To Floss or Not to Floss, is that the question?

If you’ve ever visited your Valencia Dentist, you’ve more than likely been encouraged to floss. The American Dental Association continues to support the act of flossing as “an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums.”

However, earlier this year the Associated Press asked the department of Health and Human Services and Agriculture to show scientific evidence of the benefit of habitual flossing. After research of over 25 published studies, they could not find evidence that supports flossing. In the new dietary guidelines that will be released later this year, the recommendation to floss will be removed.

Everyone’s personal hygiene regimen is specific to them, and your friendly Valencia Dentist can help identify what is best for you, but in general - flossing is a good practice and habit to have. That said, similar to brushing too often, or too hard, flossing incorrectly can have a negative effect to your gums, teeth, and dental work.

Cavities start from built up bacteria, mostly between the teeth, which flossing can help prevent. The interim chair of the Department of Periodontics at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, Andrew Sullivan says “if people floss once a day, they’re doing a tremendous amount of good.”

There is no denying the benefits we have seen when patients start flossing. Come in for a checkup today and ask your Valencia dentist how flossing could benefit you!

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Expiration Date on Dental Work

Did you know there is an expiration date on your dental work?

That’s one of the many reasons you should have routine maintenance check-ups with your friendly Valencia dentist. During your exam your Valencia dentist will check for any weaknesses in past dental work and determine if any need to be replaced. Maintaining great dental hygiene is the first step you can take to keeping your dental work in good shape.

Dental work including fillings (dental restoration), crowns, and bridges last quite a few years but may need to be replaced due to drinking, eating, or grinding. Tooth decay can occur around the filling leaving a dangerous gap between the filling and the tooth. That gap is an open door for bacteria and food particles. An X-ray may be required in order to determine if there has been any decay under the previous dental work. If there has been decay under a crown, the crown may need to be replaced.

Fillings, if done correctly and properly taken care of, should last over 10 years. Crowns and bridges should last anywhere between 10-15 years. Each person has unique dental hygiene and the longevity of your dental work will vary. Your Valencia dentist will be able to determine the best lifecycle of your dental work.

If you think you have a broken or worn down implant or previous dental work, call your Valencia dentist and make an appointment today! Waiting to get it repaired could cause damage to not only the implant but to your teeth.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

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
smile@thedentist.com