How to Identify and Treat Teeth Grinding
What is Bruxism?
Bruxism, the term for teeth grinding, is a relatively common condition that can become serious if left untreated. Bruxism can occur during the day during waking hours or at night when it is referred to as sleep bruxism. While it often does not result in any damage, frequent grinding can result in headaches, jaw disorders, and damage to the teeth.
Why Do People Grind Their Teeth?
The majority of people with bruxism typically grind their teeth at night while sleeping due to missing and crooked teeth or jaw misalignments. Less commonly, bruxism can be due to anxiety and stress.
What are the Symptoms of Bruxism?
Because the majority of people grind their teeth while they are sleeping, many do not know that they are suffering from bruxism. However, many who grind their teeth do notice their jaw is sore or that they are more prone to headaches. If you believe you may have bruxism, talk to a dentist who can exam your jaw and teeth for any signs of the condition.
Why is it Harmful to Grind Your Teeth?
While mild bruxism may have no negative repercussions at all, significant gnawing, grinding or clenching can have some serious consequences. Chronic bruxism can lead to the fracturing or loosening of teeth leading to eventual tooth loss. In order to correct the issues, it may be necessary to receive dentures, crowns, bridges, or root canals.
What are Some Ways to Stop Grinding Your Teeth?
In order to decrease teeth grinding, there are a number of things that can be done. It is recommended that those with bruxism stop consuming foods high in caffeine as well as alcohol. Chewing gum has also increase the frequency of tooth grinding.
While these are all good practices to adopt, those with bruxism should always seek the care of a dentist. Without a doubt, the most successful treatment for bruxism is custom mouth guards which are specifically designed to prevent the grinding of teeth.
Grinding Teeth in Bolivar Missouri
Have you noticed that you are exhibiting some of the signs related to bruxism? Call your dentist today. For dental care in the Bolivar, Missouri area, call Dr. Gonzales of Bolivar Family Dental.
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about teeth grinding.
Grinding Teeth
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Why Is Tartar Buildup Bad?
What Is Tartar?
Tartar, which is also referred to as calculus, is hardened plaque that builds up on your teeth. Tartar often forms at or right underneath the gumline, an area that is sometimes hard to keep clean.
How Dangerous Is Tartar?
The most common sign of tartar buildup is the staining of your teeth. While this problem is mostly an aesthetic one, the problem can only get worse from their. Tartar buildup makes it much easier for more and more plaque to accumulate on your teeth. When the problem continues to grow, more serious problems like cavities and gum disease may arise. Cavities and gum disease, of course, can develop into even more problematic health issues further down the line if they are not taken care of.
How Can You Prevent Tartar Buildup?
In order to prevent tartar buildup, you should brush your teeth (using tartar control toothpaste) at least twice a day. Additionally, you should floss regularly to prevent tartar buildup in areas that cannot be reached easily. You should also visit the dentist regularly for a thorough cleaning of your teeth and gums.
Only a Professional Can Successfully Remove Tartar
In order to remove tartar from your teeth, you must visit a dentist. The process of removing tartar is called scaling and can only be done by a trained professional. Special tools must be used in order to remove the tartar from your teeth, tools that only a dentist knows how to use properly and has access to.
Of course, the best thing that you can do for your teeth, and overall health in general, is to visit a professional dentist at least once every six months. Your dentist will be able to remove any tartar buildup that may have already accumulated, give your teeth a proper and thorough cleaning, and recommend you particular products that will help you prevent tartar buildup in the future.
If you live in the Bolivar, Missouri area, call Bolivar Family Dental at (417) 777-8654 with any questions or concerns you may have about dental tartar or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Gonzales. We are also proud to serve the communities of Springfield, Buffalo, Halfway, Pleasant Hope, Stockton, Fair Play, Morrisville, Eldorado Springs and Wheatland.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to set up a
6 month check-up to remove tartar buildup.
Tartar
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Why Should I Feel Confident About Invisalign? [FAQs]
If you are considering Invisalign, it is likely that you have questions about how Invisalign works and the treatment process. You can use this set of questions to learn more about the Invisalign system and guide your discussion with your dentist. Schedule an appointment with your dentist to learn how Invisalign can address your specific needs.
Q: How many patients have been treated with Invisalign?
A: Invisalign is becoming an increasingly popular procedure, and more than two million people have transformed their smiles with Invisalign.
Q: What are the aligners made of, and what do they look like?
