Research has shown a direct correlation between stress and grinding your teeth. In the short term, teeth grinding – also known as bruxism – most often results in restless sleep – for both you and your partner. But over time, bruxism cam lead to facial and jaw pain, tooth aches and sensitivity, headaches, damage from chewing the inside of your cheek and worn-down or broken teeth. One of the primary causes of teeth grinding is as a response to stress. The good news? If you can manage your stress levels, you may be able to nip bruxism in the bud. Here’s more about teeth grinding and stress.
Teeth grinding can be the result of many factors, to include teeth misalignment, “muscle memory” from an active mouth (as an example, frequent gum chewing), epilepsy, gastroesophageal reflux and even ADHD. More commonly, people grind their teeth during high levels of stress; as such, they are prone to other sleep-related disorders to include apnea.
It’s nearly impossible to eliminate all the stressors in our busy, hectic lives. But there are ways to manage stress and sleep routines to decrease the chances of grinding away at your teeth while sleeping. If you grind your teeth, consider the following –
· Power down all your devices. This means TV, cellphone, tablets, and streaming your favorite shows. Consider instead turning into soothing music or a wave or white noise machine; whatever soothes and calms your mind may also help prevent grinding your teeth.
· Try a warm bath before bed. A soothing warm bath can help you relax tense muscles and relieve stress. Try adding lavender or eucalyptus to your bath for some well-deserved aromatherapy.
· Create a cave. Many sleepless nights are triggered by blinking lights on your DVR or the light emitted from a computer screen. Try working with natural light – turn off all manmade lights and work with natural light which will help you regulate your sleep cycles for a better night’s sleep.
· Clear your nasal passages. A warm cup of decaffeinated tea or that warm bath mentioned earlier can help clear your nasal passages, making it easier to breath through you nose, helping you sleep better.
If these home remedies are unsuccessful at relieving the stress that causes bruxism, it may be time to consult with your dentist. Your dentist can create a quality mouth guard to prevent grinding at night. If your teeth are out of alignment, he may recommend orthodontic procedures to align your teeth. If your grinding is a result of missing or broken teeth, your dentist may recommend implants to restore missing or damaged teeth.
Working with a dentist who understand how to treat bruxism is a good first step to achieving the good night’s sleep – and dental health– you deserve. If you live in Merced and think that you might be grinding your teeth at night, or you are simply seeking the area’s best dental care, you need to reach out to El Portal Dental Group. Our expert and caring staff are committed to your dental health, providing general and cosmetic dentistry for the entire family. Be sure to ask about Solea Dental Laser System, a pain-free alternative to traditional dental drilling. Don’t let another sleepless night go by. Call El Porto Dental Group today at (209) 385-1479 or request an appointment online.
Bruxism – the medical term for grinding your teeth – is a damaging habit that not only is bad for your teeth, but can be detrimental to your health in general. Those who grind their teeth during sleep hours are most often unaware they’re doing it. If you awaken each morning or even occasionally with a slight, but constant, headache, or if your jaw is sore in the morning, then you may have been grinding your teeth in your sleep. If you aren’t sure, ask your partner – you will be sure to get an honest response! If you have been grinding your teeth while you sleep, there could be a number of reasons why. Here are some possible reasons why your doctor likely will diagnose you with bruxism.
What is interesting about bruxism is that it is an effect, not a cause. Teeth grinding usually is the result of a number of different scenarios. Some of include problems sleeping or sleep deprivation, crooked or missing teeth or an over- or under-bite. Stress has been known to cause bruxism; it can also result from sinus and/or infections, colds, allergies, or other medical conditions.
There is no singular type of person who grinds teeth – both male and female; old and young may go through bouts of teeth grinding. The one thing they all share are the similar outcomes, which include:
- Pain and discomfort, which can include earaches, toothaches, and sore jaw and facial muscles; not to mention, the joints that connect the lower jaw to the skull can be damaged as a result of clenching and/or grinding.
- Tooth damage, especially to the enamel of both natural and restored teeth. And the more you grind, the more your teeth (to include caps, fillings, and crowns) will be affected. Additionally, the pressure from grinding result in loose or cracked teeth.
- Sleep deprivation and exhaustion. If you find yourself (or your loved ones) exhausted during the day, it could be the result of your bruxism. And that lack of sleep can make you less productive, put you at risk for disease and accidents, as well as weight gain.
- TMJ is a pain disorder that is localized in the jaw joint. Persons with TMJ will experience jaw pain, clicking of the jaw and sometimes the jaw will lock. Difficulty chewing is also a symptom.
