Do you wake up with a sore jaw or headache? Have you noticed that your teeth have changed shape? Do you feel that there’s more space between your teeth? Do you feel that your teeth are loose? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, you may suffer from teeth grinding, also known as bruxism.

Teeth grinding can be costly from several perspectives. Because we are likely to experience ongoing pain from teeth grinding, bruxism is associated with chronic pain. This pain can affect our relationships, our social life and professional life. In addition, teeth grinders are more likely to experience tooth fractures or can wear teeth down to stumps. Bruxism also destroys tooth restorations and cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental veneers. Teeth grinders who do not receive treatment are at a higher risk for dental bridges, dental crowns, root canals, dental implants and dentures. When we consider all costs associated with teeth grinding, a preventative treatment plan becomes important.

Teeth Grinding Prevention

Mouth Guard: Dentists can custom design a mouth guard that fits to the size of your teeth as well as contours of your teeth and tooth restorations. Mouth guards protect your teeth, cosmetic dentistry and tooth restorations from damage due to grinding.
Oral Hygiene: Improper oral hygiene is a contributor to teeth grinding. Daily brushing and flossing is important for teeth grinders. Obtaining dental fillings, root canals, dental crowns and the like, when necessary, reduces the risk of teeth grinding. Proper alignment of your bite, also known as occlusion, helps to prevent teeth grinding.
Massage: Certain massage therapists can focus on areas of the jaw to relax the jaw muscles. Regular massage has been known to alleviate the pain associated with teeth grinding.
Stress Relief: Stress is a factor in teeth grinding. Cardiovascular exercise and weight training help to reduce stress.
Diet: Refrain from caffeine foods and drinks that contribute to teeth grinding. This includes soda, coffee and chocolate. Stay away from alcohol that makes grinding worse. Don’t chew gum as the chewing motion can be a trigger for grinding.

If you have questions about your smile or bruxism, please contact our office!

Malocclusion is more commonly known as “having an overbite.” Malocclusion can range from mild to severe and most people have malocclusion to some degree. People who have more severe malocclusions may require orthodontic and sometimes orthognathic surgery to correct the problem. Most of the time, having crooked teeth is only a cosmetic problem, meaning people don’t like the way their teeth look. But in severe cases, it can cause problems with eating or speaking.

We will check for malocclusion in children during regular dental visits. If need be, we can recommend your family to an orthodontist for further examination. Many adult patients can treat their malocclusion with clear aligners instead of braces. Teeth tend to move forward as you age, even after treatment with braces. If you had or are planning to have braces to correct your malocclusion, make sure you commit to wearing your retainers.

If you have additional questions about malocclusion, please ask your hygienist at your next appointment.

The short answer is yes.

Teeth whitening products work by using carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide which get deep into your tooth enamel and break apart the staining compounds. Neither of these active ingredients will damage your enamel in the ratios used in whitening products today. In addition, professional whitening products go through a ton of clinical studies and are reviewed by the American Dental Association.

Some patients experience tooth sensitivity and gum irritation from whitening but these symptoms quickly subside. Fluoride can help with both of these symptoms as well as protect tooth enamel.

If you have questions about whitening your teeth, call our office at 207-781-2448.

We get this question all the time from patients who want straight teeth without traditional braces, so I thought we’d better share it with our whole patient family.

How do I clean my invisible braces?

The “invisible” braces we offer our patients can be removed for brushing and flossing. The aligners do not need special cleaning treatment and the best part is you get a new set every 2 weeks. You may notice that dental plaque will accumulate on the aligners just as it does on your teeth. You can brush the aligners with a toothbrush or other small brush to remove this plaque and prevent staining.

If you want a “deeper cleaning”, you can also make a soaking solution by diluting hydrogen peroxide with water (equal parts). Hydrogen peroxide will help kill bacteria. If you have an old set of aligners, experiment using the new cleaner on them before you use it with your current set.

* Remember to use warm (not hot) water when cleaning your aligners so they do warp.

If you have other questions about your invisible braces treatment, feel free to call us at 781-2448!

WHAT IS A PERIODONTIST?

By Dr. Donald Theriault, D.M.D

Periodontal disease is a condition affecting the gums and the bone that anchors the teeth to the jaws.  It is caused by inflammation produced by the body in response to the plaque which accumulates at the gumline and in between the teeth.  Periodontal or “gum” disease can start with bleeding or sore gums and can progress to bone loss loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss.  Halitosis, or bad breath, can also be a sign.

A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of this common condition.  He can assess the severity of the disease with a clinical examination and X-rays and treat it accordingly.

A periodontist can treat a number of conditions other than periodontal disease.  Some patients have too little gum tissue.  This shows up as recession of the gums and can be caused by a number of factors.  If it is bad enough or the recession is progressing, the periodontist can repair the site, usually with a gum graft (sounds a lot worse than it really is!)  Areas of visible recession on the front teeth can often be covered with gum tissue to provide a much more attractive smile.  Sometimes a patient will have just the opposite problem; too much gum tissue.  This can result in “short” or “square” teeth or a “gummy smile”.  A periodontist can also treat this condition returning the teeth to their natural shape.

Occasionally a tooth can have decay or a fracture that extends too far below the gumline.  This can interfere with placing fillings or crowns.  A periodontist can modify the area around a tooth to allow the dentist to better restore it. 

Missing teeth now can often be replaced with dental implants.  A periodontist can place these metal “roots” or “anchors” into the jawbone to create a foundation to support a new crown which is placed by the dentist.