Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 404-567-8900. Dr. Patel can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Understanding Cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Gummy Tummy

We’d like to clear up a mystery. We know there are rumors floating around – mostly in middle school, it seems – that if you swallow a piece of gum, it will take up residence in your stomach for two years, or five years, or even ten years!

If you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, we are here to tell you not to worry. In fact, certain parts of gum can be digested (for instance sugar – although we certainly do NOT recommend chewing gum with sugar). And the parts that can’t be digested simply pass right through your system. So! No more imaginary gum mountains in your stomach!

That said, gum doesn’t have any dietary benefits, so it’s ideal to avoid swallowing it. And if you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. You see, when the bacteria in your mouth break down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. And we know you don’t want any of those!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from all of us at (404) 567-8900!