Oral cancer occurs more often in those over age 40. It affects twice as many men as women. The risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, and sun exposure. A diet low in fruits and vegetables may play a role in cancer development, as these food groups contain antioxidants that are thought to have…
What is TMJ? TMJ refers to the temporomandibular joint which connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the bone at the side of your head (temporal bone). When someone has a temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, they may experience pain in the jaw joint and muscles, stiffness, limited opening, clicking and popping of the joint when…
While many people look forward to the spring and the warm weather that accompanies it, for allergy sufferers, it can be a difficult time. The pollen produced by trees, flowers and grasses can trigger an immune response that causes runny nose, itchy eyes and throat, sneezing, and congestion. But what many people don’t know is…
WHAT IS SLEEP APNEA? Sleep apnea occurs when the airway is blocked either by the tongue or muscles in the airway, causing the cessation of breathing during sleep. As the patient falls asleep, the airway collapses causing Oxygen levels to drop. The body then goes into flight or fight response, which arouses them, enabling them…
Some patients wonder why yearly dental radiographs are necessary, particularly when they may have never had any oral health issues. For a dental examination to be complete and comprehensive, a clinical evaluation must be combined with dental radiographs. Many oral conditions can be missed when radiographs are not taken. These include cavities, cysts, abscessed teeth,…
Crowns and bridges have traditionally been made of full metal or porcelain fused to metal, both of which provide durability and strength. However, the presence of metal in the oral cavity is not esthetically pleasing to all patients. Metal crowns can sometimes cause a gray hue in the gum tissue surrounding the crown. Some patients…
Unlike general anesthesia and intravenous sedation, nitrous oxide will not put you to sleep. It will, however, decrease your awareness of and sensation of what is occurring during your dental visit. Nitrous Oxide can do all of the following: reduce your anxiety level, enable you to feel more relaxed, and decrease your gag reflex. Most…
Cavities are generally caused by the presence of bad bacteria in the mouth. They can also be caused by the foods and drinks that we consume. Soda, most definitely, can contribute to the development of caries. This is because soda is very acidic, and cavities can develop from low (acidic) pH levels. This is why…
If you notice that you have a decrease in the amount of saliva in your mouth, you may have a condition known as dry mouth. It usually causes one to feel discomfort and to have difficulty swallowing, chewing, etc. You may also feel that your tongue is rough and dry and that your throat feels…
Did you know that those with good oral health may have better overall health? How so? Well, studies suggest that patients with periodontitis (which is untreated gingivitis that transitions into ongoing inflammation ) may be at higher risk for heart disease and stroke. Pregnant women with gum disease may be more prone to pregnancy diabetes,…