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Posts for: October, 2019

Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It

By Gillette Dental PC
October 25, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: teeth grinding  
DontPanicOverYourChildsTeethGrindingbutDoKeepanEyeonIt

First the bad news: Those nightly hair-raising sounds are indeed coming from your child’s bedroom—from your child. It’s the result of them grinding their teeth while they sleep.

But here’s the good news: the only likely harm is a lack of sleep members of your household might experience because of it. Teeth grinding is so prevalent among pre-teen children that many healthcare professionals consider it normal. But that doesn’t mean it can’t become a problem, so it’s worth monitoring.

Teeth grinding is part of a family of dental habits known as bruxism. It involves any involuntary movement of the teeth and jaws outside of their intended functions not associated with chewing, speaking or swallowing. Our main concern with any bruxism is the possibility for generating stronger biting forces than normal that could damage teeth and gums and contribute to jaw joint problems.

Teeth grinding can occur in adulthood, with stress seeming to be the major trigger for it. With children, though, it’s believed to be mainly caused by an immaturity of the child’s neuromuscular process that controls chewing. As this matures, most children will tend to outgrow the habit none the worse for wear.

But there are pediatric cases in which the generated biting forces are strong enough to cause damage. Teeth grinding is also prevalent in children who snore or breathe through their mouths, which could be a sign of a serious health condition called obstructive sleep apnea. And certain medications used to treat depression and attention deficit disorder (ADHD) may also contribute to teeth grinding.

Most of the time we can simply let the habit run its course. If, however, the child begins to experience abnormal tooth wear, headaches, jaw pain or other issues believed caused by teeth grinding, we may need to intervene. This could include a plastic night guard the child wears during sleep that prevents the teeth from making solid contact during grinding episodes. And children with signs of airway obstruction should be evaluated by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

It can be irritating or even distressing. But your child’s teeth grinding doesn’t mean you should be alarmed—only that you should keep your eye on it.

If you would like more information on teeth grinding and similar habits, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “When Children Grind Their Teeth.”


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Vitamins Can Help Keep Your Oral Health in Top Shape

By Gillette Dental PC
October 15, 2019
Category: Oral Health
Tags: vitamins  
VitaminsCanHelpKeepYourOralHealthinTopShape

Vitamins play a key role in your body’s health, including your teeth and gums. A vitamin-deficient diet is an invitation to all sorts of disease.

But what are vitamins? Although they differ individually in what effect they have on the body, they’re all organic compounds found in foods, especially fruits and vegetables. Each in a different way helps with bodily processes.

Vitamin C, for example, helps the body repair tissue. Without it, tissue breaks down easier, as British sailors discovered centuries ago on long sea voyages. Deprived of vitamin C in their diets they soon encountered health issues like bleeding gums. Eating limes — chock full of vitamin C—helped to clear up such problems (and also why they were called “limeys”).

Scientists have discovered thirteen vitamins, four of which—A, D, E and K—are soluble (dissolvable) in fat; the body stores these in the liver and fat tissue where they issue out into the body slowly. The rest—C and eight types of B vitamin—are soluble in water. Unlike the fat-soluble vitamins, these are used quickly and any remaining are excreted from the body.

When it comes to teeth, gums and the mouth, a rich assortment of vitamins helps maintain good oral health. For the teeth especially, vitamin D plays a critical role—it helps the body absorb the mineral calcium necessary for strong bones and teeth. You’ll find this vitamin plentiful in dairy products, but also fatty fish like salmon and tuna.

While vitamins occur naturally in foods, they can be manufactured in the form of dietary supplements. Unfortunately, the world of dietary supplements is a murky one, ungoverned by the restrictions and clinical trials that drugs undergo before they go to market. And, it’s big business: vitamin supplements are promoted as “insurance” for good health.

But while some people have conditions that may require a vitamin supplement, research has shown that most of us can effectively get our vitamins through a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables. So, do your teeth and gums (as well as the rest of your body) a favor—eat your fruits and veggies. Along with daily brushing and flossing, getting enough vitamins can go a long way toward keeping your mouth healthy and disease-free.

If you would like more information on nutrition and dental health, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Vitamins & Dietary Supplements: What Every Consumer Should Know.”


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Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss

By Gillette Dental PC
October 05, 2019
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: dental implant  
YourQuestforaDentalImplantMightBeInterruptedbyBoneLoss

Years ago, disease or trauma robbed you of one of your teeth. At the time you might have opted for an affordable solution, like a partial denture. But now you'd like to restore that missing tooth with a dental implant, the most life-like tooth replacement available.

That's a great decision. But there may be a hiccup along the way to your new implant: the state of the underlying jawbone. Implants need a certain amount of bone for proper placement. If not enough is present, that may cause an interruption in your plans—and that could be a real possibility if your tooth has been missing for some time.

That's because, like other living tissues, bone has a growth cycle: Old bone cells die and dissolve, while new cells form to take their place. In the jaw, the force produced by teeth during chewing helps to keep this growth process in the bone functioning at a healthy pace.

When a tooth goes missing, though, so does this chewing stimulation. A lack of stimulation can slow the growth rate for that part of the bone and its volume can diminish over time. It's possible for a quarter of the bone volume to be lost within the first year after losing a tooth.

If you've experienced that level of bone loss, we may not be able to place an implant—yet. You might still have a few options. For one, we could attempt to regenerate some of the bone through grafting. Bone material grafted into the affected area can serve as a scaffold for new bone cells to form and adhere. Over time, this could result in a sufficient amount of regenerated bone to support a dental implant.