Depending on the reason for your bruxism, you may be advised any number of solutions. Because bruxism occurs while sleeping, a mouth guard to protect your teeth is a good idea. Your dentist will devise a guard to fit your mouth so that your teeth are protected during sleep. This is the first line of defense, however a more deliberate approach may be in order, if stress is the reason you grind your teeth. There are options that will help you to reduce stress. Ask your healthcare provider or counselor for advice and techniques that will help. Remedies may include exercises, muscle relaxants, or relaxation exercises. If sleep apnea is behind the grinding, then making an appointment to see a sleep specialist should be a priority.
Cutting back on alcohol and caffeinated drinks may help grinding to subside. Avoid chewing on anything that is not food (e.g., pens, pencils, hair); continuing to do so trains your jaw to clench which in turn causes teeth to grind.
You still might not be sure about the grinding, unless someone is present during the time that you sleep and can hear and observe the grinding action. Otherwise, the only way to be certain that the symptoms you experience are related to bruxism is to see a dentist, who can confirm your suspicions. During your appointment, your dentist will be able to spot signs of bruxism and make recommendations accordingly.
If you suspect (or are being told) that you’re grinding your teeth at night, El Portal Dental Group can help relieve you deal with the problem. Call us to request an appointment to be examined. We will determine for sure whether you’re suffering from bruxism and will provide a solution to any of your dental needs. Call El Portal Dental Group today by calling 209-385-1479.
Do you ever wake up in the morning with terrible soreness in your jaw or neck? Do you suffer from regular earaches or tension-type headaches? If you said yes to these questions you might be suffering from a condition called bruxism.
The word bruxism is medical terminology for grinding of the teeth, and it can be caused by a number of things – feelings of anxiety or anger, misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, stomach acid reflux, as a side effect of certain medications or diseases, or just as a habitual coping method.
Finding relief from the symptoms that come with constantly grinding your teeth can be difficult since splints can be irritating to wear and prevent you from sleeping naturally. Luckily, we now have alternatives available such as the Cerezen earplug.
A special type of earplug, each set is specially molded to perfectly fit the wearer’s ear canal. The concept behind these earplugs is to fit right behind the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in order to create pressure on the joint whenever you attempt to clench or grind your teeth together. This pressure then causes your ear canal to contract, pushing down on the earplug and causing mild discomfort. This causes your jaw to subconsciously correct itself, basically training your mouth not to participate in this behavior any more.
Grinding your teeth can cause a whole lot of health problems, especially for your mouth. When you bite down, your jaw is able to produce approximately 120 pounds of pressure. Think of all the damage that kind of pressure can do to your teeth!
Over time, your teeth will wear down and you may end up needing crown replacements or other restorative surgery. More immediate symptoms of this condition include pain-causing tension in the muscles of the face, neck and back.
Are you interested in using a splint or earplug to treat bruxism? Our Merced dentists, including, Dr. Alois Regalado, will certainly thank you for your dedication and diligence in protecting your teeth from harm! For more information about treatments for teeth grinding, or to schedule an appointment, call us today at (209) 385-1479.
Would you ever consider wearing a set of Cerezen earplugs to stop teeth grinding? Why or why not?
You may not know it, but as hard as our teeth are, they are still porous to some degree, which means that they can naturally pick up stains from food and beverages like wine, coffee, soy sauce and berries. Besides which, teeth, like anything else, can and do often begin to show signs of wear with age. This can easily lead to staining, with the teeth becoming darker or yellowing over time. Smoking, which deposits tars and other chemical smoking related residues, can also discolor and stain teeth. On top of that, enamel thins as we age, which allows the underlying more yellowish-tinged dentin to dominate the tooth color. Which bring us to the question…does teeth whitening actually work? The answer is a very happy yes.
There are actually professional grade tooth whitening gels that are very effective in restoring the lovely white smile you may have started to miss. Professional teeth whitening systems are designed to safely clear away stains, removing layers of dull or yellowed stains, creating dramatically whiter smiles.
Budget conscious consumers sometimes choose less effective, over-the-counter teeth whitening systems (such as whitening strips or paint on applicators) in an effort to save a few coins. The only problem is that not only are those systems less effective, they can actually increase your teeth sensitivity, making you wince when you drink a cold beverage on a hot day. Even when they do not cause tooth sensitivity, over-the-counter teeth whitening systems tend to deliver inconsistent results.
