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The Smile Centre: Rejuvenation Dentistry, Children's Dentistry, Cosmetic Dentistry!

At The Smile Centre we believe in total wellness care and rejuvenation dentistry. We approach dentistry from a holistic perspective and we believe we have a genuine and unique approach to dentistry even as it touches inner beauty and youth!

Woodside Gardens Bay Street, St Michael Barbados Tel: (246) 436-8425
Email: info@cosmeticdentistbarbados.com
Visit our website http://cosmeticdentistbarbados.com/

Sunday 13 November 2011

TMJ Disorders


Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
The TMJ is the joint infront of the ears that allows you to open and close your jaw. It is one of the most complex joints in the body. Many people grind their teeth or clench their teeth and cause trauma to this joint. Most people do not know that they have this destructive habit because it is done while they are sleeping. Constant trauma to the TMJ can cause several signs and symptoms not just relating to the teeth, but also to the rest of the body. One explanation of the multi-faceted nature of the symptoms of TMJ disorder is that the Vagus Nerve runs very closely to the joint and can itself be traumatized during clenching or grinding. The Vagus Nerve stimulates everything from the heart to the gut.
Other conditions such as arthritis can cause pain and stiffness of the TMJ joint. If you have at least three of the following symptoms, together with pain, tenderness or clicking/popping of the jaw joint, you probably have TMJ disorder.

  • ongoing neck and/or jaw tension
  • grinding or clenching teeth (you may do this at night and be unaware of it)
  • earache in one or both ears
  • itchy ear canals
  • jaw, neck or ear pain upon waking
  • migraine or tension headache
  • facial pain
  • vision problems (especially in the morning)
  • discomfort or pain in the jaw or teeth when eating
  • difficulty swallowing
  • nausea or digestive problems
  • teeth not meeting properly; uneven teeth
  • cracked or broken teeth, especially in the back
  • sensitive teeth
  • swollen throat glands
  • sore or itchy throat
  • tongue and/or throat tension
  • stuffiness or clogging in ears
  • pressure in one or both ears
  • dizziness/vertigo
  • ongoing or recurrent sinus congestion (false sinusitis)
  • coughing, or frequent throat-clearing
  • back pain
  • hearing loss or auditory impairment
  • ringing or noise in the ears (tinnitus)
  • noise sensitivity (hyperacusis, misophonia)
  • difficulty speaking or singing; changes in speech
  • anxiety
  • depression

TMJ disorder will not go away on its own. It will get worse without treatment. If you suspect you have temporomandibular joint disorder, make an appointment with your dentist or doctor for an official diagnosis and options for treatment. Treatment varies according to the individual, the cause of the disorder, and the specific symptoms.

Friday 21 October 2011

DIET AND NUTRITION IN DENTAL HEALTH


Quick facts



  - All carbs contribute to cavities not just sugars.

  - Sticky foods are more likely to cause cavities.

  - Allow at least two hours between meals.

  - Soft drinks have about 16 teaspoons of sugar!!

  - If you look after your teeth, you can keep them forever.

  - Teeth are the hardest part of the body.

  - You can get cavities from fruits and vegetables.

  - It is not only the quantity of sugar but also the frequency of sugar intake that causes  cavities.

  - Milk and milk products help protect against tooth decay.

  -Milk does not encourage extra mucous production.

 

Tooth-friendly foods and drinks: 


 -Dairy products such as milk, low-fat cheese and yoghurt are tooth- friendly.
 - If you cannot have dairy products, look for foods that have calcium added.
 - Don’t have many snacks between meals, especially ones with sugars and acids. (Even
     healthy foods like raisins should be eaten in moderation.)
  - Choose water as your main drink.
  - Even though all foods with sugars can cause cavities, there are ‘good’ sugars and ‘bad’ sugars.
    Fresh fruits and vegetables are an example of good sugars. (However, they can still cause cavities.)
 - Remember that liquid medicines and cough drops can have sugar in them that can cause decay.
 - Also, remember that acid in drinks like orange juice softens the enamel. 
- Eat in moderation foods with hidden sugars:  cakes, cereals, cream soups, milk chocolate,            scrambled eggs, ketchup, pancakes, cheese sauce, medicines, etc.
 - Be a friend to nuts, like almonds.
-          Remember, if we had no sugars in our diet, we could not get cavities.

We hope that this information has helped you better understand the relationship of diet and nutrition to dental health. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to call us (246) 436-8425, or email us (sunnysmiles@caribsurf.com) , as we are always here to help.

Eat Healthy!!