3 Main Differences Between Regular and Pediatric Dentists

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

3 Main Differences Between Regular and Pediatric Dentists
Many people assume there is no real difference between a regular dentist, and a pediatric
practitioner. While it is safe to bring your child to a non-specialized dentist, your young family
will be better suited visiting a professional with specific training in childcare. Pediatric dentists
have undergone additional education than regular dentists, and have chosen to focus their
knowledge and passion on children.Here are 3 main differences between regular dentists and pediatric specialists:

1. Additional and Specialized Education.

Every oral health practitioner undergoes the same, basic education and on-the-job training.
Many dental health practitioners will immediately go on to work in a practice, while pediatric
dentists complete an additional two years of education, focusing specifically on treating the oral
health of children and adolescents. Not only does this education include the differences in
growth and health of a child’s mouth versus an adult’s, but also includes an understanding of
the differences in behavior, psychology, and emotional reactions.

2. Education in Special Needs Children.

Even though your regular dentist may have completed the basics of pediatric dentistry, they
have not had the education in working with children of special needs and disabilities. This can
be an incredibly difficult task, and is well-worth choosing a practitioner with specialized
knowledge of dealing with these kind of situations. A regular dentist may not have the
experience or mental capacity to handle a special needs child or adolescent, and may result in a
negative experience for everyone involved.

Going beyond the mental health differences, a pediatric dentist with knowledge in special needs
children will also understand the different types of natural defects and deformities that can come
with under-developed growth and maturity.

3. Specialized Treatment Options.

Since children are still growing and developing, they require specialized treatment options that
only pediatric dentists can perform. Certain precautions need to take place in the dental health
regimen of a child in order to avoid more serious treatments creeping up in the future. A
pediatric dentist has been trained to identify any potential risks in a child’s oral health, taking a
deeper look into the child’s diet, and the mother’s health history. Pediatric dentists can evaluate
a child’s mouth by taking into account certain lifestyle habits, such as sucking their thumb or
pacifier, as well as a sugar-filled diet. Preventative care may be the most important aspect of
pediatric dentistry, since many children start seeing the dentist as an infant. It is crucial to begin
teaching your child of the importance of their oral health when they’re still very young.
Every parents wants the best treatment for their family, and your child or adolescent will benefit
greatly from a pediatric dentist’s specialized knowledge, experience, and passion for children. A
pediatric dentist has the insight and training to determine what may be causing certain issues,
appropriate treatments to recommend, as well as how to properly handle the varying emotional
levels of young patients.

Pediatric Dentist Advice: How to Tell Your Child Has a Cavity

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, Dental Care, dental health, dentist, next generation dental, Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Dentist Advice: How to Tell Your Child Has a Cavity
A pediatric dentist can tell you some things are just unavoidable in the life as a child, and
cavities are one of those instances. With all the prodding and encouragement to brush and floss
well every day, and to make healthy food choices, your child may still end up getting a cavity.
Your pediatric dentist can easily fix the issue once determined, and here are a few ways to tell
that your child is dealing with a cavity:Your child chews on only one side of their mouth. If you have a young child, they may not be able to properly communicate they’re suffering from pain in their mouth. If you can see that your child is consistently choosing to chew food on only one side of their mouth, and it’s always
the same side, your child probably has a cavity.

You can see chalky white spots on your child’s teeth. When your child flashes a smile, and you can easily see white spots or other discolorations on their teeth/tooth, that is a sign that they
have developed a cavity. Schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist right away to have it looked at.

Your child complains about pain while brushing. It may not be unusual for your child to complain about having to brush their teeth, but it may be abnormal for them to complain about pain while brushing. This is a key sign they are suffering from tooth sensitivity and most likely a cavity.

Your child has a visibly swollen cheek. If you can tell that one of your child’s cheek is swollen compared to the other, that’s a sign something is out of whack, and needing to be immediately
checked out. If your child can’t recall recently falling or bumping into something that may have caused a swollen cheek, be sure to call your pediatric dentist right away.

Prepare your child for their filling appointment. The best thing you can do for your child is to try to diminish any fears they have of seeing the dentist. If you appear to be calm with a positive
attitude, your child will be more likely to not feel as nervous. Showing your child books and pictures of children seeing the dentist, will help to explain that it is a normal and positive experience.

