Iron in Beaver's Teeth Shows Way to Stronger Enamel

Without toothpaste, regular brushing, or fluoride rinses, beavers manage to maintain durable, cavity-free teeth. Meanwhile, if we humans neglect our oral hygiene habits, we suffer painful and unsightly consequences. So, why is it that beavers can chew away without worry? The answer is microscopic.

No matter the species, all teeth are composed—partly—of enamel. It’s the glossy surface that many of us (including your Valencia dentists) strive to keep strong and shining brightly. Healthy enamel is what keeps our smiles looking lovely!

While both beavers and humans have layers of enamel on the surface of teeth, new studies have discovered that beaver enamel is fortified by iron while the enamel in humans is fortified with magnesium and fluoride. As it turns out, iron is extremely effective at chemically combating the acidic attacks that cause cavities. The trade-off is that it turns teeth the reddish-brown hue characteristic of beavers.

First off, it’s important to note that this discovery doesn’t mean you should put down the toothbrush and pick up the iron supplements. However, this new information is furthering our understanding of human tooth decay and could lead to the development of new tools that will help us Valencia dentists more effectively protect enamel protection down the line.

While new techniques and technologies are developed and tested, the very best way to keep your enamel in healthy, shiny shape is to continue with your oral hygiene routine as instructed by your Valenica dentist. This includes regular brushing with dentist-approved toothpaste, flossing, rinsing with fluoride, and maintaining a healthy, low-sugar diet!

We don’t see a brush-free future ahead, but perhaps scientists can learn a thing or two from beavers that’ll keep our teeth healthy for longer—without the iron color!

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TMD: A Small Problem that Causes Big Pain

The temporomandibular joints (TMJ) are small, muscular hinges that connect our jaw (mandible) to the temporal bones located just in front of the ears. These joints are used constantly throughout the day as we talk, eat, yawn, and breathe! From time to time, however, problems arise within around this joint that can cause serious discomfort. Collectively, these problems are known as temporomandibular joint disorders or, simply, TMD.

What Are the Symptoms of TMD?

Although the TMJ is a tiny part of the body, soreness within this joint can cause extreme discomfort throughout the body. Symptoms of TMD can include:

• Headaches
• Earaches
• Trouble opening and closing the mouth
• Clicking or popping of the jaw
• Tenderness in the jaw
• Increased tension in the shoulder muscles
• Rare cases, such as, tinnitus

Those who suffer from TMD typically experience amplified symptoms as the day goes on and the jaw is continually used. Although the muscle soreness is usually localized to the lower face, symptoms such as headaches, earaches, and tinnitus are a distraction in every facet of daily life.

What Causes TMD?

Currently, there's no single answer as to what causes TMD, but dentists have identified many contributing factors. These include:

• Teeth grinding
• An uneven bite caused by ill-fitted crowns and bridges
• High stress, which can lead to clenching and facial muscle tightness
• Any kind of trauma, including whiplash
• Arthritis of the TMJ

Can TMD Be Treated?

The good news is that your friendly Valencia dentist is fully equipped to treat TMD! Every case of TMD is unique and requires special attention. Some minor cases can be treated with plastic night guards to protect against grinding, while more severe cases may require crown replacement or surgery. Consult with your dentist to find out which treatment is right for you!

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valenica
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