When it comes to temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMJ), most patients believe this only affects their oral health. But the sad truth is it can actually impact your overall health as well. With TMJ, you would expect pain and sore muscles in the jaw when you talk, chew and swallow, all of which can lead to headaches, teeth grinding and... read more »

If you have ever lost a tooth, you might have more than just a gap between your teeth. If a lost tooth is not replaced, the bone in the jaw that supported the lost tooth starts to deteriorate. That’s because when you chew your food, there’s no more stimulation to the bone from the missing tooth’s chewing action. Over time,... read more »

If you find yourself experiencing TMJ symptoms that are mild and infrequent, they often go away on their own. This sometimes can take weeks or months depending on what you do to help it dissipate. This is a good time to help alleviate symptoms by temporarily sticking to a soft food or blended diet instead of trying to chew hard... read more »

When it comes to protecting your teeth, your first line of defense against tooth decay and cavities is tooth enamel, as it is the outermost covering that protects the more vulnerable dentin and tooth pulp below. Your enamel comes equipped for the job as the hardest substance in your body. However, because it doesn’t have living cells it can’t grow... read more »

When you come in for dental exams and we have cleaned your teeth and gum line and removed any hardened plaque, our dentist can look at them for any signs of trouble, such as cavities, loose or broken teeth, damaged fillings, and evaluate your risk rate of certain diseases which might also take into account your family history. We will... read more »

Are you constantly having problems pain or difficulty opening and closing your jaw? If you are constantly dealing with problems with your TMJs, or temporomandibular joint and muscle disorder, you are not alone. Millions of your fellow Americans are also dealing with some form of chronic facial pain, which is in fact, the most frequent non-dental related cause of chronic... read more »

Many people enjoy crunching on ice because it gives the illusion of eating while not consuming calories, but did you know that this can actually be harmful to your teeth? It’s true! During the summer months, munching on ice can be a particularly popular habit. Unfortunately, this habit can cause gum injuries and broken teeth. Dr. Paul Szmanda, Tom Nichols,... read more »

Are you interested in receiving cosmetic dentistry to reduce the appearance of lingering tooth stains or discoloration? If so, have you thought about receiving teeth whitening? This treatment can brighten the look of your tooth enamel and make staining less visible, but there are several varieties of teeth whitening to choose from, including at-home whitening, over-the-counter products and professional dental... read more »

Without a consistent effort to brush your teeth every morning and evening with a fluoride toothpaste bacterial matter can start to accumulate on the surfaces of your teeth. Individuals who forget to floss at least once per day are also at increased risk for problems with tooth decay and periodontal disease. For some individuals, the deep textures on the biting... read more »

Brushing your teeth every day can help to keep your teeth in tip-top shape. Having a healthy oral hygiene routine is essential to your oral health and in many ways the best line of defense against cavities and gum disease. Brushing your teeth needs to be a part of your morning and evening routine every day. Brushing your teeth will... read more »