Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Bruxism and Your Bite

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Grinding your teeth? Clenching on a regular basis? You may have a condition called bruxism. Bruxism can ruin your bite, damage your teeth and cause great discomfort. It affects an estimated 20% of the population with some people being daytime clenchers and grinders and others doing the damage during their sleep.

The human jaw is very strong and the clenching and grinding that occurs during sleep can produce as much as 250 pounds of force per square inch - enough to do severe damage:

The enamel on the teeth becomes worn away exposing the dentin which causes sensitivity and pain
Cracks in teeth and broken fillings
Headaches, neck and jaw pain caused by muscle spasms due to damage to the temporomandibular joint (jaw joint)
Teeth worn flat, changing the bite and causing damage to the temporomandibular joint

Why some people experience bruxism is still a mystery, but we can protect your teeth from damage and repair any problems that have already been created because of the grinding. A custom fit orthotic device can be created that will protect your teeth and jaw joint when you unconsciously clench or grind your teeth. These devices are small and unobtrusive when worn. Using the techniques of neuromuscular dentistry we can position your jaw in a place that keeps jaw muscles relaxed and stress free. By stopping the muscle spasms that often accompany bruxism you can avoid headaches, neck pain and the orthotic will prevent damage to teeth. If you experience facial or jaw pain, jaw clicking, tinnitus, chronic headaches or neck pain then bruxism might be causing these symptoms. Find out more please contact Dr. Kenneth Mogell in Boca Raton, FL today at 561-394-9000 and ask about neuromuscular dentistry and TMJ treatment.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Zinc Denture Cream Warning

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

The Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about denture creams containing zinc. Adverse events have been reported about overuse of the creams including nerve damage and numbness. Zinc is used in some denture adhesives because the mineral enhances adhesion. A single tube of the product is meant to last 7 or 8 weeks but there are some reports of patients using two or three tubes per week. Some denture adhesive manufacturers have removed zinc from their formulations due to publicity about this problem earlier in the year.
The FDA warning included consumer information about denture fitting. It noted that properly fit dentures should not need additional adhesive creams and urged patients with loose dentures to visit the dentist to have them relined or be fit for new dentures.
The reason that dentures become loose over time is not that they stretch out like an old pair of jeans, it is because without teeth anchored in the jaw bone the bone thinks it is no longer needed and shrinks. This not only causes dentures to become loose but also causes the "shrunken" appearance that we associate with advanced age.
Dental implants can be used to anchor a full set of dentures allowing you to eat and speak with no worry about slippage. Better yet, since the dental implants are anchored into the jawbone they help keep the bone healthy and your appearance more youthful. If you are experiencing loose dentures and would like to find out more about dental implants and find out if you may be a candidate please contact Dr. Kenneth Mogell at 561-394-9000 today. One of our Team will be happy to answer all your questions and arrange your consultation at our beautiful central Boca Raton, FL office.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Choosing A Toothbrush

Friday, October 14, 2011

Not too long ago the choice in the toothbrush aisle was limited to the color handle you wanted. Now toothbrushes come in all shapes and sizes. How do you know which one to choose?

First thing to look for in a toothbrush is the bristles. Don't ever purchase a brush with bristles that are marked "Hard". Hard bristle brushes are likely to damage your gums and teeth while brushing and, while a stiff bristle brush is great for cleaning your floor, you want something gentler for your mouth.

Another choice in toothbrushes today is the material the bristles are made of. While natural bristles may be best for a hairbrush they aren't the best choice for your toothbrush. These brushes tend to wear out faster and cost more than nylon bristle brushes. There hasn't been much research done on their effectiveness so until more data is in you are better off with nylon bristles.

Toothbrush heads used to be pretty much one standard size. Not anymore - heads are made in almost every conceivable shape and size. The decision here should depend on your mouth - if you have a very small mouth that large headed toothbrush won't be very comfortable for you to use. Choose a size that you think will be a good "fit" and you are more likely to spend the correct amount of time brushing.

Toothbrush handles have also gotten fancier. While the colors and styling may draw your eye, you should really be looking for a brush that will fit comfortably in your hand. Many brushes now have non-slip surfaces which are helpful if you suffer from arthritis or another condition that affects your grip.

You should replace your toothbrush every three months or when the bristles begin to show wear. The most important choice you make about your new toothbrush is using it! Remember to brush three times each day and don't forget the floss. Proper home care can help you avoid gum disease!

Please contact our Boca Raton, FL office at 561-394-9000 today to schedule your dental hygiene appointment. Working as a team we can help you (and your new toothbrush) keep your smile healthy and beautiful.

Labels: oral hygiene, toothbrush

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Saliva Test Could Detect Pancreatic Cancer

Friday, October 07, 2011

Steve Jobs died from pancreatic cancer this week and the world is mourning the passing of a true visionary in the tech field. His disease is one of the deadliest cancers because early detection is nearly impossible. Like Mr. Jobs, most pancreatic cancer patients do not discover the disease until it is too late. Scientists have published a study in Gastroenterology that found biomarkers in human saliva that are different for pancreatic cancer patients and non-cancer patients. Saliva testing for this deadly disease would be an amazing breakthrough.

The researchers also found that every type of cancer they have studied so far (pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer and ovarian cancer) has shown biomarkers for the disease in human saliva. The scientists are unsure whether this is because of the diseases they chose to study all happened to have these biomarkers or due to the fact that researchers have never really looked at saliva in this way before. They are hoping that their research will provide an easy saliva test that can detect pancreatic cancer while it is still in the very early, more curable stage.

As a dentist I see the connection between oral health and whole body health every day. A future wherein your regular dental visit could also allow us to easily diagnose such devastating diseases is very exciting because most people visit their dentist much more often than they see their physician. While we are waiting for these wonderful new advances we will continue to educate our patients about the oral health/whole body health connection and every time I pick up my iPad I will probably think about Steve Jobs and what he might have created if he had more time.

Because we are in the final three months of the year our appointments are filling fast. Please contact Kenneth A. Mogell DMD in Boca Raton, FL at 561-394-9000 to schedule your visit today.

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Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Acid Reflux and Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

Acid reflux is a common complaint among patients who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. It seems that choosing oral appliance therapy to treat your obstructive sleep apnea may also reduce the symptoms of acid reflux disease.

A small study looked at dental patients who wanted oral appliances to treat their obstructive sleep apnea. After a sleep study the patients answered questions about acid reflux symptoms. After the patients had been wearing their oral appliances they were asked the same questions. Researchers found that wearing the oral appliance reduced the acid reflux symptoms for both men and women. It is unclear exactly why the oral appliance seemed to help the acid reflux symptoms.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea including acid reflux, snoring, excessive daytime sleepiness and weight gain please contact Kenneth A. Mogell DMD at 561-394-9000 today to schedule your consultation.

Labels: acid reflux, obstructive sleep apnea