Why Do I Clench and Grind My Teeth?

The habit of clenching and grinding often has an emotional component – meaning the stress you’re experiencing with your job, relationship, school or finances can instigate the tightening of muscles that result in teeth being clenched shut and/or being ground down. Now you may be reading this and thinking – ‘I love my life, I have zero stress and I still grind my teeth’ – and you wouldn’t be alone. For many patients the joy of life still can’t seem to prevent the inevitable habit of nightly grinding and daytime sessions of clenching. So what’s contributing to this habit? Your bite.

Why Do Crooked Teeth Make Me Grind?

Teeth that are out of alignment and in poor arch formation frequently feel the brunt of daily grinding. In an attempt to balance a bite and reduce perceived interferences that the brain has picked up, it’s not uncommon to enter a cycle of grinding. Patients who have obvious bite concerns that include poor relationship between top and bottom arches commonly report grinding that leaves sore facial muscles, tight neck and shoulder muscles and teeth that are flattened and worn. And it’s not just natural teeth that show the signs of clenching and grinding – crowns, bridges and fillings are also weakened due to the immense force that is exerted when teeth clench and grind.

Should I Wear a Night Guard?

Our general dentists want patients to know that there are solutions available that address the habit of grinding and protect teeth from further damage. Wearing a night guard can be a viable option for patients looking for comfort and protection, as these custom fit appliances act as a shield against stressors. Correcting bite imbalances with orthodontics or restorative treatment can also make a difference in how top and bottom teeth relate to one another – and can promote less muscle tension and joint discomfort.

Clenching and grinding of teeth doesn’t have to rob you of your smile – or your sanity! Contact us today!

The post Clenching and Grinding – It’s Not Just Your Teeth That are Suffering appeared first on Dr. Shazia Butt DDS.

General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary hear patients express concern about needing a Root Canal.  This form of dental treatment is performed to save the tooth, as the only other option would be to extract the tooth in an attempt to remove infection, decay and the associated discomfort.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental explain that root canal therapy is a procedure that is required due to the nerve of the tooth dying.  The nerve, or pulp, of a tooth starts to die due to trauma or decay and becomes inflamed before eventually dying.  Once the nerve of the tooth has died, infection becomes a concern as bacteria feed off the dead nerve, possibly leading to an abscess (localized collection of puss) forming at the tip of the root. Patients often express their shock at learning that their tooth has died because they are experiencing discomfort which makes them believe the tooth is very vital.  The discomfort comes from the pressure that has built up in the tooth, and then biting down puts force on the abscess.  A root canal alleviates the pain and discomfort almost immediately – and allows the tooth to remain in place.

Just like all areas of dentistry – technological advances and clinical training has enabled dentists to easily and effectively perform procedures that were once considered ‘dreaded appointments’ by patients.  Root Canal Therapy has seen its share of advances, leading to greater success rate and patient satisfaction.  One thing to mention is that once the nerve of a tooth has died, the tooth is no longer vital and over time becomes dry, brittle, and is at risk for fracturing.  The risk of fracture is easily prevented by placing a crown on the tooth once healing from the root canal is complete.  By placing a crown the tooth is protected and has a chance of lasting as long as a vital tooth.

Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary work had to ensure that patients are aware of treatment options and solutions that will keep them healthy and happy.  For more information on Root Canal Therapy or to schedule an appointment – call Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

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New Year’s Resolutions range from weight loss, debt reduction, travelling to exotic locations, and getting a smile you’ve always wanted. NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge encourage patients who are interested in exploring options for correcting crooked teeth to consider a consultation for Invisalign Teeth Straightening System.

This group of NE General Dentists are experienced and knowledgeable in consulting on the many advantages Invisalign has to offer patients. Suitable for teenagers and adults – Invisalign is the perfect orthodontic option for patients who have buys lives and don’t require the use of orthodontic brackets to straighten their teeth. The beauty of Invisalign clear aligners is that they don’t involve the use of orthodontic wires or brackets but are custom made from a digital impression to fit securely on teeth. The other significant advantage of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable – making mealtimes an enjoyable and stress-free event. Invisalign technology has factored in the times in the day when aligners are removed – and gauges treatment time on the aligners being worn for approximately twenty-two hours a day.
Teenagers who wear Invisalign as an orthodontic solution find the ease of removing aligners comes in handy during sporting activities – especially when there is a need to wear a sportsguard. But another advantage of Invisalign clear aligners is that they are barely visible. Known as the ‘Clear Orthodontic Solution’ – Invisalign aligners are made from a BPA-free plastic that is smooth to touch – making it super comfortable for cheeks and lips – and nearly invisible to the eye. Because the aligners are custom made from a digital impression the fit is precise – creating an efficient system for moving teeth in to healthier positions in the mouth. Average Invisalign treatment time ranges from eighteen months to two years – with some cases taking longer due to treatment specifics.

