Last updated 2 months ago
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint, also called TMJ or TMD, can cause side effects including difficulty opening and closing the mouth, facial pain, and headaches. TMJ affects up to 10 million Americans. However, it often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are attributed to other problems. Discussing your TMJ symptoms with your dentist can help you pinpoint the cause of your pain and pursue treatment options to reduce pain and improve jaw function.
Manage Stress
TMJ pain is often aggravated by stress, which prompts clenching of the jaws and contributes to facial pain. Learning to manage or eliminate stress wherever possible can have a significant impact on your TMJ symptoms. Take some time each day to yourself to relax and consider organizational techniques to keep your schedule and workload under control.
Eliminate Bad Habits
Habits such as chewing on hard objects or maintaining poor posture can contribute to TMJ pain. Correct your posture by investing in furniture that promotes proper alignment of the back, neck, and head. Using a hands-free headset will let you use your hands while talking on the phone without improperly positioning your head and jaw. You should also reach for a stick of sugar-free gum instead of your pencil if you feel the need to chew on an object for stress relief.
Visit Your Dentist
If you are still experiencing TMJ pain, visit your dentist for an evaluation of your symptoms. Dental treatments like tooth reshaping and orthodontics can improve the alignment of your teeth and jaws to eliminate TMJ problems. In extreme cases of joint misalignment, oral surgery to correct the jaw joint may be the ideal treatment.
At West Chester Dental Arts, we will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your TMJ pain. You will find our dental staff knowledgeable, personable, and ready to provide you with top-quality dental care. Call (484) 881-3501 or visit our website to find the information you need to improve your dental health.
Last updated 2 months ago
Knowing how to care for your teeth and when to contact your dentist is essential for maintaining good dental health. The Dental Health app for Android phones has all the information you need to prevent and recognize dental problems. You’ll find the answers to general questions, including what causes tooth staining and how fillings are performed. The app also provides information on more specific dental health topics, including oral surgery aftercare, the effect of diabetes on teeth, and ways to deal with tooth sensitivity.
At West Chester Dental Arts, we encourage patient education for healthy, lifelong smiles. Our dentists can answer all of your questions about your dental care options, including sedation dentistry for increased comfort. Visit us on the web or call (484) 881-3501 to learn more about comprehensive dental care in West Chester, PA.
Last updated 2 months ago
A healthy diet is a key component of a good preventive dental care routine. The food and drink choices you make every day have a significant impact on your dental health. Avoiding foods that promote tooth decay and choosing healthier alternatives that promote saliva production and tooth remineralization can help you maintain a strong, long-lasting smile.
The Worst Options for Your Teeth
Sugars, starches, and acids erode tooth enamel and provide oral bacteria with the food they need to cause tooth decay. Many of the worst dietary options for your teeth are actually liquids: soft drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, and even fruit juices contain high levels of acidity and, oftentimes, large amounts of sugar. Sticky sweets and foods—including dried fruits—promote decay by clinging to tooth surfaces and can be difficult to remove even with rigorous brushing and flossing. Foods that are high in starch, such as bread, pasta, and potatoes, can easily lodge between teeth and serve as fuel for plaque-building bacteria.
The Best Options for Your Teeth
There are a variety of delicious and healthy foods and drinks you can include in your diet for a better smile. Crunchy, high-fiber vegetables and fruits, such as apples and celery, act like natural toothbrushes and scrape away plaque. Including low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese can help to negate harmful acids on the teeth while delivering enamel-building calcium and vitamin D. The antioxidants found in green and black teas contain antibacterial properties that reduce acid damage to your teeth. Drinking fluoridated water strengthens tooth enamel while washing away food particles on the teeth.
The West Chester Dental Arts preventive dentistry program focuses on preventing dental problems with good oral hygiene, regular dental care, and a mouth-healthy diet. Our dentists will work with you to develop healthy routines to maintain your beautiful smile for life. Contact us by phone at (484) 881-3501 to learn more about our dental care services, or visit our website to find more tips for healthy teeth.
Last updated 3 months ago
LIKE us on Facebook for your chance to win!
Last updated 3 months ago
The dental team at West Chester Dental Arts provides general and cosmetic dentistry services in West Chester, PA. We also offer comfortable sedation dentistry solutions for patients who feel anxious receiving dental care. You can find out just how positive your dental experience can be by contacting us at (484) 881-3501 to schedule your appointment. Click on the links below to learn more about your dental health:
