Saturday, October 27, 2018

Teeth can be a real grind


What causes people to grind their teeth? Some people may experience teeth grinding, or bruxism (bruchk-siz-uhm,) throughout their lives, others report teeth grinding more often or only when stressed. It can occur during the day or may happen only at night. A person may be unaware of it until pain in the teeth, mouth, face, neck, and/or jaw cause him or her to seek relief. The person’s partner may be the one who is aware of it first, waking up in the middle of the night to a noise that sounds like bones cracking. Dental health professionals are trained to recognize signs of grinding in the mouth, such as worn down teeth, so regular check-ups are important. Teeth grinding may cause temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) or make it worse.
In conditions such as autism, tooth grinding can be quite common and worrisome to caregivers. There is also evidence that taking certain medications, such as those for depression or gastrointestinal disorders, may cause or increase teeth grinding because of how these drugs affect the body. If it can be determined that teeth grinding starts upon taking a new medication, a doctor may switch the patient to another drug or reduce the dosage. But if teeth grinding develops over time, a medication may not be easily identified as the cause.
Treatment for teeth grinding typically involves alleviating pain and discomfort through the use of night guards, dental appliances, and pain relievers. Some people love night guards, others find them difficult to tolerate. It is important, however, to seek treatment in order to relieve pain and prevent damage to the teeth. Dental night guards can be bought in drug stores or dentists can make them custom-fit for patients.
When evaluating teeth grinding or pain, it is important to look at a person’s entire dental and medical history, including any medications. People being treated for mental health issues may not think to report to their doctor that they are having tooth, face or jaw pain. People often neglect to write their complete medical histories and medications on their dental forms. They may be embarrassed or figure that their medical treatment is not information that a dentist or dental hygienist needs. However, when it comes to medication and oral health, it can matter quite a bit.
Are you experiencing tooth grinding, or waking up with an aching face or jaw? Speak with your doctor or dentist to get the proper treatment you need.

This post is not intended to advise, diagnose, or treat any condition. If you are in pain, please see your dentist or doctor.

Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2934876/; Sutin AR, Terracciano A, Ferrucci L, Costa PT. Teeth Grinding: Is Emotional Stability related to Bruxism? Journal of research in personality. 2010;44(3):402-405. doi:10.1016/j.jrp.2010.03.006. Accessed August 26, 2018

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tmj/symptoms-causes/syc-20350941; TMJ disorders. Patient care and health information, diseases and conditions. Mayo Clinic Web site. Accessed August 26, 2018
Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2014 Oct;13(10):1319-26. doi: 10.1517/14740338.2014.947262. Epub 2014 Sep 6.
Psychotropic drugs and bruxism. Falisi G1Rastelli CPanti FMaglione HQuezada Arcega R.Accessed August 26,2018


Tuesday, October 16, 2018

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

October is National Dental Hygiene Month! Has it been a while since you've had a dental visit to have your teeth cleaned? No time like the present. Your dental hygienist misses you. Meanwhile:

Brush at least two times a day with a fluoride toothpaste - after each meal is ideal

Floss at least once a day

For more information on National Dental Hygiene month and other great oral health info visit:

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/life-stages/adult-oral-care/ada-october-is-national-dental-hygiene-month


This post is not intended to advise, diagnose or treat any condition nor is it an endorsement of any brand product. Please visit your dental office for regular check-ups and treatment.

Sunday, August 5, 2018

Mind Your Mouth. Part 2.

My first post on the relationship between mental health and oral health focused on risky behaviors like drug, alcohol, and tobacco use, and the damage they cause the teeth, gums, mouth and throat. (http://mydentalhygienist.blogspot.com/2018/01/mind-your-mouth.html )

The link between oral health and mental health, however, is a two way street. People who don’t like how their teeth look or who have crooked, missing, or decayed teeth can suffer from low self-esteem. They may not want to smile or talk and lack confidence because they feel ashamed by the condition of their mouth. They may avoid social situations and have difficulties finding or keeping a job. Isolation, worry, and lack of employment can further deepen a person’s depression. They may blame themselves for how their mouth looks, even if it is not their fault. Some people have dental conditions which may stem from childhood or may be economic in nature, such as a family’s inability to afford braces or to have trauma to the teeth repaired. This can further cause a person to feel helpless and hopeless about the condition of their mouth.

Many people feel anxious about dental treatment but those who avoid going to the dentist out of fear may develop oral health problems due to a lack of regular care and check-ups. Dental phobia, the fear of going to the dentist or having dental treatment, is a recognized condition and a very real problem for some people. It can be caused by fear of pain, lack of control, feelings of shame over neglect of health, or traumatic past experiences. People may wait to seek care until they are in extreme pain, their condition is much worse, or they may not seek treatment at all, which can result in severe or life-threatening infection or tooth loss. Lack of dental care, dental anxiety and oral health problems can be a very damaging combination for a person’s physical overall health and their mental well being.

People with self esteem or depression due to oral health problems and people suffering from dental phobia need help from both dental and mental health professionals. Receiving proper dental care can help to restore a person’s confidence and motivate them to get help for the mental health issues they developed as a result of their poor oral health. Behavioral and cognitive therapies can help a person explore the reasons for their phobia and develop the tools that they need to help get them through dental care visits. Some people may require anti-anxiety or anti-depression medications.

Dental health professionals should recognize that dental phobia affects many people and is more common than people realize. It is estimated that between 9 – 15% of Americans have true dental phobia. Pain management in the dental office through the use of good and proper anesthesia based on a person’s medical, dental, and mental health conditions is needed, as is empathy about the person’s phobia. Patients should be asked about their fears and be invited to use coping strategies, such as listening to music on headphones, or relaxation techniques like deep breathing. Open discussion can help to build trust and get patients to the resources they need to help them heal.

Sources
Kisely S. No Mental Health without Oral Health. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie. 2016;61(5):277-282. doi:10.1177/0706743716632523.

This blog is not intended to diagnose, advise, or treat any condition. Please get help from your medical, dental or mental health professional if you need it - you'll be relieved that you did.

Thursday, February 22, 2018

2-22 Dental Day

Happy February 22! Today marks the first 2-22 Dental Day. I created it to celebrate the two-two-two dental hygiene rule: Brush two times a day for two minutes and have a dental check-up two times a year. The mouth and it's health is so important and taking care of it can really pay off.

There are other dental themed days and months in the United States. November is National Dental Hygiene Month and February is National Children's Dental Health Month. On the first Friday of February, called Give Kids a Smile Day, many dentist and dental professionals donate their time and services to kids needing dental care. April marks National Facial Protection Month to promote the use of mouth guards and sports safety.


It is estimated that over 80%-90% of adults have dental issues so there is room for improvement. Each February 22nd can be a reminder to everyone to care for their mouths and teeth. The mouth is such an important part of the body but is often neglected. 2-22 Dental Day is a day to celebrate the importance of having a healthy mouth. Brushing twice daily for two minutes and getting regular dental check-ups two times a year along with daily flossing, can prevent cavities, save time and money and contribute to overall health. It’s such a simple way to treat oneself to good health.


Please visit my 2-22 Dental Day FaceBook page, too. It contains some fun and interesting information. I hope you enjoy it.


(FYI: 2-22 Dental Day is not sponsored by or associated with any organization or agency nor does it sell or promote or endorse any product. The 2-22 Dental Day logo, media, and content were created by Yvonne M. for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a replacement for, or diagnosis of, any dental or medical condition. Persons needing medical or dental help should consult their personal health care providers.)



Friday, January 26, 2018

Mind your mouth


So many people struggle with alcohol and drug abuse and suffer from mental health problems. Poor mental health and risky behaviors can be devastating to the body and lead to poor physical health, including poor oral health.

Depression and stress can cause people to grind their teeth to the point of fracture. Eating disorders, like bulimia and anorexia nervosa, where the person throws up frequently, can cause tooth erosion, problems with the tongue, and difficulty swallowing . 

Tobacco use leads to stained teeth and eventually causes tooth loss because the gums and jaw bone have been affected. Pot users experience dry mouth and greenish-black staining on the teeth. Because marijuana burns at a hotter temperature than tobacco, pot smokers subject the tissue of their mouths to a high degree of heat. Research has now shown that e-cigarettes and vape are also damaging to the health, whether or not they contain nicotine (E-cigs may be useful in helping smokers quit, but more research is needed.)

Alcohol abuse dries out the tissues of the mouth and can damage the salivary glands. Use of alcohol and tobacco together are known to put people at higher risk for oral and throat cancers. Drinkers who also smoke are at a seventy-times higher risk of developing cancer versus those who use either tobacco or alcohol alone. 

People who use drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin, experience a multitude of dental health problems including stained and decayed teeth, loose teeth, dry mouth, inflammation of the mouth and gums, and sinus problems.

Drug and alcohol abuse affect every part of a person’s overall health but there are many ways to get help. If you are struggling with an addiction or feeling overwhelmed, please speak with someone today. You can’t keep your body healthy if your mind is hurting.

January 22 - 28 is National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week. For resource and other information visit: 
https://www.ncadd.org/blogs/in-the-news/national-drug-and-alcohol-facts-week-ndafw-is-coming-january-22-28-2018







additional source: Kisely S. No Mental Health without Oral Health. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry Revue Canadienne de Psychiatrie. 2016;61(5):277-282. doi:10.1177/0706743716632523.

This blog is not intended to treat or cure any disease. If you need medical or dental treatment, please seek the help of a doctor or dentist.

Take time to smell the floss

Many people who feel they take great care of their teeth still aren’t flossing or aren’t flossing every day. Not flossing between the teeth can result in cavities between the teeth and for those who already have fillings or caps, decay that returns.

Not flossing is like taking a shower and washing your face, but not washing your hair or ears. Just like your body would not feel properly cleaned, your teeth aren’t cleaned thoroughly if they aren’t flossed.

I have recently started asking my patients to up their flossing game. The suggestion I am now making may sound like an odd one, but it comes from the dental health presentations that I have given to tens of thousands of students of all ages:

Floss your teeth, then take the string or the floss pick and smell it. It will stink. There is nothing like that smell. 

If you find that you have smelly breath or a bad taste in your mouth even though you brush faithfully, you will now understand why and this practice will encourage you to continue to floss. 
Smell the floss - ym'18

If you haven’t flossed in a while, your gums will bleed and that can be very disturbing. Keep flossing. The bleeding will subside and eventually stop. The smell of those plaque germs on the floss, however, will be there every time reminding you to get those sticky, stinky germs out of your mouth. So my advice is take time to smell the floss. Your reward is healthy teeth and a beautiful smile.