Teeth whitening treatments provided by your dentist are stronger than what you can buy over the counter. Your dentist can provide you with specific instructions alongside a safe and effective take home professional whitening gel treatment. Or you can have your dentist apply a professional dental product such as the Sapphire In-office Teeth Whitening System, which whitens your teeth in less than an hour.
Advantages of a Professional Teeth Whitening Systems
· Safer and professionally administered
· More consistent results
· Stronger and more effective products
· Reduced risk of teeth damage or increased sensitivity
When it comes to the health of your smile, spending a little more is worth it. We offer both in-office and professionally made dental gel trays to safely and effectively whiten and brighten your smile. Don’t risk your teeth with anything less than professional grade, dentist dispensed or applied teeth whitening systems that actually work.
If you, or a loved one needs teeth whitening, or to learn more about our advanced dental whitening systems, please call El Portal Dental at (209) 385-1479 today or schedule an appointment online. Today.
After a long, hard workout you decide to take a sip of cold water from your jug. But suddenly you feel a sharp flash of pain in your teeth. You start to wonder if there is anything wrong with you. Do not fret; chances are you experiencing tooth sensitivity.
So, what is responsible for the pain associated with sensitive teeth? The enamel surface of healthy teeth protects the layer of dentin underneath it. Pain arises when the enamel is worn down, allowing the dentin and microscopic canals that run through the dentin to become exposed. Tooth enamel may become worn away for a number of reasons. Here is a list of things you may be doing that has led to enamel wear and contributed to tooth sensitivity:
Brushing your teeth is necessary. However, brushing your teeth too vigorously tooth sensitivity can cause tooth sensitivity. When you brush, the protective coating on your teeth wears down over time, exposing the microscopic canals that lead to your nerves. Paying attention to how hard you are brushing is important, as is using a toothbrush with soft rather than firm bristles.
Acidic foods such as tomatoes and citrus could also wear down your enamel and expose the dentin underneath it. In addition to this, eating this type of food when the microscopic canals are exposed can cause extreme pain or discomfort. Simply avoiding acidic foods may provide some relief if you have sensitive teeth.
Some people who grind their teeth at night unconsciously also put their teeth at high risk of enamel erosion. To combat this, your dentist can prescribe you a custom-fitted mouth guard that prevents you from grinding your teeth while asleep.
After you eat, plaque can form and build up on your teeth. An excess of this can be harmful to your tooth’s enamel. Maintaining good oral hygiene such as flossing and brushing after eating can help to remove plaque before it can build up. You should also visit a dentist to have your teeth cleaned every six months or so.
Gums surround each and every one of your teeth. If your gums are damaged, they begin to recede, exposing more and more of your teeth – which can result in tooth sensitivity. Consult your dentist about the state of your gums and what you can do to improve your gum health and minimize your tooth sensitivity.
Your teeth may crack when you bite into hard foods. When this occurs, the nerves of your teeth become exposed and cause discomfort. Bacteria can also take up residence in the cracks, cause cavities and more pain.
Tooth sensitivity can also arise from the harsh chemicals present in some over-the-counter mouthwashes. By limiting how often you rinse your mouth with mouthwash (to once a day) can help reduce sensitivity – as can switching to a mouthwash your dentist recommends.
Decay increases your risk of tooth sensitivity. Cavities can expose the dentin and nerves of your teeth, causing pain.
Sensitivity to hot or cold beverages will be a thing of the past when you treat your sensitive teeth. Here at El Portal Dental Group, our dental specialists can help you achieve goal this in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Call (209) 385-1479 now or fill out our appointment request form to start feeling good about your teeth.
Over time, our teeth can become discolored and stained. Tooth discoloration can be caused by a combination of factors, such as food, medication, smoking, and age. Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to remove stains from your teeth and to brighten your smile. In fact, teeth whitening when performed by a dental professional carries very few risks and side effects. If you are considering teeth whitening, here’s some more things you can expect in addition to a great smile.
You may experience increased sensitivity for 1-2 days following your whitening procedure. This discomfort is due to the active ingredient in teeth whitening, hydrogen peroxide; and is mild and temporary. For most patients, this sensitivity is easily managed by avoiding hot or cold food and drinks, or by taking over-the-counter pain medication. If you have sensitive teeth prior to treatment, you are more likely to experience discomfort after the procedure. If you’re concerned about discomfort, you may consider your dentist’s take-home whitening treatment, as it contains less hydrogen peroxide.
Additionally, your gums may appear slightly discolored or may sting for a few hours after treatment, but there is no need for alarm. This discomfort will dissipate shortly and you should be fully healed in 1-2 days following treatment.