A: The Invisalign aligners are composed of a thermoplastic material and are similar in appearance to the trays that are used for teeth whitening. The aligners are custom-made to fit the unique shape of your mouth and are designed to change the position of your teeth according to your dentist’s treatment plan.
Q: Do Invisalign aligners contain BPA?
A: The aligners are made with polyurethane resins and do not contain Bisphenol-A. Extensive testing has been conducted to ensure that these materials are biocompatible and safe for patients to wear in their mouth. You should always discuss your concerns about any risks associated with Invisalign with your dentist.
Q: How old is the company?
A: Align Technology, Inc. is the company that produces Invisalign. They are a trusted company that has been operating since 1997.
Q: Has the FDA cleared Invisalign?
A: The Invisalign system has met all the specifications for medical devices from the FDA. In 1998, the FDA approved the sale and marketing of the Invisalign system.
Q: What is the minimum age of a patient that a dentist can treat with Invisalign?
A: The majority of patients can use Invisalign. The Invisalign system is suitable for all patients who have lost their baby teeth and have had partial eruption of their second molars. This makes Invisalign appropriate for most teens. Speak with your dentist to determine if you are a candidate for treatment with Invisalign.
Q: How do I find out if Invisalign is right for me?
A: Use the Doctor Locator on Invisalign.com to find an Invisalign Provider in your area.
Dr. Paul Gonzales of Bolivar Family Dental proudly serves the dental needs of the Bolivar, Missouri area. Call us today to schedule a free consultation for Invisalign. (417) 777-8654
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Your Free Invisalign Consultation Online!
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Dr. Paul Gonzales
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Custom Mouth Guards for Kids in Sports
Schools often ask that parents have mouth guards for their children when they participate in sports. When they do this, they are looking out for the health and safety of all children involved, as every parent should be. A custom fitted mouth guard is currently the only protection against certain types of injuries and should be a priority.
Mouth Protection
The basic reason to wear a custom mouth guard is to protect the mouth. If the external mouth region is hit, the teeth can cut into the skin, break, fall out or grind against each other. Mouth guards prevent all of this from happening. They cover the sharp edges of the teeth, keep the teeth aligned and make it near impossible for an impact to press the tooth enough that it falls out. Without mouth guards, professional athletes would lose teeth often, as evidenced by photos from pre-regulation hockey.
Other Injuries That Mouth Guards Prevent
Mouth guards do more than protect the wearer. In contact sports, a player can bump into another player’s mouth and wind up with a severe cut. If the bump is hard enough, the teeth can even sink deep into the flesh. They also help keep the jaw from breaking, though not thoroughly. If the teeth do not break when there is an impact, there is not enough room for the jaw to keep going and wind up out of alignment. However, there are a number of angles that can still result in a broken jaw, which is why full helmets are essential in many sports.
Why a Custom Fitted Mouth Guard?
Custom fitted mouth guards do more to protect the mouth than any other mouth guards. They are less likely to fall out, as they fit directly on the teeth. They are less likely to slide or pop off during impact. They do not interfere with the bite and cause dental problems the way ill fitted mouth guards do.
Sport That Require a Mouth Guard
All school sports that involve any contact require mouth guards. Popular sports that require mouth guards include:
- Hockey
- Football
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
Not wearing a mouth guard is potentially far more expensive than purchasing a custom fit one. The difference in dental costs can equal thousands.
Visit Your Dentist
Make an appointment today with your family dentist for custom fitted mouth guards for all of your children involved in sports. This is a preventative measure could potentially save your child’s smile. Please don’t risk one more game or practice.
Do you live in the Bolivar, Missouri area? Call Bolivar Family Dental at (417) 777-8654 to make an appointment for your child today. Dr. Paul Gonzales is proud to serve the dental needs of kids in sports in our community.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button for a Custom Mouth Guard!
Group of Sports Kids
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The Importance and Benefit of Dental Flossing
Dental flossing, a part of any hygienic dental program at home or at the dentist, is perhaps the most important thing that one must do to protect teeth from halitosis, periodontal and gum diseases, and tooth decay. While it is not exactly exciting, it is a step that should not be skipped.
Facts About Flossing
When one visits the dentist, a good one ends with actual flossing of the teeth after the professional cleaning, partly, to teach one the importance of flossing and also how to do it. It’s important to really get all the way up and around the teeth, not just go up and down in a slicing manner. Flossing prevents food being stuck between teeth, but it also reduces the bacteria that can lead to gum disease. It should be performed every day, with no exceptions. None.
