Joshua Hong, DDS Blog

8 Reasons Why Your Gums Bleed and Their Solutions

October 20, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 11:02 am

Bleeding gums are not normal, even when you have your teeth professionally cleaned. If your gums start bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth then you have periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. Gum disease is a contagious bacterial infection which destroys your gums and erodes your jawbone which can lead to tooth loss.

8 Reasons Why Your Gums Bleed

  1. Medication

Certain medication that you take can interfere with the blood flow to tissues or hamper saliva flow which leads to dryness in your mouth. This causes your gum tissues to become more reactive to the presence of plaque which rapidly increases periodontal disease. You can ask your dentist how your meds affect your gums

  1. New Flossing Routines

Changing how you floss regularly can also lead to bleeding gums. If your flossing has become infrequent, causing you to floss more to clear that extra plaque which can also cause your gums to bleed.

  1. Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. Plaque that is stuck on your teeth and gum-line can infect your gums leading to symptoms of gingivitis if not removed by brushing and flossing. Gingivitis causes your gums to become swollen, tender and also start to bleed while brushing. The early stage of the disease can be stopped with good brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups.

Some pregnant women experience swollen gums and bleeding while brushing which is known as Pregnancy Gingivitis. Hormonal changes in the body tend to change the body’s response to the bacteria that causes gum disease.

  1. Your Oral Hygiene’s Subpar

This occurs to those who don’t brush and floss on a daily basis resulting in visible plaque and swollen red gums. Research states that healthy gums can become diseased within 24 to 36 hours of not brushing and caring for oral tissues properly. You can use an electric toothbrush which will massage your gums, stimulate blood-flow and also bring nutrients to the tissue as well as releasing toxins.

You can start using anti-bacterial mouthwash and toothpaste, opting for a water-pick to floss. Eating oral probiotics mints also helps prevent tooth decay and whitens your teeth along the way.

  1. Not Following a Natural Diet

Start picking produced over processed. Eating a good amount of natural food will boost the strength of your immune system and nourish your soft oral tissues.

  1. Smoking

Smokers are at a much higher risk of gum disease due to the many toxins in cigarettes which create inflammation and decrease your body’s immunity. Smoking also leads to fibrous and enlarged gums. Bleeding gums allow the dangerous periodontal bacteria to enter your blood and spread inflammation and disease to other parts of your body.

  1. Constant Stress

Constant stress will hinder your immune system’s ability to ward off gum disease. Stress causes inflammation in your blood vessels which breaks down the soft tissue in your mouth and prevent it from healing.

  1. You’ve Got an Over-Bite

If your teeth are not lined properly, crooked or crowded along with grinding and clenching habits leading to “bite disease”. This is due to the destructive forces that are being applied to your teeth, gums and tissues. Your gum recedes, and the bone begins deteriorating if too much pressure is applied.

4 Ways to Prevent Bleeding Gums

  1. Increase Your Oral Care

Plaque hardens to become tartar, a calcified substance that plaque adheres to and continues to irritate your gums, causing your gums to bleed and can progress to more advanced forms of gum disease if not removed.

Be sure to brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Gums can sometimes stop bleeding with regular flossing along with regular visits to the dentist.

  1. Examine Your Dental Tools

Even though you may brush and floss regularly with regular visits to your dentist, the problem may lie with your oral care hygiene tools which may be causing your gums to bleed.

In certain cases, it may not be your tools that are causing your gums to bleed but rather the way you use them.

  1. Consider Your Medicine

Certain medicine that you take will increase the chances of your gums bleeding. Certain medicines like over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin can thin your blood and increase bleeding. Always talk to your doctor if you think a medication is causing side effects.

  1. Visit Your Dentist

If you have already tried changing your oral care habits, adjusting your medications and maintaining a healthy diet, and it yields nothing, then your next step should be to visit your dentist. Your dentist can examine your teeth and determine if you are suffering from a more serious condition such as advanced gum disease through the use of ex-rays etc.

Stop your gums from bleeding and visit your nearest Joshua Hong Dental clinic today!

Dental Fillings can Spread Decay to Your Neighboring Teeth

October 5, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Tooth Decay and Dental Fillings — tntadmin @ 11:38 am

Tooth decay occurs due to an infection with certain types of bacteria that tend to use sugars in food to make acid. These acids tend to make a cavity in your teeth over time.

A filling is a way to restore your damaged tooth back to its normal function and shape. A dentist removes the decayed tooth material and cleans out the affected material after which he fills the cleaned out cavity with a filling material to prevent further decay.

Your teeth may be at risk of decay due to adding new fillings according to recent stats. It was discovered that 34% of neighboring tooth surfaces had decay in the enamel, and 27.2% had decay in the dentine which is the soft tissue inside the tooth.

After which the person got a filling on the neighboring decayed surfaces of which 57.3% still had decay in the enamel while 42.7% had infected the dentine as well. It was discovered that dental treatment had a significant impact on the development of tooth decay.

Spread of Decay

Dental fillings are more prone to infection and decay according to experts. Dental intervention can cause more harm than good. According to studies any 6 out of 10 teeth which were next to a filling had decayed after 5 years and 30% of those needed fillings. Dentists may damage neighboring teeth in their attempt to repair a single tooth. There is no option according to dentists as teeth simply need to be replaced when they have become so decayed that there is simply no alternative but to replace them. Most interventions by dentists tend to cause problems and affect adjacent teeth in the mouth.

Prevention of Tooth Decay and Smile-Boosting Tips

If your teeth have become decayed and restorative treatment with fillings may be the only treatment option available, then you can take these steps to lower the chances of increasing your tooth decay.

  • Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
  • Make sure to use a fluoride mouthwash
  • Floss on a regular basis
  • Lead a healthy lifestyle
  • Instill good dental habits in your kids
  • Have regular dental check-ups

The majority of people facing dental decay need to cut back on their sugar intake to improve their oral hygiene. Your dentist needs to be updated with the latest techniques to ensure that they don’t damage other teeth when they do a filling. Contact Joshua Hong DDS to get aware of the possibility of tooth decay in your neighboring teeth and make it a point to check up on them at every follow-up appointment you make. This will help you curb the rate of decay in your teeth or even prevent further decay altogether.

What’s the Connection between Seniors’ Oral and Mental Health?

September 20, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 10:46 am

One of the most devastating effects of aging is the decline in cognitive function that affects our elders in their later years. Some recent research points to declining oral health for elders as a factor affecting their mental health. In the US, the senior population is growing every day, and over a third of over-70 elders suffer from some form of mental impairment!

Senior Mental Health and Oral Health: What the Research Says

In a number of oral and cognitive health studies published from 1993-2013, some findings suggest a link between indicators of poor oral health and mental decline. A few studies show that elders with tooth loss, cavities and gum disease were more likely to be at risk of dementia and other mental health problems.

Other studies didn’t find a link, or differed on the number of cavities or missing teeth in our elders with mental health issues. On the whole, however, most of the studies found a greater prevalence of oral health issues in seniors with impaired cognition, especially dementia.

Even if research has not yet proved a direct causal link between the two, there is enough of a connection to raise concern about senior mental health and their oral hygiene.

How Is Senior Mental Health Affected By Poor Oral Hygiene?

Here are some of the possible factors that may link poor oral health and cognitive decline:

  • According to a North Shore University Hospital dentist named Dr. Jacqueline Sobota, there may be a shared inflammatory pathway for both cognitive impairment and poor oral health for seniors.
  • As per a Lenox Hill Hospital memory loss specialist and neurologist, Dr. Gayatri Devi, dementia may also cause apraxia, where patients forget a task they’ve learned previously, like brushing their teeth.
  • Patients with cognitive problems might also forget to brush or floss their teeth, even without apraxia. This could be a contributing factor affecting their dental health, according to Dr. Devi.

Maintaining Oral Health is Critical for Seniors

Dr. Gayatri Devi also added that seniors in the early stages of dementia typically continue to take care of their oral hygiene with the same attention they gave these tasks before their cognitive abilities were impaired. However, senior caregivers and healthcare providers need to pay special attention to their patients’ dental health.

Good oral hygiene is especially crucial for seniors, since dental problems are also associated with other conditions like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, pneumonia, etc. Brushing, flossing, eating healthy and visiting a dentist regularly can help keep a wide range of other problems at bay.

To learn more about dental health and tooth restorative solutions for seniors, call 623-925-8822 for a complimentary consultation at Joshua Hong DDS today!

TMJ Pain Treatment: What to Eat, What Not to Eat

September 8, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 1:09 pm

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a very painful experience which makes eating or chewing food a mammoth task. There are numerous ways to treat TMJ pain. One of them is following a proper diet. Let us take a look at some of the foods that help reduce TMJ pain.

    • FluidsFresh fruit juices, vegetable or chicken soup, broth, milk etc. should be consumed during TMJ. The jaw needs to be given sufficient rest to recover. A wholesome liquid diet will not only help in that but will also provide necessary nutrition to keep you going.
    • Soft FoodsHaving soft foods for TMJ is a very good idea. No or negligible chewing is required to make sure your TMJ gets enough rest. Heavy chewing of the usual foods like meat, raw vegetables, chips, etc. will worsen TMJ. Eat soft foods like porridge, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, yogurt, milkshakes, smoothies etc.
    • Anti-Inflammatory FoodTo beat TMJ pain, add a good number of anti-inflammatory foods into your diet plan. Omega3 fatty acids have antioxidant properties and foods that are rich with them include cold water fish like salmon and mackerel. Consuming these fish helps reduce the inflammation of TMJ. Berries, broccoli and pepper are also good as anti-inflammatory foods. Also, add garlic and onion in your daily cooking and salads.
    • Foods Rich in MagnesiumMagnesium is very efficient in relaxing the nervous system and this serves well for those suffering from TMJ. Magnesium rich foods like nuts, lentils, dark leafy greens, beans, dried fruits, avocados, low-fat dairy products etc. can help relax the jaw muscles.
    • Foods Rich in CalciumResearches have indicated that calcium helps in reducing TMJ, just like magnesium. Unpolished rice,raw milk, spinach, green peas, cabbage, sesame, oranges, banana, wheat flour with husk, coconut, almond, groundnut etc. are great sources of calcium.
    • Other Nutritional SupplementsVitamin B is known to lower down stress levels which, in turn, can lower down TMJ pain. Its deficiency can be overcome by taking Vitamin B-Complex tablets/capsules for a few days as prescribed. Another important mineral for TMJ pain is glucosamine sulfate. It is known to repair cartilages and give relief from stiffness, swelling and pain in joint-related disorders like TMJ, osteoarthritis etc. However, it should only be consumed under experienced medical guidance as there are good chances of side effects. Raw parsley, Ginko Biloba and spinach are great sources of glucosamine.

What not to Eat while Experiencinging TMJ Pain

    • Crunchy FoodsWhen you have TMJ, avoid eating crunchy foods like chips, popcorn etc. Avoid hard rolls and hard vegetables like crisp celery and carrots as intensity pressure is required to chew them. It is important to include fruits and vegetables in the diet as the flavonoid in them can work as a natural anti-inflammatory substance.
    • Chewy FoodsChewy foods like caramel, chewing gum, tough pieces of meat, taffy, escargot etc. involve heavy and constant motion of the jaw which can elevate TMJ pain. Go for softer food like yogurt, bananas, fish, poultry and mashed potatoes to avoid any more damage.
    • Fatty FoodsStudies have shown that the fat content in some foods may cause increased inflammation in your body. Avoid red meat, pastries, fried foods and cream sauces to ease the pain caused by TMJ. Choose low-fat milk, chicken, pork, low-fat cheese, yogurt, fish etc. over any fatty foods.
    • Large Pieces of FoodTMJ is painful and in some cases it becomes very difficult to open the mouth more than a couple of inches. Biting on a huge chunk of food, especially while eating thick sandwiches, large portions of fruit or big pieces of any other food can overwork your jaw. The best solution is to nibble on smaller pieces.

Have you changed your diet but still experiencing pain? Do not wait for the worse and contact Joshua Hong DDS on 623.925.8822 today.

Uneven teeth? Here are you options for Teeth Straightening

August 23, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry — tntadmin @ 7:01 am

o you wish that your smile could have been better? Don’t despair. Technology advancements have made certain parameters controllable for man; one of which is teeth straightening. Many people feel about a slight regret regarding their smiles. They avoid getting clicked, talk less and even drop plans of going out with friends frequently. They get conscious and this brings down their confidence and morale.

