What is teeth grinding?

Teeth grinding is a common sleep disorder in which you grind or clench your teeth while sleeping. Also called bruxism, it is most commonly the result of crooked teeth, an abnormal bite, or stress and anxiety. People who grind their teeth regularly may need bruxism treatment since they can experience oral health complications and other sleep disorders including snoring and interrupted breathing.

Most of us tend to overlook the changes that happen in our mouth as we age. However, the risk of dental problems such as gum diseases, teeth discoloration, cavities, teeth loss and even oral cancer can increase manifolds with age. Let’s understand the types of dental issues which become more prevalent as the body ages:

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia that attacks the brain. It causes problems with memory, diminishes mental and cognitive abilities and behavior with enough significance to effect the daily functioning. The symptoms increase progressively with aging over several years, with people generally living eight years after the onset and longer if they are in good health.

Here are some must-know facts about the Alzheimer’s disease:

• It is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States
• 1 in 3 senior dies with Alzheimers or other form of dementia.
• It kills more than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined.
• Every 65 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease in the United States.
• 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s but the number will rise to nearly 14 million by 2050

How Inadequate Oral Health Declines the Cognitive Section of Brain

Even the best dentist in Arizona would agree that inadequate oral health can be a factor for declining cognitive ability of the brain. Let’s see how.

1. 1. Poor Oral Hygiene
      Those with poor oral health are at a risk of developing Alzheimer’s. The bacteria from teeth can travel to the brain and every time they reach the brain, the bacteria may trigger immune system responses by already primed brains cells This causes them to release more chemicals that kill neurons, resulting in confusion and deteriorating memory.
   2. Gum Disease
      Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is caused due to the presence of swollen pockets in the gums. Periodontal disease is preceded by gingivitis and is characterized by red, swollen gums which bleed easily when touched. These pockets are filled with bacteria and create a low-grade inflammation, which connects periodontitis with Alzheimers disease and dental health.
   3. HSV-1 and Oral candidiasis
      Common oral infection in adults over 65 years and above include oral herpes simplex virus (HSV-1) and oral candidiasis. Generally latent in the peripheral nervous system, the HSV-1 virus can be activated by high stress, fatigue or illness. Once it is activated, the virus decreases the bodys ability to fight infection — increasing the chances of periodontal infections. It also produces pro-inflammatory factors which add additional challenges to an already compromised immune system.

If someone wears dentures, they harbor high amounts of oral candida which causes denture stomatitis — an inflammatory condition of the mucosa. Research shows that because of denture stomatitis, a systemic fungal infection occurs, which has been recently reported in Alzheimer’s  patients.

Oral Care in Alzheimer Patients

During the early stages of Alzheimer’s, the dental care mainly focuses on prevention. One of the basic prevention steps is getting routine oral hygiene check ups and dental cleaning. Regular flossing also helps in preventing the need for extensive procedures later on, which can be difficult for a person suffering from dementia to tolerate.

Gently remind the person suffering from Alzheimer’s how to brush if they have forgotten, in a step-by-step manner. You can even demonstrate if they cannot follow verbal instructions.

Ensure they keep their mouth healthy. If they cannot do it on their own, brush the person’s teeth and gums gently. If they wear dentures, rinse them with plain water after meals and brush them daily to remove food particles.

Be aware of any mouth pain or discomfort they might feel while eating or doing any other activity.

Role of the Dentist

The primary role of the doctors is to help the patients and caregivers manage and understand the disease and help them remain independent for as long as possible. It is important that the doctors exercise increased patience and understanding. They must use simple language while explaining and use a gentle approach when talking to the patients.

Write down clear instructions and treatment requirements for the caregivers. Educate both the patients and care-givers about good dental health practices. Inform them of the tools they can use. Emphasize the importance of regular checkups and identifying small signs that may indicate a progression in either oral health or Alzheimers. Lastly, it is important to remind the families and caretakers that patients will have good days and bad, and they need to be extremely patient during the bad days.

Get your loved ones checked for good dental hygiene at Goodyear dentist, AZ as a part of their regular health check up.

Spring is coming and it’s the best time for you to clean out your home thoroughly and get rid of all the clutter and cobwebs and set the tone for the rest of the year. But what of your smile? Regular brushing, flossing and cleanings with your dentist should be an important part of your spring routine. It is best to have an annual dental checkup done along with a dental cleaning which can affect the quality of your dental health.