How to prevent cavities in the future. Once your child has seen your pediatric dentist and has gotten their cavity filled, there are certain foods and drinks you should limit as much as possible.
Try to avoid giving your child sugary soda or fruit juice, avoid sticky foods like toffee and other types of candy, and try to see your pediatric dentist twice a year for checkups.

If your child is experiencing any of the symptoms described above, be sure to contact your dental practitioner immediately to schedule an appointment. Your pediatric dentist will be able to
confirm whether your child has a cavity, and the next steps needed to fix the problem along with
tips on cavity prevention.

3 Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Dentist 

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, Dental Care, dental health, Dental services, Pediatric Dentistry

3 Questions to Ask Your Pediatric Dentist
A pediatric dentist is an oral health practitioner that has undergone specialized training in the
field of childcare. As a parent, you are the advocate for your child’s health and well-being,
therefore, it is imperative to choose a pediatric dentist that can perform services and provide
recommendation of the highest level of expertise. You also want to look for a pediatric dentist
that is thoughtful, helpful, patient, and someone your child can consider a friend.
Here are 3 questions to ask a pediatric dentist when deciding upon the best provider for your
child:

1. Do You Use Sealants During Treatments?

A sealant is a modern type of treatment now being used in dental practices, and is the use of a
sealing agent placed upon the surface of the tooth to block out bacteria that can lead to cavities
and tooth decay. This bacteria can also cause gum disease and the use of a sealant can
prevent these serious issues from potentially happening. It is still very important to discuss the
importance of daily brushing, flossing, and healthy eating, and the use of a sealant may not be
needed in dental treatments for your child.

2. Should I Buy a Toothpaste with Fluoride?

Many people have heard both advantages and disadvantages of the use of a fluoride
toothpaste, and is a smart question to ask your pediatric dentist. Some dentists recommend
using fluoride to prevent cavities, and improve your child’s tooth strength. While others do not
feel that a toothpaste with fluoride is essential to a healthy oral routine, and it is made up of
chemicals that people don’t need to achieve a healthy mouth. Ask your dental pediatrician for
their opinion, and you can decide for yourself what you feel is best for your child.

3. Is Thumb-Sucking a Concern For My Child’s Health?

Some parents may be concerned about their child’s thumb-sucking habit, while others consider
it a harmless phase that will pass. However, consistent thumb-sucking can actually be harmful
to the oral health of your child, and if done for a long time, can inhibit natural growth and
development. Thumb-sucking can also cause uneven tooth alignment, and a dentist may be
able to speak with your child about the reasons why it’s not good for them, and can recommend
to you other ways to wean your child off the habit, including corrective procedures for any
misalignment that may have already taken place.

Be sure to ask your pediatric dentist these basic questions before starting any treatments. You
can get a feel for their background and experience, as well as determine whether or not you feel
their personality will be a good fit for your child. After finding a pediatric dentist with a high level
of training and knowledge, the next most important aspect of your child’s dental health is finding
a practitioner your child enjoys and feels comfortable with.

What to Expect During a Cosmetic Dental Consultation

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

What to Expect During a Cosmetic Dental ConsultationCosmetic dental treatments go beyond the routine cleaning and maintenance provided by a

family dentist. Treatments available vary from simple fixes for a basic concern, to complicated
treatments for serious oral defects. Before committing to a treatment with a cosmetic dentist, be
sure to schedule a consultation and come prepared with any questions you may have.

Described below is the basic outline of a consultation with a cosmetic dental practitioner:

Be Prepared to Answer the Question, “What Change Do You Want To See?”

You should be able to explain the exact outcome you are hoping to achieve, and feel

comfortable discussing your concerns and reasons for seeking cosmetic dental treatments. You
should also ask yourself honestly what exactly it is about your teeth and/or mouth that you don’t
like. By being totally honest, it will allow your dental practitioner to determine the best possible
treatment plan meeting your specific concerns.

Expect a Dental Examination.