Conventional Methods = Uncomfortable Feelings

Some bad memories are probably associated with traditional methods of orthodontic treatments and teeth straightening in our mind. Remember how the food got stuck in the metallic braces (which were equally embarrassing to flash) or that inevitable lisp from wearing a retainer?

Fixed Braces

Braces are small metallic brackets that are put over the uneven teeth surface and bound with wire to hold them together. In spite of looking ugly and causing inconvenience while eating, talking and smiling, braces are still the most popular method used for crowded and crooked teeth.

Removable Braces

These dental braces come in plastic or bio-friendly acrylic and are used for teeth with less crowding. They have springs and wire clasps that are used to keep the braces attached to the teeth. These braces are used when the teeth problem is not so severe.

Headgear

These are complex devices, made up of thick metallic wires and run from outside the mouth onto the inside. In this method, teeth are supported by cups or straps that run under the chin or behind the neck. Headgears are usually worn for around 12 hours daily, for a few day or weeks, as the requirement of the treatment. In today’s time, these devices are hardly used due to advancement in orthodontal treatment.

Retainers

They are similar to removable braces and are widely used after treatment using fixed braces. They are worn for a few months and prevent teeth from moving back to the original abnormal position.

Medical science has progressed a lot. A few new and improved methods for orthodontic treatment have been introduced. Let us see some newer ways to straighten teeth.

Fixed Clear Braces

These braces are gaining popularity due to their transparency. They work similarly to metallic braces but are made from a strong ceramic material with high transparency. These braces tend to adopt the color of the teeth, concealing themselves. Due to these features, they do not ruin the facial features like the traditional metal braces and are widely preferred.

Invisalign

The best feature of these devices is that they are made of clear plastic material and are barely visible. Due to technological advancements, an option of custom-made aligners is available and preferred by many. These braces are meant to be worn from anywhere between 9 to 15 months and are designed to cause negligible irritation or disruption in your usual life.

Make no mistake that a great smile is a great confidence-builder. You feel good and perform well. People take notice of you, listen to you and appreciate the positivity in your overall attitude. Timely visit your dentist and, if required, go for one of the above-mentioned oral treatments. It will prove to be a very fruitful investment.

Uneven Tooth Color after Bleaching? Here’s What You Need to Do

August 8, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Cosmetic Dentistry — tntadmin @ 10:52 am

Tooth bleaching is a popular method for whitening discolored teeth, and it can be done at home or by a dentist. It’s quite common for teeth to appear unevenly colored after the procedure. However, you need to take some steps if there is an extensive difference in color, or your teeth become more heavily stained over time.

Here are a few of reasons for uneven tooth color, and what you can do to tackle the problem:

  • Often, the edges of a tooth respond to bleaching quicker than internal areas, since the bleach penetrates the enamel faster. The center of a tooth has a thicker layer of enamel than the edges, so internal tooth bleaching can take longer to show results.
  • Some teeth may appear whiter than the rest, since each tooth responds differently to bleaching. The structure and composition of teeth affects the outcome of tooth bleaching, for instance, teeth with less calcium will get bleached a lot more quickly.
  • If you are prone to extreme sensitivity in your teeth, get them professionally bleached by a dentist. This is especially important for internal tooth bleaching, since you need to keep the bleaching solution against your teeth for longer.
  • Ask your dentist about teeth whitening solutions if you have had any restorative dentistry. Dental veneers, fillings, crowns and caps will not respond to bleaching, so they can appear discolored against your natural teeth when you bleach them.
  • In most cases, the color will become more even over time. This typically takes anywhere from 3-10 days. Once your teeth have reached the whiteness level you want, stop bleaching them for a few days.

