teeth grinding

Five Facts About Enamel Erosion

April 12, 2024 by DentalCMO

Our teeth work hard and are continually under assault. It’s no wonder that nature encases them with an armor of enamel—the hardest substance in the body. Sadly, enamel erosion is extremely common, though largely preventable. Enamel’s chief enemies are acidic foods and beverages. Other factors that can weaken enamel or wear it away are some medications, tooth grinding, acid reflux, gastrointestinal ailments, chewing ice or other hard substances, and eating disorders.

At Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we educate our patients about how to keep their enamel strong and halt further erosion if some has already transpired.

Here are five quick facts about enamel erosion:

1. Enamel is unlike many other tissues in the body; once it has been eroded, it can’t be regenerated.

2. According to the NIH, 41% of teenagers already have enamel erosion. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11132512

3. Too-forceful brushing can damage enamel.

4. Diet sodas, sports drinks, and energy drinks are just as detrimental as sugared sodas.

5. Dry mouth can weaken enamel because it results in less saliva which helps keep enamel healthy and strong.

If you have already experienced enamel erosion, it’s vital to halt continued erosion. There are several dental procedures that can protect the teeth that have been compromised. Call Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today at 215-368-1424 to schedule an examination. Dr. Bass will give you guidance on the best dental treatments for enamel erosion. Our office also offers a variety of cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry services.

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

215-368-1424

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

ArticleID 7500

How Tooth Grinding Can Damage Your Smile

March 17, 2023 by DentalCMO

What is Tooth Grinding?

Tooth grinding (or bruxism in doctor-speak) is a common behavior among people of all ages. It is when a person involuntarily clenches their jaw or rubs their teeth together. Tooth grinding can take place during the day or night and can affect kids and adults. Some people grind their teeth intermittently when they are going through periods of unusual stress. For other people, it becomes a habit over a period of time.

Regardless of the cause, tooth grinding can be painful and damaging to your smile. It can also have a long-term impact on physical and mental health.

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding

It can lead to loose teeth
It can cause physical pain in the teeth or face
- Headaches
- Jaw pain
- Ear pain
- Tooth pain
It can chip teeth
It can wear down enamel
It can cause problems with the alignment of the bite

Tips/Ways to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Wear a mouthguard to bed
Botox (injections of Botox into the jaw muscles can prevent the muscles from contracting in some patients)
Biofeedback
Physical therapy
Stress relief exercises
Avoid caffeine
Avoid alcohol

Resources to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Consult with Dr.Bass about a custom night guard or splint
Talk to your primary care physician about possible underlying medical conditions
Talk to a sleep medicine specialist
Consult with a medical professional who is experienced in using Botox to treat medical conditions–these include dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, TMD specialists, and some dentists

If you grind your teeth, we invite you to set up a consultation with Dr. Bass. We can discuss creating a custom night guard to help protect your teeth. We can also refer you to other experts that can help you overcome the underlying reason for the .

Do You Already Have Tooth Damage from Bruxism?

If you have already damaged your teeth, let’s discuss options for correcting the issues. These might include porcelain veneers, dental bonding, or full crowns to protect against further damage.

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

215-368-1424

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

ArticleID 8365

How to Kick a Tooth Grinding Habit

August 12, 2022 by DentalCMO

Plenty of men and women all over the world suffer from the habit of grinding their teeth. Some people grind their teeth because they are stressed, some people grind their teeth as a coping mechanism, and some men and women grind their teeth in their sleep without realizing it.

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding

Grinding of the teeth, clenching of the jaw, or gnashing of the teeth is known as bruxism. Bruxism can transpire consciously or unconsciously both during the day and at night. No matter when or why you grind your teeth, it can be harmful to both your oral health and overall physical health.

Let’s talk about it.

Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding

Some reasons individuals might grind their teeth are:

Caffeine consumption
Sleep apnea
Acid reflux
Depression or anxiety
Hyperactivity
Certain medications

Tooth Grinding Can Cause Serious Dental Problems

The consequences of tooth grinding can include:

Tooth pain
Jaw pain
Loss of tooth enamel or worn down teeth
Increased tooth sensitivity
Earaches
Broken braces or retainers due to excessive tooth grinding, often at nighttime

Sometimes it is difficult to know if you are grinding your teeth during the night. The main giveaways are if you are experiencing any of the symptoms above. One of the most prevalent and effective ways to quit nighttime teeth grinding is to wear a mouthguard while you sleep.

While there are a variety of reasons for tooth grinding, they can all lead to the same dangerous consequences if left untreated. It’s to seek guidance from a dentist or orthodontist. You might have a dental condition that can cause or complicate your grinding.

How Do You Treat Tooth Grinding?

Some teeth grinders can successfully overcome this abnormality on their own. Most men and women, however, need professional help from a doctor or dentist.

Ways to treat tooth grinding include:

Use a protective mouthguard, especially for nighttime tooth grinders
Ask your dentist about a habit appliance (especially for children)
Avoid caffeine in both food and drinks
Learn to manage your stress, depression, anxiety, or hyperactivity
Seek counseling

If you are unable to kick the habit of tooth grinding, it is a good idea to consult a professional. Dr. Kevin Bass at Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry is available for consultations about tooth grinding.

