Early Diagnosis of TMJ can Save You a Lot of Trouble

December 28, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 7:15 am

Have you ever felt pain in your ear that is accompanied by an unusual of pain in your throat, that is different from when you have a cold or a sore throat? Are you experiencing abnormality in speech which refuses to go away even after consulting speech and hearing therapists? These symptoms are a sign that you might be suffering from a disease called temporomandibular joint disease, also called TMJ disorder.

Take Note of TMJ Symptoms Well in Time

Like any other disease, identifying TMJ dysfunction as early as possible decreases the chances of chronic pain in your jaw, head, and throat. You must understand that TMJ disease has nothing to do with teeth. It affects the area in your skull connecting the skull to the lower jaw.

  • One of the major symptoms is excruciating pain in the ear. This is because of its proximity to the temporomandibular joint. It can also lead to loss of hearing ability with time.
  • When you are suffering from TMJ disease, you may also develop a speech abnormality that is not easy to explain and may not be easy to treat by a speech therapist.
  • Further, you may also experience pain in your teeth. Usually, pain in the teeth is linked to tooth decay or some gum problem. However, if your dentist can’t find any reason for your toothache, this might be linked to TMJ disorder. This can further lead to tooth complications like tooth mobility or tooth loss.
  • Worse yet, you may experience headaches. Always consult your doctor to find out if your headaches are linked to TMJ or not. The pain caused by TMJ can reverberate to your facial muscles, jaw joints, neck and shoulders, making it difficult for you to do everyday tasks. If it worsens, TMJ can also cause dislocation of the jaw.

If you are able to identify TMJ in the beginning from some initial symptoms, you can save yourself from all the pain and also take medicine for a speedy recovery. Research suggests that early diagnosis of TMJ is important and if it worsens, you not only have to go through a lot of pain but the treatment may also be long and tiring.

Links to Chronic Pain

Research has identified similarities between TMJ disorder and lower back pain. Both of these disorders are often chronic and recurrent. These disorders are idiopathic in nature and invasive treatments have not benefitted the patients much.

Though TMJ is not a very serious disease, if it is not attended to well in time it can lead to pain and suffering that will only worsen over time. It deteriorates the quality of life of a patient and may also lead to some permanent damages. Timely diagnosis and intervention followed by TMJ treatment can save you a lot of trouble. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, make an appointment with our experienced Smile Team at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear AZ and we will make sure relief if on its way.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Can You Afford to Ignore the Connection?

December 9, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 8:51 am

While good dental health is important at any stage in life, it’s especially critical when you’re pregnant. Even when you’re busy preparing your body, home and life for the new arrival, you can’t afford to let your oral health slide!

Let’s look at some of the dilemmas that expecting mothers face about pregnancy and teeth, and understand the link between them.

The Importance of Good Dental Health during Pregnancy

Your body goes through major changes when you’re carrying a child, and hormonal surges in particular can affect your dental health, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and more. In expecting mothers, gum disease is believed to increase the risk of babies being born pre-term or with low birth weight, so why take a chance?

Oral examinations and dental cleanings are especially helpful during your first trimester, allowing the dentist to pinpoint issues that could affect you or your child, and treat them early.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Common Issues You May Face

You might have sensitive teeth during pregnancy, or face other issues like:

  • Dental Caries – Also known as tooth decay or cavities, this can occur due to pregnancy cravings (high intake of sugary or acidic snacks), morning sickness (exposure to gastric acids), or neglecting oral hygiene and care.
  • Pregnancy Gingivitis – Bad breath, loose teeth or bleeding gums could signal the onset of “pregnancy gingivitis” or gum disease. Gums may be more likely to bleed or swell in response to plaque, especially during your third trimester.
  • Periodontitis – If gingivitis isn’t treated in time, it can lead to a more serious bacterial infection caused by the accumulation of plaque in your gum tissue. It can lead to loose teeth, bone loss and even affect your baby’s health!
  • Tooth Mobility – The supporting structure of your teeth may become loose when you’re pregnant, causing your teeth to shift a little. In most cases, this is only temporary and doesn’t cause tooth loss, but get it checked.
  • Enamel Erosion – Along with morning sickness, other gastric conditions like hyperemesis gravidarum or gastric reflux can also expose teeth to stomach acids. Avoid brushing right after you vomit, since this can increase erosion.
  • Dry Mouth – Saliva secretion might decrease due to hormonal changes when you’re pregnant, so remain well-hydrated throughout the day. Sugarless gum or hard candies can also help promote saliva production.

Is Dental Work Safe during Pregnancy?

Pre-natal dental exams and cleanings are completely safe, and can prevent a wide range of problems for you and your child. If a dental procedure is required, inform the dentist that you’re pregnant, and try to schedule it during your second trimester (especially if you need local or topical anesthesia).

Don’t ignore oral health problems (especially symptoms of gum disease) because you fear dental work during pregnancy. If you have any questions or concerns, raise them. Modern procedures (even X-rays) are very safe, and the dentist can explain how they work, precautions you need to take, etc.

Dental Health Tips to Follow during Your Pregnancy

Brush and floss regularly, use an antibacterial mouthwash, eat healthy food (rich in vitamins and protein), and get enough calcium to keep your bones strong too.

To protect your teeth from stomach acids, rinse with warm saltwater or baking soda and water a little while after vomiting. If morning sickness is severe or persistent, ask your dentist for other tips on preventing tooth damage.

Even with perfect teeth and gums, it’s a good idea to get professional advice on pre-natal oral care. Don’t waste any time – schedule an appointment with us today!