Is There a Tooth Grinder in Your Home?

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

*sensitivity in the teeth
*tightness or pain in the jaw
*headaches, earaches, or facial pain
*worn down, chipped, or loose teeth

People often grind their teeth in response to stress, so reducing or eliminating stress as much as possible can help the situation. Here are some other helpful ideas to reduce grinding tendencies:

* cut back on caffeine &/or alcohol
* drink plenty of water to minimize dehydration
* do something relaxing right before bedtime (warm bath, etc.)
* eliminate chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum, etc.)
* if you find yourself clenching or grinding during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

Untreated grinding can lead to chipped and worn teeth, chronic facial pain, and even TMJ disorder. If the tooth grinding persists, please give our office a call at 440-734-1146 to discuss the possible treatment options!

Cardiodontics: The Heart Mouth Connection from Braces by Souris

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (gum disease), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tisue and bone that support the teeth. In the most severe cases, teeth may be lost.

Research is now also pointing to other health effects of periodontal disease that go well beyond your mouth. We want to inform you about some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and bones that support the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis- an infection and inflammation of the gums. As the disease becomes more severe, all of the tissues become involved, including the bone. The bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth are what continue to fuel the progression of the disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:

* redness and bleeding of the gums while brushing or using floss

* halitosis or bad breath

* recession of the gums resulting in apparent lengthening of the teeth

* "pockets" of bone loss between the teeth and gums indicating that the supporting bone is dissolving away

*eventual loosening of teeth

Gum inflammation and bone destruction can be for the most part painless, and therefore people wrongly assume that painless bleeding after brushing and flossing is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. Unfortunately many people think it is normal for their gums to bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a progressive infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through bleeding and ulcerated gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Reasearchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:

* Heart disease- Gum disease may worsen existing heart disease or increase the risk of heart disease.

* Stroke- Gum disease may increase the risk of stroke caused by blocked arteries.

* Diabetes- People with diabetes and periodontal disease may have a harder time controlling their blood sugar than those with healthy gums.

Combating Periodontal Disease

* To help combat periodontal disease, see your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and check-up.

* Brush and floss at least twice daily. Take your time and do it right!

* Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use helps to disinfect the teeth and gums and reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth.

* STRAIGHTEN YOUR TEETH!! Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease. Please contact our office at 440-734-1146 to scedule a free exam and learn more about adult treatment and the available options, or visit us a http://www.bracesbysouris.com/.

Smoke Screen- Braces by Souris

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you know that smokers are also susceptible to a variety of oral health problems?

It's true. Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults, and those who smoke pipes and cigars or use smokeless tobacco are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems. As soon as you decide to use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of the following oral health problems:

*Oral Cancer

*Gum disease

*Tooth Loss

*Loss of bone in the jaw

*Gum recession

*Delayed healing process after oral surgery or any other involved dental teratment

*Decreased success rate of dental implants

*Mouth sores

*Loss of your sense of taste and smell

*Bad breath

*Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health, we strongl;y recommend you quit using tobacco products. The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and tobacco use:

1. Get ready- set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car, and office.

2. Get support

3. Learn new skills and behaviors to replace the habit

4. Get medication if necessary and use it correctly

5. Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health, and quitting smoking is a significant step in the right direction!