(860) 693-8314 • Collinsville, CT
FAQ
My 12-year-old likes to chew ice. Is
this harmful?
Tooth enamel is very hard, but that
doesn't mean you can't break it. Try to avoid eating "hard foods" such
as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice.
Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.
Why are soft drinks bad for your teeth?
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking
about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy. Because of
the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst.
Dentists even have a name for the damage it does – they call it "Dew
Mouth." These soften the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to
decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these, because young
children's enamel hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even
more damaging for kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at least
reducing their consumption), use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after
meals. Also, rinse your mouth with a high-quality dental mouthwash.
Does the doctor check for oral cancer?
We
absolutely do! If your dentist doesn't check for cancer...change your
dentist. Dentists and hygienists are your first line of defense in
detecting and treating oral cancer. Each year in the US, approximately
30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer. Worldwide, the
problem is far greater, with new cases annually approaching 300,000. In
the US alone, a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If
you add the sub category of laryngeal cancers, the rates of occurrence
(about 10,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly
higher. However, the good news is, when found early, oral cancers have
an 80 to 90% cure rate.
I think I grind my teeth at night. What can I do about this?
Do you wake up with discomfort in your jaws or a persistent
headache? If so, you may be grinding (called bruxing) while you sleep.
Persistent bruxing can damage teeth and cause them to get shorter and
shorter. It can also damage your temporomandibular (jaw) joints and even
affect your hearing. If you suspect that you are a bruxer, call us
today. Dr. Bielawski may recommend a night guard or other oral
appliance.
Why is it important to have regular
teeth cleaning?
Did you know "teeth cleaning" does more than just
clean your teeth? Removing plaque is absolutely essential if you want to
preserve your teeth. It builds up on the tooth surfaces and between the
teeth. Brushing and flossing are, of course, vital, but everyone needs
their teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis. Remember – only a
dental hygienist can completely clean your teeth.
Is fluoride bad for you?
Fluoride is fine... in small amounts. Excessive fluoride can cause
tooth enamel irregularities. Young children, especially, often swallow
too much toothpaste while brushing. So parents, supervise your young
kids while they brush. Kids (and even adults) often use way too much
toothpaste (a pea-size drop is plenty). A little goes a long way.
What is a
TMJ disorder?
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, your jaw
joints. The ache, discomfort, or tenderness in or around the jaw joints
is called a TMJ disorder.
Signs that you might have a TMJ
disorder are:
- Facial irritation or tenderness
- Jaw ache
- Ache in or around the ears
- Neck strain
- Jaw stiffness
- Discomfort while chewing
- Headaches
- Difficulty opening and closing the mouth
- Jaw "locking up"
This is just a sampling of often-asked questions. Have one of your own? Don't hesitate to give us a call at (860) 693-8314 so we can assist you.