Once the initial questions and expectations have been discussed, your cosmetic dental

practitioner will perform a basic dental examination. This exam will tell the dentist exactly what
he/she is working with, and whether or not your dream results can become a reality. It is best to
come to your consultation with an open mind. Your cosmetic dentist is truly the only one that
can determine the results you can expect to see, based on your existing condition and budget.
Get Ready to Say “Cheese!”

Once the oral exam has taken place and your dentist has asked questions regarding your dental
history, the practitioner will now take photographs of your inner mouth. Depending on the results
you wish to see and your current oral health, your cosmetic dentist may also want to take dental
impressions, if braces, fillings, or implants may be in your future.

Time to Discuss Your Dental Appearance.

Once pictures and molds have taken place, your cosmetic dentist will discuss with you the

overall appearance and condition of your oral health/structure, and can determine more deeply
the types of treatments to pursuit. The practitioner will discuss the kind of results which are

realistic in your specific case, and how they can be achieved.

Finish Discussing Types of Materials Used in Treatments.

Your cosmetic dental practitioner will finish your consultation by discussing in full detail each

component of treatment, including the materials used during procedures, the length of

procedures, as well as the healing process to expect. The dentist will explain any risks or side
effects that may occur during treatment, and any discomfort that may be experienced.

Based on the consultation with your cosmetic dental practitioner, you will be able to make a

well-informed decision regarding cosmetic dental treatments. You will be able to determine if the
risks involved are worth the investment and whether your end goal is realistically obtainable.

Bruxism Sleep Apnea Symptoms Causes & Treatment Video

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, Dental Care, Facial Pain, Mouth Guard

Bruxism or TMJ- is a habitual chronic daily precondition in which a person grinds, clench all teeth. Individuals who suffer from bruxism, may unconsciously without their knowledge clench their teeth together during the day, majority also clench or grind them at night mostly while they are sleep (sleep bruxism).

Sleep bruxism is a condition which dental profession recognizes as a sleep-related disorder. People who clench or grind their teeth (Brux) during rest are more likely to have other sleep disorders, such as snoring and partial sudden interruption in sleep which is usually known by slerp apnea.

Among most american population bruxism can be in different stages. vast majority of induviduals suffer from frequent and severe stages serous enough to lead to jaw disorders, headaches, broken worn teeth and other occlusion bite complications.

​​Adults can have sleep bruxism TMJ or TMD disorder of upper jaw joint and be unaware of it unless clinical conditions and discomfort up on chewing become evident, , it is essential to become familiar with the signs and symptoms of bruxism and receive proper diagnosis and treatment such as night guard from a dental care professional and receive regular dental care.​​

Dental Sealants How It’s Done Plus Advantages

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

A sealant is a protective, plastic material that is placed directly on the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars. Sealants protect tooth enamel from erosion and drastically reduce the occurrence of tooth decay.

Teeth are prepared for sealants with a thorough cleaning, followed by the application of a specialized dental solution. This solution roughens the chewing surfaces, making it easier for the sealants to adhere to the teeth. The sealants are then painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth and a curing light is used to harden the sealants.

As long as the teeth receive regular care, sealants can last several years before requiring a reapplication. 

Dental Sealant Video

It’s Never Too Late! Take advantage of implant dentistry

by Paul Ganjian, posted in Implant dentistry

Implant dentistry
Dental Implants

It’s a sad fact, but most adults will lose a tooth at some time in their lives either to accident or disease. Removable dentures and fixed bridges are always available of course, but many patients are now choosing implants as a means of tooth replacement because of their stability and natural appearance.

Implant dentistry can be made simple

Advances in implant dentistry are making the choice easier for many patients. How does an implant work? An anchor, which has often been specially treated with a material that helps bone adhere to it, is placed into the jawbone. The anchor is then left alone for three to six months, allowing bone to grow around, ensuring it is permanently attached. An artificial tooth is then attached to the secured anchor. Implants are now providing a lifelike and secure alternative to natural teeth for thousands of patients. But you do need to be in good health, and be committed to a meticulous oral hygiene regimen and regular dental visits. Sometimes patients are concerned about what might seem to be a complicated procedure, however improved techniques have greatly simplified implant technology.
If you want to replace a tooth or removable appliance, please come in and talk to us. Implant dentistry can be made simple, and the majority of our patients can use artificial teeth easily with implants for support. And remember … there’s no age limit to looking good!