Extra Precautions to Prevent Uneven Tooth Color

  • After tooth bleaching, you may need to take some extra precautions to prevent them from getting stained. Bleaching makes the surface of your teeth more porous, so they can get discolored easily if you consume coffee, red wine, cigarettes, etc.
  • If you do eat or drink anything that can stain your teeth, try to avoid letting it come into contact with the tooth surface as much as possible. For instance, you can use a straw to drink coffee, and swish clean water around your mouth right after.
  • If you’re bleaching your teeth at home, ask your dentist for a custom-fitted tray that allows the solution to properly coat every tooth. Avoid whitening strips, since they cannot cover the whole tooth and will cause splotchy results.
  • Visit a dentist and follow their instructions before, during and after tooth bleaching. Continue with the procedure if your teeth are unevenly colored, to allow less responsive teeth and internal areas to reach the same whiteness as the rest.
  • Bleaching is not a permanent solution for whiter teeth, since diet and lifestyle factors can cause your teeth to become discolored after a while. Make sure to bleach your pearly whites twice a year to help them retain their whiteness for longer!

Arthritis and its Effect on your Oral Health

July 27, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Health — tntadmin @ 11:15 am

Haven’t we all heard about arthritis (or rheumatoid arthritis)? The most common symptom is pain in the joints and it also affects cardiovascular system, connective tissues and internal organs. Many a times crepitus is experienced where the joints, while functioning, brush against each other and make rubbing sounds. But did you know that arthritis can also affect your oral health? Yes, an arthritis patient can suffer from various oral problems like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) infection, xerostomia (dry mouth), periodontal disease (periodontics and gingivitis) and mouth ulcers.

How does Rheumatoid Arthritis Adversely Affect your Oral Health?

As arthritis directly attacks joints, TMJ disease is induced. Due to this, stiffness while opening or closing the mouth, deformation of the joint or swelling are seen. As per researches, around 10-15% of the people with rheumatoid arthritis tend to develop Sjogren’s Syndrome (dry mouth due to inflammation). Dry mouth accelerates dental decay as well as causing thrush and gingivitis.
Arthritis commonly attacks the hands and legs. One of the indirect effects is the decrease in the frequency of important oral hygiene methods like brushing and flossing teeth due to the restricted movement of hands. When it is left untreated for prolonged periods of time, periodontal disease (receding gum-line, bleeding gums, tooth loosening, deepening of tooth pockets, tooth loss etc.) may occur.
Some patients may have to take the prescribed medicine for arthritis, methotrexate. Depending on the dose, such patients may develop mucositis viz. inflammation of mucous membrane, which may lead to mouth ulcers. The negative effects of methotrexate are also increased by the usage of nitrous oxide, a commonly used inhalable sedative.

How can you Prevent it?

The first, and eventually the most important, thing that you can do is to go to a good dentist who is updated on current medications and operations.. Knowledge about current medications will significantly help in planning any oral surgery. As a general recommendation, arthritis patients should go for dental consultation in the late mornings or early afternoons, as the condition is much better compared to other times. Do not forget to inform the dentist about any previous joint-replacement surgery you might have gone through as prosthetic joints are a lot more prone to infection, especially when they have been newly placed. It is highly recommended to avoid any invasive oral treatment within the first six months of the joint-replacement surgery.
Other simple improvements in daily measures will also help in avoiding oral complications. Using an electric toothbrush is a good idea as less movement of the hands and wrists is required while brushing. Use a softer brush and replace it every three months. Rinse your mouth with a good anti-microbial mouthwash after every meal to avoid rigorous brushing. Flossing is very important as it helps in removing food particles and plaque where normal brushing may not reach. Invest in flossettes as well as floss holders which help in the execution of flossing. Lastly, eat healthy and oral-friendly food.

TMJ and Teenagers: The Various Treatment Options

July 14, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 11:21 am

Although temporomandibular joint pain is common among adults aged 25 years and older, it is bound to develop sooner especially amongst teenagers. A majority of the cases develop during childhood due to injuries as well as constant breathing through the mouth which is associated with allergies. Thus, most teenagers live with TMJ as it remains undiagnosed, disrupting their lives without them realizing it. For this reason, it is advisable that TMJ evaluations be conducted regularly in order to detect the problem early on before it becomes obtrusive.

What Causes Temporomandibular Disorders in Teenagers?

