Diamons

clenching

Photography by Dr. Padval

Sense about Sensitivity

When teeth hurt, the sooner we reach the root of the problem, the sooner the pain disappears. What triggers tooth pain? Heat, cold, touch, air, sweet or sour foods. If you recently had a cavity filled, that area may be sensitive for awhile. Other causes of sensitivity are: Erosion of tooth enamel. Gum shrinkage down below the crown exposing the cementum beneath, an area sensitive to heat and cold. One or more teeth shifting into a position where they strike too hard against other [...]

By |2024-09-02T14:46:55-07:00July 9, 2024|Restorative Dentistry|

Dental Bad Habits

Some Bad Habits Are Hard To Break Often, people think of their teeth as indestructible, engaging in high-risk activities, or using them for things they just aren't well-suited to do. Avoid these bad habits to keep teeth strong and healthy. Using Teeth as Tools Conventional wisdom says there's no substitute for the correct tool. Well, teeth are not tools, nor should they be used as such! Using your teeth to open packaging is a big no-no. People will often justify the behavior by saying, [...]

By |2022-10-25T08:00:11-07:00October 25, 2022|Patient Education|

Grinding & Clenching Teeth

Are You Grinding Your Teeth? Tooth grinding (AKA bruxism) can be a big problem Grinding or clenching your teeth is a common stress reaction, and most don't even realize they are doing it. However, it can have a devastating impact on your teeth, especially when it becomes a habit and a go-to response. If you know you have a grinding problem or have other unexplained jaw pain, tooth sensitivity, or soreness, please contact us for an appointment by calling (916) 483-5900. Compared to other [...]

By |2022-08-23T08:00:12-07:00August 23, 2022|Restorative Dentistry|

Gum Recession Causes & Effects

Why Gum Recession Matters Healthy gums are crucial to healthy teeth! Gum recession is one of the signs of poor oral health, and it can also cause direct problems to teeth. If you have ongoing gum problems or periodontal disease, call our office today at (916) 483-5900. Healthy teeth receive protection from a layer of enamel, which is the hardest substance in the human body. However, this only covers the exposed chewing portion of the tooth. As gum recession occurs, the surface of the [...]

By |2021-04-20T08:00:52-07:00April 20, 2021|Periodontal Dentistry|

Find Relief for Sensitive Teeth

Do You Have Tooth Sensitivity? Tooth sensitivity can range from a mild annoyance to sudden severe pain. Most often triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods, those with the condition may or may not have visible cavities or damage present. That's why it often takes a dentist to determine the cause. If you're suffering from pain due to tooth sensitivity, don't wait any longer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Causes of tooth sensitivity: A recently filled cavity sometimes remains sensitive after [...]

By |2020-07-21T08:00:02-07:00July 21, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

“Is it a Cavity?”

Or something else... While most people think a toothache automatically means a cavity (or the need for a root canal), several other conditions can also cause temperature sensitivity, pain during chewing, and other symptoms typically associated with a toothache. Here are some of those causes: Gum Recession. When patients experience gum recession (which can be caused by periodontal disease, genetics, or neglect) the root surfaces of teeth are exposed. This part of the tooth can be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, similar [...]

By |2020-04-07T08:00:37-07:00April 7, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

Are You Grinding Your Teeth?

What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of teeth. It's a fairly common habit with about 1 in 3 exhibiting the behavior, yet most don't even realize they're affected. That's partly because bruxism can occur while sleeping at night, but also because the habit develops subconsciously, usually due to stress or anxiety. Recognizing the problem is the first step, and many patients can make great improvements by simply learning to position teeth, tongue, and lips properly. Some people mistakenly believe that teeth [...]

By |2020-01-21T08:00:07-08:00January 21, 2020|Preventative Dentistry|

Bad Habits for Teeth

Everyday Habits can Impact Oral Health Most of us have a bad habit or two that we'd like to change. Here are some common habits that are especially hard on teeth: Biting or Chewing Non-Foods Items Maybe you've done it for years with no harm, but each time you bite a non-food object is unnecessary wear and tear, making chips and other damage more likely. If you chew on pencils or toothpicks, bite your nails, or use your teeth as a tool to open [...]

By |2019-12-23T08:00:22-08:00December 23, 2019|Patient Education|

The Perils of a Bad Bite

No, we're not talking about being attacked by a junkyard dog. That's perilous enough. The bite in question here is your own bite—the way your lower teeth and your upper teeth come together. A bad bite can be responsible for several woes you might not necessarily connect, like headaches, unsightly teeth and TMJ disorder. Let's take TMJ first. That's short for temporomandibular joint—the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull. It's stressed every day, just like your knee joint. When you eat, your [...]

By |2017-11-28T00:00:23-08:00November 28, 2017|Preventative Dentistry|

Bruxism, the Unknown Habit

It's such a common habit, yet most of the time we never know we're doing it. Not cracking your knuckles or biting fingernails, but intense clenching and grinding of your teeth—known in dental terminology as bruxism. The reason this phenomenon goes unnoticed so often is that "grinders" usually perform when they're sleeping. Most research agrees that nighttime clenching is just a way of releasing tension. From what we see in the office, there's more than a few tense people out there. The most common [...]

By |2017-10-10T00:00:54-07:00October 10, 2017|Preventative Dentistry|