Invisalign treatment involves wearing a set of aligners for approximately two weeks and then switching to the next set of aligners in the treatment plan. Switching to the next set of aligners continues until treatment is complete.

Invisalign is a trusted, effective, affordable method for straightening teeth – and is offered by Dentists and Orthodontists around the world. NE Calgary Dentist at Discover Dental welcome your enquiries regarding Invisalign treatment and invite you to contact the office today to schedule an appointment 403.285.0222

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Tired of hearing ‘there’s a cavity’ every time you take your child to the dentist?  NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental have some quick and easy tips that help eliminate the development of decay and keep everyone smiling.

General Dentists at Discover Dental want parents to know that childhood dental decay can be avoided when certain healthy habits are developed early.  Habits like daily brushing and flossing, limited exposure to sugary and acidic food, drinking plenty of water throughout the day, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and visiting your Calgary Dentist for regular cleanings and exams all play a huge part in protecting teeth and oral health.   Children who eat large amounts of simple carbohydrates (processed food), sugary treats and drinks, and fail to brush and floss their teeth daily will be at risk for developing cavities and loosing teeth to dental decay.  But the risk for tooth decay can be reduced dramatically when the following steps are followed:

1. Daily Brushing and Flossing is the foundation of a healthy mouth and teeth regardless of age and dietary habits.

2.     Eat a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates and lean protein.

3.     Avoid eating high sugar and acidic food in between meals. Sodas (including diet) are highly acidic and contribute to the erosion of enamel.

4.     It’s ok to have some treats with a meal – but don’t snack on high sugar foods throughout the day – the longer sugar is on tooth surfaces the greater risk of decay starting.

5.     Drink water after a meal or snacking, as water returns the PH of the mouth to a neutral level.

6.     See your NE Calgary Dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.  Early detection of any soft spots on enamel can be treated to prevent a cavity from forming.  And don’t refuse x-rays at every appointment, as this is the only way your dentist will be able to diagnose any issues that are occurring in between teeth.

For more information regarding the health of your child’s teeth contact Discover Dental today 403.285.0222

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This is the way we brush our teeth, brush our teeth, brush our teeth.
This is the way we brush our teeth, early in the morning.

It may be a nursery rhyme dating back to the early eighteen hundreds, but this cute little ditty has saved many a child from a toothless smile.  Even our ancestors valued the importance of maintaining and preserving the health of baby teeth – and went to great lengths to conjure up any form of encouragement to make sure little ones brushed diligently.  Times may have moved on – and the birth of the electric toothbrush has made brushing time less stressful and more effective – but the underlying message remains the same – baby teeth (or deciduous teeth) play an important role in the development of healthy adult teeth, arch formation, speech, and overall oral health.

NE Calgary Dentists at Discover Dental in Falconridge are passionate about informing patients about the importance of keeping baby teeth healthy and for the desired amount of time.  Acknowledging that some people may view baby teeth as expendable as a set of permanent (adult teeth) are waiting to erupt – the reality is that baby teeth play a vital role in the healthy development of adult teeth, effective chewing, and the formation of words (speech).  And though the Tooth Fairy may make the odd visit to a child’s pillow – regular visits by this fantasy creature is not the goal.

NE General Dentists at Discover Dental go on to explain that early loss of baby teeth; due to decay or trauma, causes the undeveloped adult tooth to erupt prematurely and/or not in the desired position due to space being lost by the early loss of the baby tooth.  Tooth decay is the number one cause of premature loss of baby teeth – but can be easily prevented by maintaining great home care, eating a healthy balanced diet, and ensuring your child visits a Calgary Dentist regularly for routine exams and cleaning.  Regular visits to a NE Calgary Dentist provide an opportunity for any dental concerns to be detected early and treated swiftly.  Allowing a Dentist in Calgary to take x-rays also increases the chance for decay to be diagnosed in its early stages – and for the tooth to be saved.