A number of factors are responsible for the development of TMJ disorders in teenagers. They include the following:

  • Adding or removing braces – In most cases, braces are given between the age of 12 and 16 years, a time when the mouth is still developing.They are able to correct any existing alignment issues. Consequently, orthodontic work tends to change your bite while the re-alignment of your teeth continues. The change in the bite may result in TMJ. Unconscious clenching of teeth, following an orthodontic visit, especially when the teeth are sore can also result in a TMJ. You are advised to pay attention to your jaw joint during your orthodontic work to be able to identify any problems that may arise.
  • Childhood mouth breathing – This is common if you suffer from allergies that make it impossible for you to breath using your nose, so you end up breathing through your mouth for long periods. Breathing through the mouth constantly when the jaw is yet to fully develop can result in the formation of a bad bite.
  • Tooth grinding – This is another cause of TMD in teenagers that is triggered by exposure to stressors like exams, school projects as well as extracurricular activities. In fact, teens who are faced by projects and exams at the end of the year are more likely to experience TMJ pain compared to other times. Frequent grinding of teeth can cause the temporomandibular joint to be fatigued in addition to the development of a bad bite.
  • Injuries suffered during sports are also likely to result in the development of TMJ in teens. That is, whether they are participating in cheerleading or contact sports, such as football players are always faced at the risk of developing TMJ.

Factors that Contribute to TMJ

Certain factors are known to trigger the development of TMJ. One such factor is impact injury especially if it directly affects your chin owing to the many tumbles and falls you may experience. Various dental conditions that affect the alignment of your teeth like extended overjet, open bite, missing back teeth and cross bite are linked with the development of TMDs.

There are also habits that contribute to the occurrence of TMD like tooth clenching, grinding (bruxing), hypertension as well as other habitual behaviors that are repetitive. Certain resting and postural positions may also contribute to the occurrence of TMJ.

Signs and Symptoms

Many signs and symptoms characterize TMD. However, it is difficult to tell if you are suffering from TMD because these signs are also present in other problems. Thus, you can trust your dentist to help you make the right diagnosis. Some common symptoms of TMJ include:

  • Headaches that mimic migraines, earaches as well as pressure and pain behind the eyes
  • Pain in the jaw, ear area, or face
  • The presence of a popping or clicking sound when you open or close the mouth
  • Tenderness of the muscles of the jaw
  • A swollen face
  • A jaw that gets locked/stuck or gets out of place

Treatment Options for TMJ

With the right diagnosis, TMJ can be treated. In most cases, non-surgical TMJ treatment is recommended to offer TMJ pain relief. If you are experiencing nighttime tooth grinding, bite splints (also known as neuromuscular orthotics) may be created to not only protect your teeth but also realign your jaw while you sleep. Minor changes may also be made to your teeth to change your bite. Other TMJ treatment options may be recommended depending on the nature of your disorder. These include TMJ exercises that target specific pain.

Generally, you are advised to embrace regular dental care at a dental clinic that practices neuromuscular dentistry, which includes TMJ evaluations to be able to detect TMJ at the earliest opportunity before it advances.

Image source: deloiz.com

A Complete Guide to Splint Therapy

May 19, 2016

Filed under: Blog,TMJ Treatment — tntadmin @ 11:06 am

The temporomandibular joint, or the ‘jaw point’, is a hinge that connects your jaw to your temporal skull bones.  It assists in the opening and closing of your jaw, and plays an important role in letting you speak, chew, smile and yawn.

Because of the frequent and constant use of the jaw point, it is a common target for recurring pain and the jaw pain associated with it is called TMJ pain.

What is TMJ Dysfunction?

TMJ dysfunction is an umbrella term covering a large number of painful jaw ailments like: pain in the jaw joint, jaw clicking and popping, ear pain, popping sounds in ears, throbbing headaches, sore jaw muscles and locking of the jaw joint.

Before treating a TMJ dysfunction, it is important to diagnose it properly to pinpoint the exact underlying problem.

Diagnosis

You might have to take a radiograph of your jaw point, which will show a detailed picture of your TMJ anatomy and pinpoint any visible anomalies. Your dentist might also recommend you to wear jaw repositioners (splint appliance), which is an appliance that helps eliminate bite pain. Once the appliance is refined in a way that it has eliminated your bite pain, a long-term treatment is prescribed to duplicate the effects of the appliance.

The Splint Appliance

The jaw repositioners that we were talking about are also used to remedy bite disharmony and the resulting pain. This is done by positioning the splint in a way that it adjusts the jaw point in a stable position.