Different Mouth Sore Conditions.

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog

Mouth sores (or “angular cheilitis”) is found at the corners of the mouth on the lips.

It can exist caused by several common things

including:

Cold sore/fever blister

Vitamin or iron 

insufficiency

Wrong poorly fitting

dentures

Fungal infection (thrush)

Cold sores:

If you haveown had cold sores/fever blisters in the past, you likely knoexperience when you are going to get another one.

These sores normally happen in the same position each time they pop up.

It takes 7 to 14 days to go forth.

They can be caused by a type of herpes virus or by tooth deprivation.

The jaws are collapsed and the folds of skin at the corners of the mouth lot upward, resulting in mouth sores.

Often these sores will come along when you have been sick or run down, or you may get them after you have been out in the sun or have suntan.

Ointments and creams are available without a prescription drug.

They decrease the severeness of the sore and numbers of days it takes to go away.

If you have many outbreaks,make a dentist or doctor for a prescription for a stronger cream.

Use at the first sign of an irruption.

Make sure you use a cotton swab or rubber/latex gloves when putting the cream on the sore.

Do not touch the sore with your hands.

The virus can be spreaddisseminate to other people and to other parts of your body including your eyes.

Vitamin or iron inadequacy:

Mouth sores, also result of a low level of vitamin B or iron in your body.

Many older adults do not pay attention to how many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients are in their diets.

Watch what you eat up.

After a certain age, many people find it is easy to gain weight.

To offset this, we eat less.

The problem is, we still require the same amount of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, but not as many calories as when we were younger.

This makes food choice important.

We need to eat foods that have more nutrients and less “empty” calories.

Your doctor or dentist may suggest you take a daily vitamin supplement to help you keep a good level of vitamins in your body.

Poorly fitted dentures:

Dentures that have worn down over the years and do not fit precisely may cause angular cheilitis.

Worn dentures make your mouth to close more than it did when the dentures were new.

This causes the skin at the corners of your mouth to fold over or convergence.

When this happens, the area in the fold of skin stays warm and moist and can be a perfect place for a fungal infection or thrush to formulate.

Antifungal creams and ointments treat thrust, but it will come back again if the dentures are not fixed or replaced and the overlapping skin remains.

New Study Early tooth loss and its contribution to loss of Memory 

by Paul Ganjian, posted in Adult Aging, dental blog

Older adults who have lost all their teeth have faster decreases in memory and walking ability than people who still have at least some of their teeth, a new study says.
The findings suggest that total tooth loss could provide an early warning of increased risk of physical and mental decline in older people, the British researchers said.
However, the findings don’t prove that tooth loss causes the physical or mental decline.
The study included more than 3,100 participants 60 and older. People with no remaining teeth did about 10 percent worse on tests of memory and of walking speed than those with at least some teeth, the researchers found.

Tooth loss could be used as an early marker of mental and physical decline in older age, particularly among 60- to 74-years old.

Socioeconomic factors, such as education and income, maybe the common links between tooth loss and poor physical and mental health.

Regardless of what is behind the link between tooth loss and decline in function, recognizing excessive tooth loss presents an opportunity for early identification of adults at higher risk Rapid mental and physical decline later in their life. There are many factors likely to influence this decline, such as lifestyle and psychosocial factors, which are amenable to change.

Major Mistakes Which Hurt Your Oral Care

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, Dental Care

It’s essential to end up mindful of the propensities you ought to be maintaining a strategic distance from, on the off chance that you need to appreciate fantastic dental wellbeing.

Along these lines, here are 5 of the most widely recognized missteps that are harming individuals’ dental wellbeing:

1) Brushing Too Hard

The vast majority’s boss point when brushing is to wind up with a decent white arrangement of teeth, and this leads a few individuals to clean much too hard with an end goal to evacuate stains.

Bushing too hard can harm the polish covering that encompasses your teeth. With that defensive finish layer debilitated, plaque has a free rule to eat into your teeth.

Humorously, brushing too hard really accomplishes the inverse impact and gives the teeth a darker shade, since finish is the whitest part!