Here are 5 Reasons Why Preventive Dental Care is Important:

• • 1. Reduces Plaque and Can Prevent and Reverse Gum DiseaseRegular visits to your dentist will help you remove plaque from your teeth with regular cleanings. This works great as a buildup of plaque can lead to gum disease, discolorations, inflammation, cavities along with other oral health problems.
       Regular preventative dental care can prevent bleeding and swollen gums from progressing to periodontal disease and bone loss.
    2. Early Oral Cancer DetectionRegular dental visits can help your dentist monitor for oral cancer. Early detection is key when it comes to saving lives from oral cancer. It is advised that all patients should go and visit the dentist if they are suffering from ulcers, growths on their lips or on any other parts of their mouths and don’t disappear within a week or so. All dentists are trained in cancer screenings.
    3. Improve Your Overall HealthUndergoing regular dental checkups is a great way to protect your overall health as they cover regular screenings for gum disease and oral cancer. Gum disease is quite common and the initial symptoms are usually overlooked, which allows gum disease to develop much faster into a more serious and destructive condition known as periodontitis. Gum disease damages and destroys the tissues around your teeth which can lead to them becoming loose as well as being linked to serious health conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
    4. Lower Long-Term Dental BillsPreventative dental care is a great way to reduce your dental bills as it is a lot more budget friendly in the long-term to treat the smaller problems first. Having a dental insurance plan in place is also a lot more beneficial as the costs of your dental visits are covered by your insurance plan. Regular dental visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and treat the smaller problems as they arise which will lower the overall treatment costs.
    5. TMJ TreatmentTMJ is a very painful condition whereby the side of your jaw doesn’t work properly as per their design. This tends to vary as TMJ pain is usually linked to issues that affect the jaw muscle. Regular dental visits to the nearest dentist in Goodyear AZ can help you monitor your Temporomandibular Joint Disorders early on and prevent the condition from getting any worse with timely TMJ treatment. These dental appointments can also help your dentist monitor your bone levels and ensure that there is very little to no bone loss surrounding your teeth to prevent further loss of teeth.

5 Spring Cleaning Dental Tips to Follow:

• 1. Replace Your Dental StockSpring cleaning is a great time to replace your old worn down toothbrush or your electric toothbrush heads if you use an electric toothbrush. This is also an ideal time to replace your child’s toothbrush as well. Makes sure to check the expiry date on your mouthwash and replace it if needed.
  2. Maintain Oral Hygiene with Regular Flossing and BrushingBrushing and flossing everyday can lead to good oral health and will save you from restorative dental care later on. Brush twice everyday and floss once a day, preferably at night.
  3. Clean Your Dental AccessoriesKeep your mouth guards and dentures clean by scrubbing them or by soaking them in a cleaning solution on a regular basis as this will get rid of grime and bacteria that has collected on them. Keeping your retainers and mouthguards clean will help you maintain good oral health.
  4. Reduce Sugar IntakeSpring is a festive season which is usually celebrated with sugary treats. Try and avoid as much sugary treats as possible this spring as sugar tends to attract bacteria that can lead to tooth decay. Another option is to brush after consuming sugary foods or drinks which can help to reduce these effects.
  5. Plan Regular Dental Cleanings and Teeth Whitening TreatmentsWhen was the last you had a dental cleaning? It is best that you should visit your dentist for dental cleanings and teeth whitening treatment every six months. Spring is a great time for you to book your dental cleanings before your dental health gets out of control and become more serious, more painful and more expensive.
  6. If you haven’t scheduled a dental appointment with your dentist recently then it is best that you schedule an appointment with Joshua Hong DDS your best dentist in Goodyear, AZ for a routine oral hygiene checkup to ensure that your teeth remain healthy with the coming of spring.

As children, we all learn the importance of caring for our teeth correctly, but often get sidetracked from our oral care routine as adults.

