dentist.

4. Take a look at the inside of your cheeks. 
Bad: Do you see white patches? These can occur if you chew the inside of your mouth when you bite and chew your food. 
What to do: These should be checked by your dentist because a wound inside the cheek can not only get infected, but may also be a sign of pre-cancerous changes, especially in smokers. An ulcer that does not heal within three weeks should also be investigated.

5. How do your gums look?
Good: If they are pink and rosy, your gums are in good health. 
Bad: But if they are red, it is a signal that gingivitis or gum inflammation has turned into gum disease. Another clue: gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. 
What to do: Your dentist can help you with a course of antibiotics and dental hygiene guidance on how to rebuild gum health. 

Bad: Pale gums can indicate iron deficiency - a warning sign of anemia. 
What to do: Up your intake of green vegetables, tofu, chickpeas, lentils, and dried fruits such as raisins and prunes.

Am I Grinding My Teeth At Night?

How do you find out if you are grinding your teeth at night? Many patients are often unaware that they have this problem. Some people do grind or clench their teeth during the day, but it oftentimes occurs at night when the person is asleep. Because of this, it can be difficult to self-diagnose.

Ways to find out

• When you wake up, are you in pain?
• Such pressure applied can cause a tooth to hurt or cause soreness in the jaw muscles.
• Does someone observe you grinding your teeth while you are sleeping?
• Many people who grind their teeth at night will make repetitive clicking or grinding noises while sleeping. They will not make these noises all night long, but instead exhibit repeated short periods of grinding/clenching activity.
• Does your front teeth look worn when you look in the mirror?
• Do you experience these symptoms when you wake up?

• A dull, constant headache
• A sore jaw
• Audible teeth grinding sounds as you are falling asleep
• Tooth sensitivity to heat, cold, or brushing
• Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis)
• Wounds on the inside of the cheeks (from biting)

Ask your dentist because chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening, or the loss of teeth.Your dentist can observe the wear patterns on your teeth and examine your mouth and jaw for signs of grinding, such as jaw tenderness, worn-down teeth, and other abnormalities. They will also check to make sure that you are not suffering from some other ailment that cause similar pain, such as: dental disorders, ear disorders, or TMD.

How to fix

•  Ask your dentist

• Dentists often recommend that patients wear a night guard in order to protect teeth and jaws from further damage. Many patients who do wear a night guard report that they feel better in the mornings. A previous blog post goes over the process of getting a bite guard.
• Muscle relaxants can be prescribed
• Crowns or onlays can be put onto your teeth to fix any damage caused to the teeth and repair your bite
• Understand bruxism: it is a condition where a person grinds, gnashes, or clenches his teeth unconsciously. 
• Reduce your stress. The degree of severity can be influenced by the amount of stress that someone is experiencing. Many patients who are aware of their nocturnal bruxing report that it can be worse during stressful periods of their lives.

• Stress counseling, exercising, meditating
• Eliminate major sources of stress in your life
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day
• Have fun with family and friends
• Eat well: three well-balanced and healthy meals each day
• Relax before bed
• Reduce stress on your mouth
• Stop chewing non-foods (chewing on pencils)
• Train yourself not to clench your jaw during the day
• If your muscles feel sore, you can apply ice to your jaw to alleviate the pain
• If your jaw hurts, you can take a pain reliever like ibuprofen for temporary relief