Try not to brush your teeth just as you’re scouring a red wine stain from a floor covering! You don’t have to apply much weight at all to evacuate ordinary stains.

2) Not Brushing For Long Enough

Your dental specialist prescribes that you brush for an entire 2 minutes, yet information gathered by Beam Technologies has demonstrated that the normal grown-up spends only 46 seconds brushing their teeth.

That is a poor exertion by all accounts!

Research has demonstrated that you are half more prone to brush for a considerable length of time in the event that you utilize a clock.

Split out your cell phone and start up the clock application when you brush for a moment help to your dental wellbeing.

3) Uneven Brushing

Individuals tend to start brushing with energy, before getting exhausted lastly surrendering. This implies the edge of your mouth that you start with gets a decent spotless, yet the rest gets only a careless going over.

We can, at the end of the day, swing to a clock to enhance our propensities here. Just change to another quadrant of the mouth at regular intervals.

Beginning in an alternate region of the mouth every time you brush can likewise offer assistance.

4) Fruit Juice Before Bed

Natural product juices and smoothies have turned out to be to a great degree prevalent in the most recent couple of years, particularly as a simple and delectable approach to get one of your five-a-day.

The issue, however, is that these juices are definitely not useful for your teeth. They’re both brimming with sugar, and unequivocally acidic; a bad dream mix for your teeth.

More grown-ups who can’t rest have a tendency to get up and snatch a glass of smoothie, before retreating to rest.

Leaving this acidic and sugary deposit on your teeth throughout the night while you rest is not a smart thought! The corrosive debilitates your teeth’s guards, whilst plaque microbes flourishes with the sugar.

On the off chance that you do get up in the night, make that drink a decent, spotless, icy glass of water.

5) Not Flossing

No one appreciates flossing their teeth, however tragically, it’s an absolute necessity!

Toothbrushes essentially can’t get in the middle of your teeth, and that implies that in case you’re giving the dental floss a miss, you’re leaving a wide range of nasties in those niches and crevices.

Regardless of the fact that you brush industriously twice per day, the nourishment particles and plaque microbes that gather between your teeth can prompt Gingivitis on the off chance that you don’t floss.

So hunker down, split out the dental floss, and make it a propensity to floss each prior day you brush your teeth. Continue reading “Major Mistakes Which Hurt Your Oral Care” →

Dental Braces Treatment, Grown-ups Say Sound, Delightful Smile Change Lives

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, dental braces

Adults Say Healthy, Beautiful Smiles Transform Lives
Post-Orthodontic Treatment
Grown-up orthodontic treatment adds to noteworthy upgrades in both expert and individual lives, as indicated by respondents to a late study led in the interest of the AAO. People who, as grown-ups, had orthodontic treatment given by orthodontists were requested that react to the study. Seventy-five percent of grown-ups studied reported enhancements in profession or individual connections, which they ascribed to their enhanced post-orthodontic treatment grin. Referring to recently discovered fearlessness, 92 percent of study respondents say they would prescribe orthodontic treatment to different grown-ups.

The review questioned respondents on their before-treatment concerns: “What will others think?” “In what manner will I look?” “Am I excessively old?” Seventy-one percent had such worries preceding treatment, however a mind greater part said the worries did not proceed once treatment really started.

Respondents reported positive results from treatment:

“I was considerably more sure and confident once I could grin transparently. Life is extremely distressing (on a subliminal level) when you’re generally mindful that you can’t open your mouth to grin without apprehension of judgment.”

“With an appealing grin you can confront your profession and individual associations with certainty.”

“A more splendid grin and the straightest teeth … gave me certainty to do anything.”

More youthful grown-ups report the most ideal results. Eighty-seven percent of those matured 18-34 reported expanded accomplishment with individual connections after treatment. “I discovered somebody who thought about me,” remarked one respondent.

The quantity of grown-up orthodontic patients expanded 14 percent from 2010 to 2012, to a record high of 1,225,850 patients ages 18 and more seasoned. More men are deciding on orthodontic treatment, as indicated by a late AAO study. Starting 2012, 44 percent of grown-up patients were male, a 29 percent expansion when contrasted with 2010 study results.*

Why Do You need a mouth Guard

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, dental health, Mouth Guard

  
QUESTION ANSWER

WEIGHTLIFTING RACQUETBALL RUGBY FIGURE SKATING
WHEN DO YOU NEED A MOUTH GUARD? ANY TIME YOU PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS!