Flossing is not enough if it is performed every once in a while; it really has to be done each and every day, just once not twice as brushing is recommended. When not done properly, lack of flossing can lead to gingivitis at the very least and even gum disease, which mostly can be reversed by visiting a gum specialist until it gets to the advanced stages of periodontal disease. At this stage, it is recommended to work with a gum specialist to prevent further gum loss and to halt the damage to gums from continuing to worsen.
Other benefits to flossing daily include the long- and short-term benefit of feeling as if the mouth has been given a spring-like cleaning, much like the feeling one gets when one visits the dentist. Without flossing, this level of clean is not achieved, and you do not have the same level of hygiene or satisfaction that flossing naturally brings to the person who is mindful to do it daily.
Visit Your Dentist
Flossing is extremely important to achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. Also, be sure to visit a trusted dentist every six months for a check-up. Your dentist will advise you if you need improvements to your daily dental routine.
For dental services in the Bolivar, Missouri area, call Bolivar Family Dental at (417) 777-8654. We are also proud to serve the communities of Springfield, Buffalo, Halfway, Pleasant Hope, Stockton, Fair Play, Morrisville, Eldorado Springs and Wheatland.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button to set up your
six month check-up!
Man Flossing His Teeth
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Do Your Gums Bleed While Brushing or Flossing?
Some people believe that dental health is only focused on preventing cavities in the teeth. It is also important to pay attention to the gums too. Gums play a vital role in a person’s overall well-being and not only in their dental health. In many cases, bleeding and swollen gums are impending signs of gum disease. However, there are many different factors that cause gum problems. Whatever the cause of painful and sore gums is, there are many steps that people can take to minimize gum discomfort and damage.
Possible Causes
The main reason for bleeding gums is inadequate plaque removal at the gum line. This area of the mouth is known to be a warm, moist environment. This is where food is broken down into acids and bacteria if it is not removed either by brushing or flossing. Bacteria causes gum disease, and the acids cause tooth decay. Unless removed, this will also harden and turn into a substance called tartar. Tartar is the main cause of increased bleeding in the gums and a more advanced form of jawbone and gum disease called periodontitis. Other causes of bleeding gums include bleeding disorders, infection, Leukemia, Vitamin K deficiency, scurvy and hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Gum Disease
Gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, and it can turn into a serious dental problem if left untreated. Periodontal disease is the inflammation and infection of mouth tissue that surrounds and supports teeth. It is usually caused by plaque. This is a sticky form of bacteria that often builds up on the teeth due to insufficient cleaning. Warning signs that a person has gum disease include red, swollen tender gums, persistent bad taste in the mouth or bad breath, gums that bleed easily and permanent teeth that are separating or loose.
Treatments
There are many treatments for gum disease including professional dental cleaning. This involves removing plaque and tartar from below and above the gum line. On the other hand, scaling and rooting is a non-surgical dental deep cleaning procedure that is done using a local anesthetic. Tartar and plaque are scraped away, and the tooth’s rough spot are made smooth. There are also numerous surgical treatments for gum disease that includes flat surgery, bone grafts, soft tissue grafts, guided tissue regeneration and bone surgery.
Prevention
It is best that everyone visit their dentists once every six months for plaque removal. They should also brush their teeth gently after every meal using a soft-bristle toothbrush. Individuals may consider avoiding commercial mouthwashes that contain alcohol as these can worsen the problem. People should also floss their teeth twice a day to prevent plaque buildup and to avoid increasing their carbohydrates intake. Smoking should also be avoided because it also aggravates bleeding gums. If diagnosed with a vitamin deficiency, people are recommended to take vitamin supplements.
It is very important to see a dentist for a thorough exam and cleaning if a person’s gums are bleeding. The main objective here is to stop the further colonization of plaque bacteria. At the same time, it prevents calcium from attaching on the teeth. In addition, seeing the dentist in the early stage of the disease prevents it from getting worse, and this in turn saves money and discomfort from bleeding gums.
If you live in the Bolivar, Missouri area, schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Gonzales if you notice your gums bleeding as you brush or floss. We are also proud to serve the communities of Springfield, Buffalo, Halfway, Pleasant Hope, Stockton, Fair Play, Morrisville, Eldorado Springs and Wheatland. Feel free to call Bolivar Family Dental with any questions or concerns you have about your gums. (417) 777-8654
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to for your
six month check-up!
