Open Wide Dental

Signs That Your Teeth May Be Suffering Damage While You Sleep

If you grind your teeth, you have a condition called bruxism. It’s often caused or aggravated by excessive stress. When left untreated, bruxism can lead to significant complications, including tooth loss, facial alterations, and even hearing loss. Bruxism can be difficult to detect, as you may not realize that you grind your teeth in your sleep. Your dentist will notice signs of bruxism during your regular appointments. You might also make an appointment with your dentist if you notice any of the signs of bruxism listed below.

Damaged Teeth
Damage to your teeth is one of the most common signs of bruxism. The teeth become worn down, chipped, or flattened. In severe cases, the teeth can become fractured. If the grinding continues, your dentist might need to install bridges, crowns, or dental implants to fix or replace your teeth.

Sleep Disturbances
It’s quite common for those suffering from bruxism to be unaware that they grind their teeth at night. If you have bruxism, you might sometimes wake up clenching your jaw. Your partner might also complain of teeth grinding noises during the night.

Pain and Sensitive Teeth
You should schedule a dentist appointment promptly if you notice sensitive teeth or teeth pain. Tell your dentist about all of your symptoms, which may include jaw tenderness, soreness, and chronic facial pain. Bruxism can cause fatigued or tightened jaw muscles, which may make it difficult to open your mouth and chew your food. You might frequently experience dull headaches or earaches. Sensitive teeth are another common problem with bruxism, as grinding the teeth wears away the enamel.

Damage to Soft Tissues
Tell your dentist if you notice any damage to the insides of your cheeks, which you may have chewed without realizing it. Some sufferers of bruxism also notice indentations on the tongue.

In addition to your regularly scheduled dentist visits, you should schedule an appointment right away if you notice possible signs of bruxism. Call Open Wide Dental today at (602) 457-3973 or visit our website to learn more about our dentistry services, which include preventative care and cosmetic dentistry.

Don't Miss Our Dental Implant Seminar and Mixer on Wednesday, May 22nd

Join us on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6 pm for our Dental Implant Seminar and Mixer!

Dr. Thom Durisek, along with his colleague and Periodontist, Dr. Dirk Donovan will be holding an informational seminar on Implant Dentistry. Implants have changed the lives of many of our patients. We have partnered with Dr. Donovan and Straumann Implants to host a mixer. If you, or anyone you know, could benefit from information on Implant Dentistry, please RSVP to this special event. Refreshments will be served.

To RSVP, visit the event page on our Facebook, or click here!

Get Great Dental Facts With These Resources

Your dentist is here to protect your oral health and provide you with the tools to maintain a bright and confident smile. You can get the facts about dentures and oral cancer by clicking through these web resources:

• GERD is a disease that carries a heightened risk for the development of oral cancer. You can find more information about GERD and its complications on the website of the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
• Would you like to learn more about HPV and its connection with oral cancer? Visit the Mouth Cancer Foundation’s website to read through this page and get the facts.
• What are the symptoms of oral cancer and when should you see a dentist about your concerns? Click over to the Mayo Clinic website for more information.
• Denture-induced stomatitis is a common infection encountered by dentures wearers. SimpleStepsDental.com offers more information about this condition, its treatment, and how to prevent it.
• Proper dentures care can help to prevent infections and wear to keep your dentures clean and looking their best. This page on WebMD.com reviews some basic tips on caring for your dentures.

At Open Wide Dental, our friendly dental staff is here to answer your questions and provide you with comfortable, personalized treatment to meet your needs. Check us out online to learn more about our general and cosmetic dental services, including oral cancer screenings, dentures, and dental implants. We invite you to call (602) 457-3973 to schedule your appointment with us for a bright smile and better dental health. 

Assessing the Causes and Risk Factors of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is cancer that affects the mouth, head, and neck. It is a serious and life-threatening condition that kills thousands of Americans every year. Early detection and elimination of controllable risk factors can help to prevent or eliminate oral cancer before it becomes a serious problem. Talk to your dentist today about an oral cancer screening and assessment of your risks.

Smoking and Alcohol
Drinking and smoking are two common risk factors for oral cancer. Alcohol and tobacco have negative dental health effects and often promote the formation of oral cancers. Contrary to popular belief, smokeless tobacco is not safer than smoking—in fact, it increases your oral cancer risk by over eight times. Your dentist or doctor can help you if you do not feel you can quit using tobacco or alcohol on your own.

Age, Gender, and Heredity
Certain inherent risk factors have been identified for oral cancer. These include being male, being older than 40, and having a family history of oral cancer. While these factors cannot be changed, if you are at a higher risk it’s important to maintain regular dental checkups and oral cancer screenings. Talking to your dentist can help you learn your specific inherent risk factors and determine how often you should be screened.

HPV and GERD
Infection with human papillomavirus, or HPV, has been linked with the formation of cancer in the mouth, particularly in those under 40. HPV can be transmitted sexually or via any exchange of bodily fluids. Other health conditions that can increase your risk for oral cancer include GERD, or gastro-esophageal reflux disease. This is a digestive disorder in which stomach acid enters the esophagus, causing irritation and damage to these tissues.

You can learn more about your oral cancer risk factors from your dentist at Open Wide Dental. Call us today at (602) 457-3973 to schedule an appointment for preventive dental care, including a thorough oral cancer screening. If you’d like to find out more about oral cancer and dental health, please click on our blog. 

The Top Tips for Optimal Oral Hygiene

Good dental health provides you with a confident smile and better overall health. This video features ten simple tips you can follow every day for healthier teeth and gums. You will learn how to brush and floss properly to clean your teeth of cavity-causing plaque. Snacking on foods such as apples and sugar-free gum can help to clean your teeth between meals when you cannot brush. Even a good home care routine requires professional touch-ups, though, so make sure to visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and cleanings.

The friendly dentists at Open Wide Dental are here to help you maintain a healthy smile for life. Visit our Phoenix dental office to learn more about the benefits of preventive care right at home for a smile you’ll love to show off. You can contact us online or by calling (602) 457-3973.