HOCKEY

Protect Your Smile

Let’s work together to protect that smile of yours. Just by wearing a mouth guard, you reduce the risk of knocking out teeth or breaking your jaw.

Chances are if you play in organized sports, your coach may already require that you wear a mouth guard. But did you know that even when you’re riding your bike or getting a game together with the kids in your neighborhood that it’s a good idea to wear a mouth guard?

Any time you’re engaged in an activity where your face can come in contact with something hard—say another player, a ball, the pavement, or any hard object—it’s a time that you should be wearing a mouth guard!

Repairing the problems that happen to teeth and jaws is uncomfortable for the patient—and can cost thousands of dollars. Many injuries can be far less severe or even

GYMNASTICS KARATE FOOTBALL CHEERLEADING BOXING WRESTLING INLINE SKATING MOTOCROSS HURDLING SKIING

prevented altogether by the simple act of wearing a mouth guard!

BIKING SOFTBALL TENNIS BASKETBALL FIELD VOLLEYBALL HOCKEY BASEBALL LACROSSE DIVING FENCING SOCCER SKATEBOARD

Mouth guards are a smart investment in your dental health. Let’s talk about the best mouth guard to use while you are having orthodontic treatment. When your treatment is complete, your dentist or I can help you select the right mouth guard.

Get Into The Mouth Guard Habit!
April is National Facial Protection Month is sponsored by the American Association of Ortho- dontists, the American Association of Oral and Maxillo- facial Surgeons, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Academy for Sports Dentistry.

Mouth guards are a good idea all year long. 

 

Dry Mouth Medicines Your Mouth

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, dental health, Dry mouth

Many medications Americans take can affect dental and oral health? Taking certain prescription and over the counter medications can cause dry mouth “xerostomia”, effect your taste buds on tongue which results in ultimate feeling of food taste and even cause changes to your periodontal health ” gums”.
What should you dental care provider dentist and your dental specialists know about my prescription medications?

It is important to tell your dentist and dental hygienist about every medication that you take. They will also want to know how much and how often you take your medicines. Even vitamins, minerals, herbs and natural health supplements are important for them to know about. Learn more here.     L

Information your dentist and dental hygienist need to know about your medications at your dental exam?

Your dentist, oral care professional and dental hygienist need to know all your medications, dosages, medical conditions and why you are taking them so you can receive accurate optimum dental treatment. Prescription medication and OTC supplements you take have side effects that can be important to dental treatment and oral health. 

Over 400 medications can cause dry mouth ” xerostomia” and make your mouth feel dry chronically and gradually without you noticing it immediately. 

The list includes certain drugs for high blood pressure Hypertension, mainly anti depression, and anxiolytics anti anxiety. The list include some cold and allergy medication drugs that can make a person oral mouth very dry gradually.  

Diabetes can cause dry mouth and xerostomia. Severity of dry mouth may contribute to deep root cavities. Lack of hydration not enough to drink or dry indoor places can make our mouths feel parched and very dry. Be sure to tell your dentist and dental hygienist if your mouth feels dry, uncomfortable or painful so that they can help you. A dry mouth can add to your risk of getting cavities, deep root decay, periodontal bone loss, gum disease, bad breath or Halitosis , mouth sores and sometimes systemic infections. A major contributor in difficulty to wear dentures, and to chew and swallow food.

OTC over-the-counter, prescription drugs and herbal medicines can make easy bruising and bleeding more easily. The list include aspirin, ibuprofen, Coumadin®, Pradaxa® and Plavix®. Significant number of herbal supplements cause lack of hemolysis bleeding changes, including garlic, gingko biloba, ginger and ginseng. Inform your dentist, dental specialist and dental hygienist of taking any of these drugs, prescriptions or supplements.