Here are the 6 common dental mistakes that most people make:

1. Infrequent Brushing – Brushing your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day, in the morning and before bedtime, removes food particles and prevents cavities. If you skip brushing your teeth even once, you face the risk of plaque or bacterial buildup and developing a dental cavity, so stick to your routine!
2. Not Flossing Daily – Your toothbrush can only do so much when it comes to teeth cleaning, since it can’t reach into the gaps between teeth very effectively. To prevent gum disease and tooth decay, use dental floss at least once a day to dislodge food particles and plaque from your teeth and along your gum line.
3. Brushing Incorrectly – Not only do you need to brush regularly, but also do it right. The wrong tooth brushing technique can lead to areas of the mouth being missed, while brushing for too long or not long enough also causes problems. Use small circular motions and avoid brushing too vigorously or skimming over the tooth surface.
4. Using the Wrong Tools – If you’re using the wrong toothbrush for teeth cleaning or one that’s too old, it won’t be effective. Use small-headed brushes with soft bristles and change them when they start fraying. Avoid picking at your teeth with fingernails or toothpicks, and use good quality dental floss as well.
5. Poor Diet & Nutrition – We all know that foods containing sugar are bad for teeth, but other foods could also cause tooth decay or tooth sensitivity. Avoid sweet, sticky, sour or hard foods and drinks. Make sure you drink lots of water and eat fresh fruits or veggies, which clean your teeth along with giving you essential nutrients.
6. Irregular Dental Visits – Most of us tend to schedule a dental checkup only when we face issues, but prevention is far better than cure. A thorough examination can help with early diagnosis and treatment of dental problems, before they get serious. Visiting the dentist at least twice a year helps to keep your teeth and gums in top shape.

Even if you follow a strict oral hygiene and dental care routine, don’t skip your bi-annual dental checkup. Doing so can have a serious impact on your oral health!

Why Are Regular Dental Visits So Important?

Here are the top 4 reasons why you should visit the dentist regularly:

1. Detection of Oral Cancer – Oral cancer can be life-threatening if it isn’t diagnosed and treated in time. Dental professionals are trained to spot early signs and halt the progress of this disease. A dental checkup could save your life!
2. Detection of Gum Disease – Tooth decay can also cause inflammation, bleeding, soreness and swelling in gum tissue. Gum disease or gingivitis is the leading cause of tooth loss, and may need intensive dental treatment if it goes too far.
3. Prevention of Tooth Decay – Despite daily brushing and flossing, you may still end up with plaque and tartar buildup. This can lead to a tooth cavity or other issues, but professional teeth cleaning can remove even hard tartar.
4. Help with Bad Habits – Dentists can help you overcome lifestyle or dietary habits that are harmful for teeth and gums, such as smoking or biting your nails. This isn’t just good for your dental health, but your general wellness too.

So, what are you waiting for? Schedule your six-monthly appointment with Dr. Joshua Hong’s clinic today!

It’s that time of the year again! Sweet treats, spooky decor, zombies, and witches are all set for the annual trick-or-treat haul. Like every year, this year also parents will spend billions on costumes and candies while kids will have one sole goal in mind – accumulating piles of candy which is no less than a nightmare for every parent.

Here are 6 oral care tips to keep your kid’s teeth protected from rotting, cavities, and candy damage:

1. Trade-in the Sweet Treats with Seasonal GiftsIf you have been tasked with purchasing sugar candies for your kid’s school party or a Halloween event, consider replacing edible treats with fancy stationery goodies like pencils, stickers, or erasers. Your child will surely receive a bag full of candies so skipping chewy, gummy sweets is a great idea. This Halloween don’t take the traditional route and thrill parents and children with seasonal gifts.
2. Sneak in Some Healthy Snacks Between the Sweet Treats We know that a handful of raisins and almonds cannot be compared to flavoursome M&M’s, but some amount of parental control is the key to keeping your kid’s teeth healthy even with candy consumption. Sneak in some healthy snacks between sugary indulgences to promote a balanced diet and dental health. You can also switch sweet and sour candies with sugar-free options to stimulate saliva production as it helps neutralize the acids produced by increased candy consumption.
3. Weed Out All Unfavorable OptionsScrutinize your child’s Halloween candy haul and weed out all unhealthy options from the inventory. Gummies and caramels stick to the teeth and keep lingering in the mouth long after your child has consumed them so perform a candy purge and cut down on their quantity. Sour candies can cause serious damage to the enamel of the teeth due to high levels of acid so make sure their amount is in moderation.
4. Control the Consumption by Limiting the Time for Sticky, Sugary Goodness Of course your child would want to consume every single candy that is collected but this would definitely be detrimental to the dental health unless you time the treat to control the consumption. After your child has consumed a candy, be sure he/she waits for 30 minutes before brushing the teeth. This is because the saliva in the mouth naturally restores the acid balance in 30 minutes. If you make your child brush right after consuming the candy, you are actually making your child brush more acid on the enamel which accelerates tooth erosion.
5. Double Down on Your Kid’s Dental RoutineIt’s Halloween and it would be totally unfair if you restrict your child from enjoying savory candies but you can still be a smart parent and keep your kid’s teeth healthy in this sugar-filled festive season by ensuring that:
   • Your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day to rinse away all the harmful bacteria and sugar particles.
   • Rather than giving your child sweet stash whenever and wherever, dole out one piece at a time after meals.
   • Give your child a substantial, balanced meal before he/she leaves so there is less room to fill up on sweet treats along the way.
   • Make sure your kid practices good oral hygiene and brushes twice a day for at least two minutes.
6. Don’t let the Halloween Indulgence Wreck Havoc on Your Child’s Teeth – Schedule a Dental Visit While daily oral care is a crucial part of your child’s dental health, even regular brushing and meticulous flossing miss out hard-to-reach areas and extreme corners of the teeth giving rise to plaque build-up. So this is the time to schedule your child’s routine dental check-up if you want to prevent the sticky, sugary treats from increasing the risk of painful cavities. Follow these tips to be sure your child’s teeth stay strong even with candy consumption.

Joshua Hong DDS Wishes You a Happy Halloween and Good Dental Health for Trick or Treat!
At Joshua Hong DDS, we want every child to enjoy the sweet treats of the festive season. With smart candy choices and proper dental hygiene habits, parents can protect their kid’s teeth from cavities as they continue to enjoy a fun night of trick-or-treating. Don’t take any chances with your child’s teeth and schedule a consultation today at 623.925.8822.

Good oral health is important for everyone, but it’s even more critical to take care of your teeth and gums when you’re expecting a baby. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect your dental health, especially when you’re battling with morning sickness and food cravings.

Here are some common dental problems you may face while pregnant:

• Pregnancy Gingivitis – Increased levels of the hormone progesterone can cause your gums to react more aggressively to bacterial buildup (plaque) in your mouth. You may experience swelling, tenderness, redness or even bleeding gums, and gingivitis can turn into serious periodontal disease if it’s neglected.
• Sensitive Teeth – If you’re snacking on sweet and acidic foods or vomiting frequently as a result of morning sickness, the enamel of your teeth can get eroded. This causes the dentine or pulp to get exposed, leading to sharp pain while eating hot or cold foods, sour or sweet items, and even brushing or flossing.
• Tooth Decay – Bacterial buildup from food residue increases the chances of tooth decay, especially if you’re eating a lot of sugary or sour foods all day. Neglecting your oral hygiene can increase enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity, cause pain in the mouth and eventually even lead to cavities as well.

Dental problems you face during pregnancy can affect the health of your unborn child, raising the risk of premature birth and related complications. Periodontal disease is a particular danger, so make sure you follow a good oral care routine and get regular checkups throughout your pregnancy.

Dental Care Before Pregnancy

If you’re planning to have a baby, schedule a dental checkup as early as possible. This allows the dentist to clean your teeth, examine your gum tissue for signs of infection, and perform treatment before you actually get pregnant. Some dental procedures cannot be performed during pregnancy, so the earlier the better!

Dental Care During Pregnancy

It’s best not to get dental scaling done till the second trimester, but many routine procedures and some urgent ones can be performed as normal. Postpone all elective treatment until after you’ve delivered your baby, and keep the following tips in mind:

• Schedule routine checkups regularly, and ask your dentist about any special precautions you need to take, as well as any special care they recommend during pregnancy.
• Make sure to inform your dentist if you’re pregnant, and give them a list of any medication, prenatal supplements and nutritional changes recommended by your doctor.
• It’s common for dental x-rays to be viewed with concern, but modern techniques and equipment ensure that both you and your baby will remain safe while these are performed.
• Brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste after every meal and floss at least once a day, to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. If you notice any issues, call your dentist for a checkup right away.
• Avoid eating acidic or sugary foods that promote plaque buildup and cavities. Instead, try to reach for fresh fruit juices and crunchy vegetables when you’re craving a snack.
• Don’t let your oral hygiene be affected as a result of morning sickness. If you feel sick while brushing your teeth, consider using an unflavored toothpaste, and rinse your mouth with clean water after vomiting.
• Eat a balanced diet, and include a healthy dose of yogurt, cheese and other dairy products in it. These contain minerals that promote tooth, gum and bone health for both you and your baby.