These jaw repostioners or splints as they are called, are used to eliminate jaw point pain with a procedure called occlusal splint therapy, where the repositioner is adjusted in tandem with the jaw point to alleviate pain. There are many types of splints used in this therapy:

Stabilization splints

These are used to prevent or alleviate the wearer from clenching and bruxism (involuntary habitual grinding of the teeth). These can be made out of hard materials or soft (more flexible) materials and mostly have to be worn at night.

Repositioning splints:

Repositioning splints are to be worn 24*7 and are used to pull the lower jaw forward. Here are some specific splints:

  • MORA (mandibular repositioning appliance)
  • Anterior bite planes
  • Anterior repositioning splint

These splints help the wearer lessen jaw pain because they allow the muscles & ligaments to relax by taking a firm grip on the jaw. This helps in getting rid of the tension that bruxism and teeth clenching causes.

Also the splints help protect the patient’s teeth from wear and tear caused due to grinding.

The splints also help in correcting a patients’ bite (correcting the way the patient’s teeth fit together). An off bite may not be right for the patients jaw points and can lead to extreme pain.

Most of the times, splint therapy works perfectly. Other times the splint might worsen the pain. In these rare cases, there are many alternatives:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Trigger Point Injections
  • Massage Therapy
  • Lastly: Surgery

TMJ can make your life very uncomfortable. There is a way you can avoid cringing in pain every few minutes and start smiling instead. Contact Dr. Joshua Hong at Joshua Hong DDS to help you keep smiling.

Do Wisdom Teeth Really Unlock Wisdom When Removed?

May 4, 2016

Filed under: Blog,Oral Surgery and Tooth Removal — tntadmin @ 1:49 pm

So is it really wise to have your wisdom teeth removed? This rather sensitive and painful procedure has become a controversial point over the last few years for many people who have benefited from this simple extraction and the equally many who have suffered terribly because of it.

Does Loss of Wisdom Teeth lead to TMJ?

Many people who still have their wisdom teeth safely attached, write off “Wisdom Teeth Extraction” by naively stating that it protects periodontal health and reduces cavity risks simply because they are unaware of the pain and suffering that their friends and family face after the extraction of their wisdom teeth. This in effect leads to a lifetime of TMJ Jaw Pain which is not at all pleasant according to the many that suffer from it.

TMJ is caused by the rupturing and removal of many sensitive nerves and muscles in the mouth which leads to much larger periodontal pockets and has very little effect on the rate of cavities. This, in particular, leads to a loss of sensation in the lips which is bad for everyone especially foodies!!

Jaw Pains Caused by Wisdom Teeth Extraction

Jaw pain seems to increase by 34% in people who have had their wisdom teeth removed as compared to the 8.7% in the people who still have their wisdom teeth intact.

According to studies – TMJ is caused largely by the removal of wisdom teeth which can lead to TMJ Syndrome or TMJ Disease which are much more harmful and a lot more painful for those who have removed their wisdom teeth already. It can be particularly harmful to women between the ages of 18-44 as it increases the stress in the neck and face and ruins that lovely “Colgate smile”.

Is it still worth risking the Jaw Pain for the rest of your life?

If this article did not scare you into retaining your wisdom teeth and you`re adamant on removing your wisdom teeth, then these are the questions you should be asking your dentist:

  • How many teeth will you remove?
  • Will you use general or local anesthesia?
  • How long will the oral surgery take?
  • Is there a possibility of nerve damage?
  • How long will my recovery take?
  • Is it wise to proceed considering my physical disposition eg. poorly positioned teeth etc.
  • How will it affect me in the long run?

Extraction of Wisdom Teeth can cause TMJ in most cases according to the stats and should be taken very seriously. By now TMJ must be sounding like a very frightful and painful condition which can turn your perfect smile to a painful scowl but fear not as there are solutions and remedies to help those of you who have already had their wisdom teeth extracted.

These human invented remedies are known as TMJ Pain Treatment modules which are offered by Joshua Hong. These Pain Treatment Modules are used to combat the pain caused by TMJ, keeping in mind the pain and effects caused by TMJ. Many disgruntled and pain hindered patients have walked out of Joshua Hong’s doors smiling ear to ear and pain-free.

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