250 drugs and OTC supplements can change the way you taste foods. Some medications produce a bad aftertaste in your mouth. Often people suck on hard candy, breath-mints or even cough drops to make their mouth feel better. Many of these contain sugar, which can lead to cavities. Use sugarless candies and breath-mints instead. If your medicine makes your mouth dry, you might have a problem tasting certain types of foods or foods will taste bland. Do not use too much salt or sugar to make your food taste better. This can lead to more cavities, poor diabetes control and higher blood pressure. Tell your physician or dentist if you notice changes in your sense of taste.

Some drugs can cause sores on your cheeks or under or along the side of the tongue. These mouth ulcers can be painful and can make eating, speaking and wearing dentures difficult. Tell your dentist or physician if you get mouth ulcers so they can determine the cause and change your medicine if necessary.

Many medicines can cause dangerous drug interactions with the medicines given in the dental office. These include pain relievers, sedatives and anesthetics. Talk honestly and openly about your medication use. This allows your dental team to make good decisions about your treatment and helps to ensure your oral health and safety.

Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders, TMJ Facial Pain

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, Facial Pain


Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJ disorders) are problems or symptoms of the chewing muscles and joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull.
As Stated On NY Times Science Section

The world of temporomandibular joint disorder is one of medical mystery, uncertain treatments and a disconcerting gender bias.

Causes
Two similar  temporomandibular joints — one on each side of your head, located just in front of your ears. The abbreviation “TMJ” literally refers to the joint but is often used to mean any disorders or symptoms of this region.
Many TMJ-related symptoms are caused by the effects of physical stress on the structures around the joint. These structures include:

  • Cartilage disk at the joint
  • Muscles of the jaw, face, and neck
  • Nearby ligaments, blood vessels, and nerves
  • Teeth

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with TMJ disorders may be:

  • Biting or chewing difficulty or discomfort
  • Clicking, popping, or grating sound when opening or closing the mouth
  • Dull, aching pain in the face
  • Earache
  • Headache
  • Jaw pain or tenderness of the jaw
  • Locking of the jaw
  • Difficulty opening or closing the mouth

Dental Emergency Tips & Advise

by Paul Ganjian, posted in dental blog, Dental Energency

Our professional emergency dental care team understands that emergencies are inconvenient for everyone. We are dedicated family dental healthcare providers and we are here for you in these stressful times, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please call our Dental ER NY offices immediately to request an emergency dental care visit for any dental emergency situations in NY. We do our very best to see emergency cases immediately. If you experience intense bleeding or your emergency extends beyond dental care, please go to the nearest emergency room for assistance or call 911.

Some situations can be remedied or improved by following a few simple tips. While these suggestions do not solve the dental emergency problems you may experiencing, but they offer first-aid care until you will come to our offices or your local emergency room.
Temporary Crown Falls Out:

If your temporary falls out and you still have it, dry your natural tooth, apply a small dab of toothpaste to the temporary and reattach it. You may also use dental wax or temporary adhesive, available at most pharmacies. Please call our office so that we can professionally reattach your temporary as soon as possible.
Knocked Out Tooth:

Rinse the tooth gently under water to remove debris. Place the tooth into the socket it fell from and hold it in place until you get to our office. Otherwise, put the tooth into a baggie of milk and bring it to us so that we can determine whether reattachment is possible.
Cut/Bitten Tongue or Lip:

Thoroughly clean the cut, then hold a cold compress against it. If bleeding does not stop, go to your local emergency room. You may need stitches.
Broken Tooth:

A cracked or broken tooth should be rinsed immediately with warm water. Then hold a cold compress against the affected tooth to reduce swelling while on your way to our office for assistance.
Possibly Broken Jaw:

If you think your jaw may be broken, apply a cold compress and proceed to your local emergency room immediately. If you lost or damaged teeth during your injury, please call us, as well.

Severe Toothache:

Rinse your mouth and the area around the tooth, then floss around the tooth to make sure that debris is not causing the pain. Do not put an aspirin on the tooth because it can damage your gum tissue. Call our office for an appointment if the pain persists.

Something Caught Between Teeth:

Use dental floss to gently remove the debris, and be sure that you don’t cut your gums with the floss. Do not use a sharp instrument to dislodge the debris. If floss doesn’t help, call our office for an appointment.