Teeth and Gums
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Dental Home Care
A beautiful, healthy smile begins at home and is supported by a good dentist, who ideally should be visited every six months or so. If the patient’s home care is good, all the dentist will have to do is look at the teeth and mouth and give them a clean bill of health.
Brushing
The first order of business when it comes to dental hygiene is brushing the teeth, which should be done at least twice a day. The teeth should be brushed in tiny circles, both in the front in the back, by a toothbrush with soft bristles. Though many people believe that a firmer toothbrush can get their teeth cleaner, a soft bristle brush won’t hurt the gums. An electric toothbrush can also be used for people who have trouble manipulating the brush. Fluoride toothpaste should also be used. A rule of thumb is that the tooth brushing session should last as long as the brusher’s favorite song.
The brush should be rinsed thoroughly after brushing, stored upright and air-dried before it’s used again. Toothbrushes should be replaced when the bristles start looking frayed or after the user has been ill.
Flossing
Dental floss can be waxed or plain and flavored with mint or unflavored. It gets to the tight spaces between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach. The user should pay out a long line of floss, wind its ends around the middle fingers and gently scrape the plaque the length of the tooth. Then the user should unwind for a fresh bit of floss and repeat. Some people who can’t reach their back teeth very well use a floss holder.
Clean the Tongue
The tongue can be brushed or scraped with a thing that’s actually called a tongue scraper. As with flossing, this will remove bacteria. The roof of the mouth should also be brushed.
Rinsing
The user should finish the session with an antibacterial rinse. This will help take away whatever plaque is left between the teeth. A rinse of warm salty water is also good, especially if the gums are a bit sore.
Other Methods
Other kinds of dental hygiene are an oral irrigator which blasts particles away from the spaces between the teeth. Some people chew a pill that reveals the areas of plaque that remain on the teeth by staining them red.
Schedule A Dental Check-Up
Every six months, call a trusted dentist to schedule check-ups for your family. Dr. Paul Gonzalesproudly serves the dental needs of the Bolivar, Missouri area. We are also proud to serve the communities of Springfield, Buffalo, Halfway, Pleasant Hope, Stockton, Fair Play, Morrisville, Eldorado Springs and Wheatland. Feel free to call us at (417) 777-8654 with any questions or concerns you have or to make an appointment.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to schedule a
six month check-up online.
Couple Brushing Teeth
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Preventing Cavities in Kids
Cavities in children are common and occur when carbohydrates and sugars stick to the teeth. This creates a film which eventually eats away at the enamel, or outer layer, of the teeth.
Common Causes of Cavities
Generally, cavities are caused by a diet high in sugar or inadequate dental hygiene. Sugary or sticky foods tend to cause erosion of the teeth faster than other foods. Also, snacking tends to be a factor in childhood cavities. A healthy diet is a great way to avoid childhood cavities.
How to Prevent Cavities
The best way to prevent cavities is to practice good oral hygiene from birth. Before teeth have erupted, the gums can be swept with a damp washcloth to remove film. When teeth are present, it is best to brush them at least twice per day. Flossing can help remove debris from between the teeth and under the gum line, which prevents cavities and tartar buildup.
Healthy eating habits can also prevent cavities. Eating or drinking anything other than water before bedtime is a factor for cavities. Also, babies should not go to bed with a bottle. Candy is a huge offender for cavities. It is best to offer candy at a maximum of a few times per week and never multiple times per day.
Symptoms of a Cavity
If your child develops a cavity, it could go undetected. When symptoms do arise, children often wake up through the night. Children will sometimes complain of a toothache or tooth sensitivity.
Regular Dentist Appointments
Routine dental evaluations are important to prevent and treat cavities. Aside from removing any tartar that could be present on your child’s teeth, the dentist can apply sealants. These sealants help protect the vulnerable back teeth from decay. Also, the dentist can use a potent fluoride rinse to help strengthen and protect the teeth.
The best defense against childhood cavities is prevention. Through a balanced diet, proper dental care and routine dental appointments every 6 months, cavities can often be avoided.
For a family dentist in the Bolivar, Missouri area, look to Dr. Paul Gonzales at Bolivar Family Dental. Feel free to call us at (417) 777-8654 with questions or concerns you have about your child’s dental health or to schedule a check-up.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to make an
appointment for your child.
