Dental Blog

23 September 2024

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD) can significantly impact a patient's quality of life, often leading to frequent sick leaves and in severe cases disability. TMD causes chronic jaw pain, headaches, difficulty in chewing and even neck and shoulder pain, which can interfere with daily tasks inworkplace productivity.

A recent study was published by Salinas Fredricson in BMC Public Health concluded that patients with TMD experience high level of stress and faitgue, resulting in frequent absences from work. In some cases, untreated or severe TMD can lead to long-term disability, affecting the ability to maintain employment.

The Financial Burden of Managing TMD Patients, 

combined with the reduced work capacity, can further strain the patient's mental and physical health. Early intervention through pain management, physical therapy and non-surgical dental treatment is essential to preventing further complication, reducing sick leave and improving overall quality of life for TMD sufferers.

Employers should recognize the potential impact of TMD and support affected employees with appropriate medical leave policies and accomodations.

#TMJAwareness

23 September 2023

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. A vital aspect of oral care is ensuring fresh breath, as bad breath can affect our confidence and interpersonal relationships. While daily brushing and flossing are crucial, they alone may not be sufficient to combat persistent bad breath. Regular visits to the dentist, at least every six months, can play a significant role in preventing and addressing this issue effectively.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene:

Oral hygiene goes beyond just a sparkling smile. It is the foundation of a healthy mouth and body. Neglecting oral health can lead to a buildup of plaque, tartar, and bacteria, which contribute to bad breath. Routine dental visits allow professionals to examine your mouth, clean hard-to-reach areas, and address any developing issues promptly.

Preventing Bad Breath

One of the primary causes of bad breath is poor oral hygiene. Neglected oral care leads to the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth, which produce foul-smelling compounds. Regular dental check-ups enable early detection of oral health problems, such as gum disease, cavities, or infections, which can contribute to bad breath. Dentists can provide thorough cleanings and offer personalized advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques, as well as recommend specific oral care products to combat bad breath effectively.

Despite our best efforts, certain areas of the mouth can be challenging to clean adequately at home. Professional dental cleanings performed by trained hygienists can remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, significantly reducing the risk of bad breath. Additionally, dental professionals can identify and treat any underlying issues that may be contributing to persistent bad breath, such as gum disease or dry mouth.

Regular dental visits every six months allow dentists to monitor your oral health and detect potential problems before they worsen. By addressing issues early on, you can prevent the development of conditions that contribute to bad breath. Dentists can also provide guidance on lifestyle habits, diet, and home care practices that promote fresh breath.

23 September 2022

As life becomes stressful for many, different coping strategies develop. When a person thinks, often times, we tend to clench our teeth together. Teeth clenching is one coping strategy of the human body that results in improved focus and concentration, thus, explaining why some children tend to bite on a pencil or chew gum when studying.

The top and bottom teeth pressing on each other is called clenching. Now, when this clenching moves side-to-side or forward-backward, it results to teeth grinding or medically called as dental bruxism. Both clenching and grinding are voluntary movements during the day which are okay. However, it is not okay when the teeth clenching or grinding happens during the resting hours, such as during sleep.

_______________________

When this balanced bite is 

not achieved during the day, 

our brain signals the chewing muscles 

to go to work with one instruction 

– to grind everything on its path.
_______________________

Our brain is one powerful command center, and it wants all of our teeth to touch at maximum contact point (yes! that precise), all at the same time. And our face and neck are all covered by muscles. When this balanced bite is not achieved during the day, our brain signals the chewing muscles to go to work with one instruction – to grind everything on its path.

If you experience waking up with a slight tenderness or heaviness on the face or cheek muscles, then it is good idea to visit your dentist. Over time, this excessive teeth clenching and frequent teeth grinding can wear out your teeth enamel and consequently putting immense pressure on your jaw joint.

A nightguard is usually prescribed to protect your teeth from being worn down. But if you want to find out the cause of this teeth grinding, you may schedule a visit with a TMJ specialist to have a 15-minute bite assessment.

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#TMJAwareness