Dentists in NE Calgary at Discover Dental want every child to have a healthy smile and encourage parents to schedule an appointment for their child to have an exam and cleaning.  Call today 403.285.0222

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NE Calgary Dentists – Dr’s Dhesi, Dhillon, Minhas and Chattha – make it a priority to share tips on how to keep your oral health in tip-top condition.  Obviously, visiting a Calgary Dentist regularly is a great start to maintaining healthy teeth and gums – but what about other influences like food choices – which foods help to keep your teeth shining bright, and which foods contribute to tooth decay and premature tooth loss?

When your nutrition is lacking your entire immune system is affected – leading to vulnerability to develop disorders such as periodontal disease.  Recent studies have discovered the correlation between systemic health and oral health; with conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular disease being directly affected by the condition of a person’s oral health.  Can you believe that there may be more bacteria in the mouth then people on earth!! Yikes – that’s motivation to go brush your teeth.  And though the large amount of bacteria found in an individual’s mouth seems alarming – not all of the bacteria is harmful.  Some bacteria is healthy and essential to destroying other harmful bacteria – the concern is when the balance between healthy and bad bacteria is lost – and lack of effective home care, dental cleanings, and good nutritional choices all contribute to raising the level of harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Lack of good nutrition impacts every cell in the body – including teeth and gums – and bad food choices that are loaded with sugars and starch contributes to the formation of plaque and inflammation in the mouth.  When you eat starchy food you’re not just satisfying your own hunger pangs but the cravings of bacteria living in your mouth.  And when you have a late night snack sugary snack and then jump in to bed without brushing your teeth (you wouldn’t do that) the acid that is produced by plaque (bacteria), to break down the sugar on the teeth, eats away at enamel and weakens teeth.   Plaque also releases toxins that contribute to the destruction of gum tissue and bone – so brushing and flossing regularly along with eating less starchy, sugary food, and avoiding sugary drinks, is the first line of defense in keeping your mouth healthy.

Calgary General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary want you to make smart food choices not just for your dental health, but your overall health.  So, what should you be snacking on to keep your teeth healthy?  How about loading up on fresh fruit and vegetables, cheese and yoghurt, sugar-free gum, and drink plenty of water or green tea.  Green tea is rich in polyphenols – an antioxidant – which helps to break down bad bacteria in the mouth.

Discover Dental welcomes new patients and invites you to contact the office to schedule an appointment – 403.285.0222

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So you’re probably feeling better that you’re not alone when it comes to avoiding dental appointments in Calgary – but why avoid necessary dental procedures when options are available for controlling irrational fear associated with a trip to your NE Calgary Dentist?  General Dentists in Falconridge NE Calgary are aware of the level of anxiety some patients experience when preparing to see the dentist.  In order to help patients maintain regular dental visits – this group of NE Calgary Dentists provide Sedation Dentistry as a safe and helpful option to patients who would otherwise avoid dental appointments.

Sedation Dentistry or Sleep Dentistry as it’s referred to in the industry, has been allowing nervous dental patients to proceed with dental treatment they would normally have put off due to extreme levels of anxiety.  Safe, efficient, and cost effective, Sedation Dentistry has literally enabled patients to complete multiple dental appointments in a relaxed, calm state.  Wondering how Sedation Dentistry works? What’s important to mention is that it’s not for everyone – patients who are taking certain medications, or who have particular health issues, are not candidates for Sleep Dentistry due to potential complications.  Once it’s established that Sleep Dentistry is for you – it involves taking a prescribed medication in pill form prior to your appointment – the amnesic effect of the medication means you won’t have any recollection of discomfort or fear – but you do remain conscious at all times and responsive to the dentist’s and staffs requests.  And for those patients who require a little heavier sedation – Discover Dental provides IV Sedation.  Regardless of what type of Sedation Dentistry you elect, you are considered impaired and therefore require someone to bring you to your dental appointment – pick you up – and stay with you for the rest of the day.

Discover Dentists in NE Calgary welcome patients enquiries regarding the many benefits associated with Sleep Dentistry – and are happy to provide a consultation to determine if you are a suitable candidate.  Providing dental services that include Preventative Cleanings – Cosmetic Dentistry – Invisalign and Damon Braces – Restorative Procedures – all services are performed by General Dentists.  Call today and discover just how easy your next dental appointment can be 403.285.0222

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Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary are focused on providing patients with information that will improve their dental health.  During a dental appointment it is common for patients to experience some anxiety – which makes retaining dental information challenging.  That’s why this group of NE Calgary Dentists make sure accurate material is available to patients 24/7 through web and blog content.