As you can see, teeth whitening is safe and poses few, if any, risks, as long as it is performed or prescribed by a board-certified dentist. However, it may be possible to have too much of a good thing. People who have too many consecutive whitening treatments are at risk of over-bleaching. Over-bleaching is when a person overexposes their teeth to the hydrogen peroxide in whitening gel. Over-bleaching can cause the outer layers of your enamel to wear away, which can leave the dentin and soft inner tissues exposed and vulnerable. This over-exposure can lead to lasting sensitivity. It can actually lead to permanent discoloration, as dentin is naturally darker than tooth enamel. Because the dentin and soft tissues are exposed, you are left vulnerable to injury or disease. Over-exposure may eventually require you to get permanent protection for your teeth using porcelain veneers or crowns. If you’ve done teeth whitening in the recent past, speak to your dentist to determine if enough time has passed before doing another treatment.
Teeth whitening is most effective on surface stains, which are normally the result of food, drinks, or tobacco. Deeper stains, caused by medication usage or injury, can be more difficult to remove. Your dentist will evaluate you to see if teeth whitening is a good treatment option. If not, alternative options such as dental bonding or porcelain veneers are available. If you already have restorations, such as crowns or veneers, be aware that they may not be as responsive to whitening treatment as your natural teeth. If that is the case, your dentist can replace them to make them whiter and to blend in more with your natural teeth.
Professional treatment by an experienced dentist can greatly minimize the risk of accidental gum exposure to the whitening gel, which could cause burning. Your dentist will have aptly fitted dental trays, which helps to prevent the whitening gel from leaking onto the gums.
You are just one office visit from whiter teeth and a gorgeous smile. Dr. Khang Nguyen and the dentists at El Portal Dental Group in Merced, California welcome the opportunity to make your teeth beautifully white and healthy by offering both in-office and take-home teeth whitening options. The friendly and knowledgeable staff makes it their priority to provide you with the personalized care you deserve. To schedule an appointment, please call our office at (209) 385-1479 or request an appointment online.
You may wonder if the energy and effort it takes to brush your toddler’s teeth is worth it; after all, they’re going to loose them anyway. However, brushing and flossing your child’s teeth is one of the most important things you can do to prevent tooth decay and cavities, both now and in the future.
Cavities can cause your toddler to loose teeth prematurely, and early loss of baby teeth can have big consequences. Temporary teeth are not just needed to chew food – they influence the way a child learns to talk. Also, baby teeth hold a place for the permanent teeth. When a tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth under it can shift, causing spacing issues when the permanent teeth arrive. These issues could lead to more costly procedures for straightening and alignment.
Brushing your toddler’s teeth twice a day will help form a habit that your child will carry with them into adulthood. It is important to make sure their teeth are being brushed properly and that they learn how to brush them well.
Step 1: Use a Child-Sized Toothbrush.
It may not seem necessary, but smaller toothbrushes prevent discomfort and make it easier to reach the back teeth in your child’s mouth. The bristles should have a rounded edge and be varied in length. Don’t forget, toothbrushes should be changed once every three months or when the bristles start to spread (this can happen sooner with toddlers who like to bite the brush). We offer small toothbrushes to fit your child’s mouth perfectly and will send one home with them after each cleaning.
Step 2: Add the Appropriate Amount of Toothpaste.
The amount of toothpaste you should use depends on the age of your child. Those younger than 3 should use an amount about the size of a grain of rice. Children 4 and up can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Step 3: Brush Each Surface.
Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth by using short back and forth strokes. To brush the inside surface of the teeth, hold the toothbrush as vertically as possible and brush up and down. Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth, as well as their tongue. Brushing the tongue helps to eliminate harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.
Step 4: Rinse and Spit.
Try to avoid spitting while in the middle of brushing, since this can remove toothpaste before you have a chance to get it onto all of their teeth. Once you are finished with every surface, they can rinse and spit.
EXTRA TIP: Many parents find it easier to stand behind their child while brushing. This allows for more natural movement, as if you were brushing your own teeth.
Oral health is extremely important, and getting your children into the routine of brushing their teeth properly as well as regular dental exams sets them up for a lifetime of healthy habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child see a dentist after their first tooth, or by their first birthday to help get a jumpstart on proper oral care. El Portal Dental Group offers state-of-the-art professional dental treatment for your child, as well as the rest of your family. Call us today at (209) 385-1479, or use our convenient online appointment scheduler.