Little Girl Brushing Teeth
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Is It Time To Replace My Toothbrush?
We should all be paying attention to our dental health. Besides brushing our teeth, flossing, and dental check-ups, there are other aspects of dental health to consider. For example, when and why should you replace a toothbrush?
What’s Wrong With an Old Toothbrush?
A brand new toothbrush has bristles that are ready to work hard removing food and plaque from your teeth. Over time, these bristles fray and become dull, greatly reducing their effectiveness. An old toothbrush may miss things a newer toothbrush would catch.
In addition, a toothbrush you’ve used while sick can actually be a health hazard. Bacteria in the mouth can latch onto the toothbrush and re-infect you later. This doesn’t apply to viral strains, so you won’t give yourself the common cold all over again, but it can be the case with bacteria-based illnesses, such as strep throat.
When Should I Replace a Toothbrush?
The general rule for toothbrush replacement is every three months or after an illness. Three months is about how long it takes for those bristles to fray enough that they are no longer effective. There are a few exceptions: Children’s toothbrushes will need to be replaced more often than adults’, and anyone with gum disease should replace their toothbrush every 4-6 weeks.
How Should I Take Care of My Toothbrush?
During the three months you have each toothbrush, there are some good ways to keep it at its maximum effectiveness. You can help keep your toothbrush clean by thoroughly rinsing it with hot water after you use it, to remove any debris.
Avoid storing your toothbrush in a closed container such as a toothbrush holder with a lid. Instead, store it somewhere where it can sit upright after use and air dry. If it is stored near other toothbrushes, make sure they are far enough apart that they won’t contaminate each other. Above all, never share your toothbrush, especially if you or the other person is sick.
Bolivar Missouri Dentist
Have you noticed a build-up of plaque or are you concerned about exhibiting a signs of gum disease? It is important to see your dentist soon if you have any oral health concerns. For dental services in and around Bolivar, Missouri, call Bolivar Family Dental at (417) 777-8654. Feel free to call us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to
schedule a dental check-up.
Used Tooth Brush
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Are Dental Lasers Safe?
Dental lasers are used in a wide variety of different dental procedures, and dental lasers are considered to be very safe. In fact, many dentists now consider dental lasers to be even safer than many of the other methods that are used by dentists, and dental lasers have impressed many experts in the field with their outstanding safety profile.
What is a Dental Laser?
A dental laser can be defined as a very concentrated beam of light that is used to remove or reshape tissue. The intense beam of light will be produced by a specialized instrument that is designed and used specifically for dental operations.
Are Dental Lasers Safe?
Dental lasers are exceptionally safe. Many dentists now use dental lasers in their offices, and if used correctly, a dental laser is always very safe. During the procedure, the patient will likely be asked to wear sunglasses in order to protect their eyes from the light that the dental laser produces.
How are Dental Lasers Used in Dentistry?
Dental lasers are used in a wide variety of different dental procedures including managing gum tissues while making the impressions for crowns or other procedures, reducing the discomfort or pain of canker sores and cold sores, exposing wisdom teeth that may be partially erupted, removing overgrown tissues that may have been caused by certain medications, performing biopsy procedures, treating and eliminating infections in root canals, enhancing tooth whitening procedures, removing or reshaping tissue and bone during a procedure that involves lengthening a crown and removing inflamed gum tissues if a person has gum disease.
What are the Benefits of Dental Lasers?
There are many advantages to laser treatments. Dental lasers are usually less invasive than many other dental techniques that accomplish the same goals during a dental procedure.
Dental lasers can reduce the amount of time that it takes to heal from certain procedures, and dental lasers can allow a dentist to perform a full procedure without drilling a hole or administering anesthesia in many cases.
Is a Treatment With a Dental Laser Right For Me?
If you are wondering if a laser treatment is an option for you and your situation, simply ask your dentist. Although the laser is a very useful dental instrument, it is not appropriate for every dental procedure. Your dentist will cover all the treatments available for your need.
Dr. Paul Gonzales and Bolivar Family Dental proudly serve the dental needs of the Bolivar, Missouri area! If you believe that a laser treatment might be the answer for you, simply call our office at (417) 777-8654 to set up an appointment. Also, feel free to call us if you have any questions or concerns about dental laser treatments.
Click the Schedule An Appointment button above to make your appointment online!
Dentist Using a Laser
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