With proper care, your teeth can last a lifetime. But a small amount of wear as we age is considered normal. By “wear,” we mean loss of tooth structure. Wear starts with loss of the hard, translucent enamel that forms the outer covering of teeth, and might, in more serious cases, progress to the softer inner tooth structure known as dentin. Enamel is actually the human body's hardest substance. It is highly mineralized and non-living, in contrast to bone and dentin which are living tissues. Enamel is highly resistant to wear and chemical attack, as it should be to be given what your teeth do every day: bite, chew, and come in contact with acidic foods and drinks. Still, it is common for enamel to wear down for various reasons. But …
How to Stop Teeth Grinding at Night?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is when a person clenches their jaw and the upper and lower teeth scrape and grind against each other. Most people who grind their teeth do so while sleeping, but some also grind their teeth during the day as a subconscious habit. What Causes Teeth Grinding? There is no one known cause of bruxism, but it is believed that a combination of physical, psychological and genetic factors may be to blame. While teeth grinding during the day may be caused by emotions like anxiety or stress, teeth grinding at night may be caused by a number of different reasons: Sleep disorder Sleep-related chewing motions in between dream states An abnormal bite – your upper and lower teeth may overlap or otherwise …
Mouthgurards: Why You Need One
Imagine what it would be like if you suddenly lost one or two of your front teeth. Smiling, talking, eating—everything would suddenly be affected. Knowing how to prevent injuries to your mouth and face is especially important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities. Mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. “Your top teeth take the brunt of trauma because they stick out more,” says Dr. Ashley Covington “Your bottom teeth are a little more protected because they are …
Men’s Oral Health
June is National Men’s Health Month. Across the country, preventative screenings, health fairs, media spotlights, and other health education and outreach activities will raise the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Why is oral health important for me? Men are less likely than women to take care of their physical health and, according to research, their oral health is equally ignored. Good oral health has been linked to longevity, yet one of the most common factors associated with infrequent dental checkups is just being male. Men are less likely than women to seek preventive dental care and often neglect their oral health for years, visiting a dentist only …