Did you know that headache relief is often an important focus for many patients’ dental treatment? In addition to a number of other symptoms, headaches are often a prominent indication of a dental health issue—namely, TMJ disorder—and their intensity depends on the severity of your condition. Fortunately, when it isn’t too severe, you can typically relieve a headache with a few tips that you can practice at home, as necessary. However, if your headaches persist, we strongly advise seeking a professional assessment at treatment at your dentist’s office as soon as possible. (more…)
3 Things You Should Know About Jaw Health (Pt. 2)
In our previous article, we discussed a bit about your jaw health. Particularly, how certain forms of discomfort could directly, or indirectly, be a sign of a jaw dysfunction. TMJs, short for your temporomandibular joints, are the hinges upon which your lower jaw, or mandible moves. When these joints and/or the muscles that power their movement are disturbed, the condition may be classified as a TMJ disorder, the causes and treatments for which are tailored to each patient’s specific case. (more…)
3 Things You Should Know About Jaw Health (Pt. 1)
It’s not that no one ever thinks about their jaw health, but you might not notice just how significantly little things can affect it, or notice when something isn’t right. If your jaw is in trouble, but the symptoms are more centered on headaches than dental pain, then your jaw health might not be the first thing you think of as a possible cause. Because your jaw and its many intricate components have a significant effect on your quality of life, we explore three important things that everyone should know about jaw health. (more…)
Celebrate Dental Hygiene Month with Better Dental Hygiene!
Besides the candy-fest that is Halloween, October is also host to National Dental Hygiene Month—the National Dental Hygienists’ Association’s effort to help raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good dental health. To help you celebrate National Dental Hygiene Month, we offer a few tips for keeping your smile healthy and beautiful through better dental hygiene. (more…)
Is All Food Bad for Your Teeth?
It’s no secret that everything you eat and drink will have some kind of influence on your dental health, whether it’s staining your teeth (like coffee and wine) or increasing your risk of cavities (like sugar). While all food can be bad for your teeth if it lingers around long enough, some foods and beverages are actually helpful, and sometimes necessary, to maintain your good dental health. The key to knowing which foods are helpful and which are harmful is knowing how nutrition interacts with your dental health on a microbial level. (more…)
What Causes Bad Breath?
Bad breath is something we all deal with at some point, like when we first wake up in the morning, or after eating something smothered in garlic or onions. Chronic bad breath, though, isn’t as common as morning breath or garlic breath. If it doesn’t go away after brushing and flossing your teeth, then the cause of your bad breath might be a more significant issue, like especially poor hygiene or a developing dental issue.
Common Causes of Bad Breath
The reasons for chronic, or persistent, bad breath are many. You might have food stuck in your teeth that didn’t realize was there, but that’s been there since longer than you wish to contemplate. Or, you might have gum disease or tooth decay, and bad breath is an unavoidable result of the infection. (more…)
How Important Is Your Toothbrush?
Normally you are probably very cautious about what you put in your mouth. Are you as fussy about your toothbrush? I bet not. Most people probably don’t think much about their toothbrush. They may choose it based on color or price, throw it in the shopping cart, and use it until the bristles bend or fall out. Your toothbrush is an important tool because it helps keep periodontal disease at bay. According to research periodontal disease can affect your heart health, your blood pressure, your mind, and other parts of your body. In today’s blog, your North Richland Hills dentist, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler discusses what you should know about toothbrushes.
How Your Oral Health Affects Your Body
Did you know that your oral health might affect, contribute to, or be affected by the rest of your body? Research has linked your oral health to your overall health in many different studies. Periodontitis–the severest form of gum disease–has been linked to diabetes, heart disease, and dementia. In today’s blog, your North Richland Hills dentist, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler explains the oral-systemic connection, or how your oral health affects your body.
What is Your Dental Health Like?
Your dental health is important. Many people may not think so that’s why so many people skip going to the dentist, but it is. Your dental health is linked to your overall health, so if you take good care of your teeth, there is a good chance the rest of your body will be in better health too. Take your North Richland Hills dentist, Dr. Steven M. Huffstutler’s, quiz to find out what your dental health is like.
A Closer Look at your Dental Anatomy
Be honest: Do you take your teeth for granted? However, if one of your pearly whites suddenly became loose or fell out, you would probably wish this incident had never happened. Getting to know your dental anatomy a little better might elicit a stronger connection between you and your grin, so you feel empowered to take care of them well before you ever have a serious dental problem. If you should lose one of your adult teeth, never fear; there are many aesthetically pleasing replacement options for all types of teeth.
Inside your Incisors
The eight total teeth in the front (combining both the bottom and the top) are your incisors. These teeth represent the part of your smile which others will see more than any other teeth. For that reason, caring for them is essential to your physical appearance. Incisors also have the ability to bite and slice through food, so they definitely have a functional necessity when you are dining on your favorite foods.
Cutting Loose with your Canines
Meanwhile, you have four canine teeth which are easily identified because they are the pointiest in your mouth. You have two canines on the top and two on the bottom, right where your incisors stop. Canine teeth are designed to tear into food as you bite and chew. Breaking down what you consume with your teeth makes for easier digestion as the food travels through your system. (more…)