Maintaining good oral health is not easy for everyone.  Some individuals are plagued with dental concerns from the moment teeth appear – possibly due to genetics, diet, physical health, or injury.  Preventing dental issues always starts with excellent home care – brushing and flossing daily, and seeing your dentist for regular exams and cleanings.  However, regardless of how hard we try to keep our teeth in tip-top condition problems can arise.  Here’s a list of the top 10 dental concerns – and tips on how to prevent them.

Bad Breath– this is the number one dental concern.  Let’s face it, we’re all self-conscious of our breath after a garlicky meal, or have wondered how to pluck up the courage to let our co-worker know they need a breath mint – bad breath affects everyone at some stage of life – but living with it day after day suggests there is a need to address this embarrassing predicament.  Over the counter mouthwashes, mints, and gum are merely a short-term solution – these products mask the odor but are not able to address the cause of it.  Bad breath is usually caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth as a result of poor home care.  Lack of daily brushing and flossing causes food particles to remain trapped between teeth and stuck to the surface of the tongue. The decaying food particles react to the bacteria already present in the mouth – releasing an unpleasant odor.  The bacteria and food particles increase the formation of plaque on tooth surfaces – which if not removed by brushing also contributes to bad breath and causes gums to become inflamed – which results in more places for food to get trapped.  There’s no other way to say it – Brushing and Flossing are the vital step in creating and maintaining a healthy dentition.  When you brush and floss, plaque is removed from the surfaces of teeth.  When plaque is removed, bacteria are reduced – and a healthier dental environment is created.

Gum Disease– is the number two dental concern that affects adults.  Above we mentioned the importance of daily brushing and flossing – so it won’t come as a surprise to learn that the second dental concern after bad breath is gum disease – as it’s a natural progression to go from having inflamed gums and moderate plaque and calculus to more significant gum recession and heavy build-up of calculus.  NE Calgary Dentists hate to nag their patients about the value of regular cleanings – but the reality is that when dental care is neglected a patient’s entire health system is affected.  You may have read about the increase risk of heart attack associated with gum disease (periodontal disease) due to the high levels of bacteria present in a patient’s mouth – increasing inflammation throughout the body.

General Dentists at Discover Dental in NE Calgary aim to improve the dental health of each and every patient – if you experiencing bad breath or have gum disease, call them today to schedule an appointment – 403.285.0222

Follow our blog in the coming weeks to learn more about the top 10 dental concerns – and what you can do to prevent them.

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“By analyzing 182 videos with people expressing their views and experiences on the condition, they found that fear of the dentists not only has different manifestations and impacts but is also caused by yet underestimated factors like … the influence of parents and peers who shared unpleasant dental experiences with their children or used their fear of a dental visit for making them more compliant.”

To read the full article click here

To explore ways of dealing with dental fear like sedation dentistry, click here

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NE Dentists, at Discover Dental in Falconridge, focus on promoting patient awareness of the subtle signs and symptoms that might indicate a filling needs to be replaced. Deterioration of dental restorations is a normal occurrence, especially in individuals whose ‘bite’ may be imbalanced. An imbalanced bite can cause a lot of force to be exerted on certain teeth. The constant pressure from daily chewing, clenching and grinding causes dental fillings to wear, crack or chip. Certain filling material can also discolor over time, leading to them needing to be replaced. For patients who have white fillings in front teeth; replacement of a discolored, stained restoration can also create a whole new smile.

It’s important for patients who are aware that they clench and grind to have regular dental checkups with their Calgary Dentist. Dentists are able to detect cracks during a routine exam; and if they suspect cracks, or decay present under a filling, will request x-rays be taken to make an accurate and complete diagnosis. Decay can occur under a restoration if there is an opening between the filling material and the tooth structure. This opening allows bacteria and debris to leak down between the filling and tooth and overtime can cause discoloration, sensitivity and decay.

Dentists in Calgary may recommend replacing a filling if the existing restoration is very large – where there is more filling than tooth structure – and the tooth is at risk of breakage. Replacing an existing large restoration with a ¾ crown or full coverage crown can make the difference between keeping or losing a tooth.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, rough or jaggedness against the tongue, see a crack or recognize that your fillings are wearing due to clenching and grinding, contact one of these NE Calgary Dentists for a consultation concerning the replacement of your fillings. New restorations not only add longevity to the life of your teeth and dental health but can create a more youthful, brighter, smile. Call Discover Dental today 403.285.0222 – New Patients Welcome

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