Dental Care After Pregnancy

You should get a comprehensive dental exam soon after giving birth, so your dentist can check the health of your teeth and gums, as well as begin treatment for any issues that may be present. Whether you’re planning a baby or already pregnant, set up an appointment at Joshua Hong DDS, where an experienced dentist will ensure that both you and the baby get the best dental care possible!

Dental emergencies can happen at any time. But, if you handle the situation immediately trauma to the mouth and teeth can be significantly reduced. The infographic provided below shows you how to deal with commonly occurring dental emergencies:

Special Tip – Keep a dental emergency kit on stand-by at all times. A dental aid kit must include a handkerchief, cotton balls, small container with a lid, saline solution, solution for sensitive teeth or an alternative such as clove oil water and your dentist’s phone number. This way you can ensure you have help whenever necessary and reduce the chances of any long-term damage to your mouth.

Lastly, remember to stay calm while administering help in such situations. Visit the dentist as soon as possible in order to prevent the chances of further damage. If you need more information related to providing first aid in case of dental emergencies, you can call our dental office in Goodyear, AZ on 623.925.8822.

When oral health is at stake, the most common suggestions we come across are the don’ts, especially the ones related to foods. But what if you find crunchy, delicious and naturally sweet food options to maintain good oral health? Well, below is a compilation of some of the best foods for oral health.

Farm Fresh

The list of health benefits of various vegetables and fruits is endless. Well, you might be surprised to know that they score high when it comes to maintaining good oral health also. Let’s see how –

• Vegetables such as kale, spinach and other green leafy vegetables are packed with calcium, fiber and all things good. Use them in soups, as toppings or even in your smoothies to maintain healthy pearly whites.
• Also, soups which are broth based make for perfect relief-providing foods to eat after wisdom teeth removal. Go ahead and enjoy a bowl of warm tomato or cream of celery soup and feel your teeth flexing muscles happily!
• Vegetables like carrots and celery are both great sources of vitamin A. Celery also contains vitamin C. Both these vitamins act as antioxidants and help boost the health of your gums.
• Choose dried grapes – raisins. They are a good source of phytochemicals which may help in fighting the cavities and gum-disease causing bacteria.
• Fruits such as apples and cranberries are also clear winners when it comes to healthy teeth. Eating apples leads to production of saliva which washes away residual food particles and bacteria, while its fibrous texture stimulates the gums. Cranberries contain polyphenols which may help in keeping plaque from sticking to teeth, thereby lowering the risk of cavity formation.

Dose of Dairy Goodness  
Most of the dairy products help lower the level of bacteria in your mouth. Also, cheese and yogurt are some of the most recommended dairy foods after oral surgery. Both of these are rich in calcium and protein which help in strengthening tooth enamel. The ‘good bacteria’ present in yogurt do a world of good to your teeth and gums. And, its smooth texture along with light consistency makes yogurt an ideal food to eat after wisdom tooth removal. Just ensure that you stick to a plain sugar-free yogurt. Invent delicious ways to include some of this dairy goodness in your diet.

Lean is in
When it comes to healthy food choices for oral health, lean proteins will always rule all the trends. Yes! White meat, dark meat without skin, fish, low-fat dairy products, quinoa –a low-fat grain plus a complete protein, milk, eggs, beans and legumes etc., are all great sources of lean protein. They are rich in phosphorous which contribute to the strength of your teeth.

Nuts about Nuts
Nuts such as almonds and cashews are powerhouses of proteins and minerals. They also have low carbohydrate content which means, they don’t increase the risk of cavities. The omega-3 fatty acids in nuts strengthen your teeth and help keep the gum tissue healthy. What’s more? The chewing action stimulates the production of saliva, which also contributes towards protecting your teeth from the possibility of decay.

Make an appointment with our friendly Smile Team at Joshua Hong DDS in Goodyear, AZ and know more about eating right for a healthy smile. And, follow your food love!