Another possibility might be to install a smaller diameter implant like those used to support removable dentures. Because they're smaller they require less bone than standard-sized implants. They're not for every situation, though, and are best suited for situations where aesthetics isn't a priority.

To know what your options are regarding an implant-based restoration, you'll need to undergo a thorough evaluation of your oral health, including supporting bone. Depending on your situation, you may still be able to renew your smile with this premier tooth replacement option.

If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Dental Implants After Previous Tooth Loss.”


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Archive:

  • 2019
      • December (2)
        • Why Alfonso Ribeiro Is Grateful for Root Canal Treatment
        • Your Smile Can Be Your Passport to the World - Take Care of It With These Tips
      • November (3)
        • Eating the Right Carbs Helps Keep Your Gums Healthy
        • Having Diabetes Could Increase Your Risk of Gum Disease
        • Pop Star Demi Lovato Pops Out Jay Glazer's Tooth
      • October (3)
        • Don't Panic Over Your Child's Teeth Grinding but Do Keep an Eye on It
        • Vitamins Can Help Keep Your Oral Health in Top Shape
        • Your Quest for a Dental Implant Might Be Interrupted by Bone Loss
      • September (3)
        • Lady Gaga Wasn't "Born This Way?"
        • Dental Office Infection Control Protects You From Viral Infection
        • Your Dentist Might Hold the Key to Solving Your Sleep Apnea Problem
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        • 3 Ways to Correct Missing Front Teeth
        • Fan of Superhero Film Black Panther Breaks Steel Wire...with Her Mouth!
        • Rejuvenate Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers
        • Contrary to Popular Opinion, Vaping May Not Be Safer Than Smoking
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        • You May Need to Postpone an Upcoming Dental Visit if You Have Shingles
        • NBA Player's Injury Points Out Need for Mouthguards
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        • Jaw Joint Disorders may be Connected to Other Health Problems
        • Do You Have Periodontal Disease?
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        • 3 Things to Watch Out for to Protect Your Oral Appliance
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        • Healthy Smiles for Alfonso Ribeiro and Family
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        • Julianne Hough Shares a Video - and a Song - After Wisdom Teeth Come Out
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        • Get Ahead of a Developing Cross-Bite with This Early Intervention Measure
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        • Beat Dental Plaque While Wearing Braces with These Tools and Tips
        • Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
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        • You may Need Orthodontic Treatment Before Obtaining Implants
        • National Children's Dental Health Month Highlights Importance of Baby Teeth
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        • Janet Jackson: Even pop stars get insecure about their smiles!
        • How a New Approach to Treating Decay Could Benefit You
        • Porcelain Veneers Might not be the Best Option for Teenagers
        • FAQS about Veneers
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        • Practice the Dental Care Basics to Ensure a Healthy Smile
        • New Front Teeth for a Teenaged David Duchovny
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
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        • Lasers Could be the Future for Gum Disease Treatment
        • A Stainless Steel Crown Could Help a Struggling Primary Molar Last Longer
        • 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
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        • Take These Measures to Lower Your Child's Tooth Decay Risk
        • How to Help Your Kids Form Good Oral Hygiene Habits
        • 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
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        • Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
        • Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
        • A Bonded Retainer Might Work for You after Orthodontic Treatment
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        • 3 Tips to Making Mealtime Easier During TMD Flare-Ups
        • A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
        • Anchors Make all the Difference in Successful Orthodontic Treatment
        • Take Care of Your Dental Appliance and It Will Take Care of You
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        • Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
        • Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
        • Good Reasons for Choosing Clear Aligners for Orthodontic Treatment
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        • 3 Areas to Watch to Avoid Excessive Tooth Wear
        • What You Can Do to Support Your Child's Dental Development
        • Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
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        • Lasers Poised to Transform Current Treatment for Gum Disease
        • Tooth Loss: A Health Risk for Older Adults
        • 4 Things You Should Focus on During Pregnancy for Optimal Dental Health
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        • Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
        • 3 Things You Might not Know About Moving Teeth
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        • Don't Ignore Tooth Pain - You May Need a Root Canal
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        • Dental Crowns for the King of Magic
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        • 3 Reasons Why Smoking Doesn't Mix with Dental Implants
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        • Winter Tooth Tips
        • How Big Bang Theory Actress Mayim Bialik Gets Her Kids to Floss
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      • December (2)
        • Composite Resin Could Transform Your Tooth's Appearance in Just one Visit
        • Boost Your Overall Health by Reducing Gum Inflammation
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        • Looking Good for the Holidays
        • Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
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        • Four Tips for Preventing Premature Loss of Baby Teeth From Tooth Decay
        • FAQ: Interceptive Orthodontics for Children
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        • Stay Vigilant with Oral Hygiene to Avoid Another Bout of Gum Disease
        • Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
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        • The 3 Top Causes for Tooth Sensitivity
        • Life Is Sometimes a Grind for Brooke Shields
        • Use the Same Prevention Strategy to Defeat Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
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        • (Don't) Break It Like Beckham
        • Include Limitations on Sugar in Your Tooth Decay Prevention Strategy
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        • Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
        • Gum Infection Around Tooth Roots Calls for Immediate Action
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        • Don't Forget Your Oral Hygiene While Wearing Braces
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        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
        • Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
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        • Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
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        • Teeth Grinding Could be Causing Your Teeth to be Loose
        • Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
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        • Spice Up Your Teeth
        • Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
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        • A Toothless Tiger?
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        • Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
        • Keep Your Saliva Flowing - Your Oral Health Depends on it
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        • Patients with HIV Must Pay Close Attention to Their Oral Health
        • Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
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        • Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
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        • Orthodontics and Your Teen
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