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

215-368-1424

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

ArticleID 8442

Should I Worry About My Snoring?

April 8, 2022 by DentalCMO

Snoring isn’t just an annoyance. It can have significant health consequences.

What is Snoring?

Snoring is caused by an airway obstruction in the throat or nasal cavity. The obstruction can be caused by:

Poor muscle tone in the throat and tongue—when muscles relax they can collapse onto the airway. Alcohol use and sleeping pills can make this more likely.
Thick throat tissue—Excess weight can be a contributing factor.
Swollen tonsils and adenoids—Most common in children.
Long uvula or soft palate
Nasal congestion
Deviated septum

Men and women who snore may have a condition called sleep apnea—a potentially serious condition in which your breathing lapses while you are snoozing. This can occur hundreds of times at night.

If your snoring keeps your bed partner from sleeping, his or her health is also impacted. Failure to get enough restorative sleep contributes to a host of physical and mental conditions.

Most of us have experienced problems concentrating when we haven’t gotten enough sleep. Did you know that can limit a person’s motor function and reaction time as seriously as intoxication?

Other possible health problems related to insufficient sleep include heart disease, obesity, depression, and diabetes.

So why is an article about snoring and sleep deprivation in a dental blog? Your dentist can treat either of these potentially detrimental conditions.

If you suspect that you suffer from either snoring or sleep apnea, we invite you to book an appointment today.

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

215-368-1424

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

ArticleID 7731

The 411 on TMJ

July 16, 2021 by DentalCMO

Do you have unexplained pain or clicking sounds in your jaw? They can be the result of a serious jaw condition.

Some ailments with the jaw and the muscles that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But it’s also commonly called TMJ, because that’s the acronym for the name of the joint. Technically, that’s not correct.

“Temp-or-o-man-di-what?!

Let’s talk about what this means. The word temporomandibular (pronounced ‘temp-ur-o-man-di-bye-ler) is defined as ‘of, relating to, being, or affecting the joint that connects the temporal bone and the mandible.’

(We are not betting people, but if we were, we would bet that you did not foresee an anatomy lesson from your dentist.) The temporal bones are found at the sides and base of your skull, and include five parts, the squama, the petrous, mastoid, tympanic parts, and styloid process. The mandible is the lower jaw, and, anatomically speaking, holds your whole face together.

What are the signs of TMD?

If you have jaw problems, either due to an accident, arthritis, misalignment of teeth or jaw, teeth grinding and clenching, poor posture, or chewing gum, you may experience:

tooth grinding or clicking
jaw pain
earaches
popping sounds in your ears
headaches
stiff or sore jaw muscles
locking of the jaw joint
pain in the temple area

Quite often, TMJ symptoms will go away on their own. Some individuals who are plagued with TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress.

TMD is an often misdiagnosed condition because facial pain can result from a variety of dilemmas, not just damage to the temporomandibular joints. Sinus infections, cavities, and facial injuries can cause jaw pain. A valid diagnosis is the first step in treating TMD.

If your TMD symptoms don’t go away on their own, seek professional help. Chronic TMD can be debilitating and your dentist can help. Dentists that treat TMD work closely with a network of specialists including ENT specialists, neurologists, and physical therapists. Talk to a healthcare professional.

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

215-368-1424

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

ArticleID 8334

4 Oral Ailments To Discuss With Your Dentist

March 20, 2020 by DentalCMO

Let’s discuss the most frequent oral conditions that should be discussed with your dentist.

1. Bad Breath. Sure, nobody wants to admit that they have bad breath, but bad breath can be treated. It is usually related to bacteria build-up in the mouth. This means that it might be a symptom of accelerating tooth decay. Discuss it with your dentist who can help you overcome this ailment. (Your friends will appreciate it.)

2. Dry Mouth. Also known as xerostomia, this lack of saliva is very irritating and can predispose dental patients to a host of issues such as cavities and gum disease. Some men and women experience it because of prescription medications or chronic diseases, so make sure to bring a list of current prescriptions with you to your appointment

3. Jaw Issues. If you notice inexplicable jaw pain or notice a clicking sound, be sure to schedule an appointment with your dentist ASAP! These symptoms can be signs of a serious condition called temporomandibular disorder or TMD.

4. Teeth Grinding. If you’ve been stressed out and find that you’ve been grinding your teeth (or if your partner tells you that you’re doing it in your sleep), discuss it with your dentist. A simple appliance can guard your teeth. If you have suffered damage from grinding such as fractured or chipped teeth, we will give you specifics about restorative dentistry.

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

215-368-1424

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

410 N Broad St
Lansdale, Pennsylvania
19446

ArticleID 4795

teeth grinding

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

What is Tooth Grinding?

The Dangers of Teeth Grinding

Tips/Ways to Help Stop Grinding Your Teeth

Do You Already Have Tooth Damage from Bruxism?

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Don’t Ignore Teeth Grinding

Possible Causes of Teeth Grinding

Tooth Grinding Can Cause Serious Dental Problems

How Do You Treat Tooth Grinding?

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

“Temp-or-o-man-di-what?!

What are the signs of TMD?

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Contact Kevin Bass DMD Cosmetic and Family Dentistry:

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

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