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At Dentistry by Design, we believe that educating our patients on various dental health issues is an essential part of providing excellent care. In honor of National TMJ Awareness Month, we want to shed light on a condition that affects many individuals—TMJ Disorder.

What Is TMJ Disorder?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is responsible for connecting your jaw to your skull and enabling essential functions like talking and chewing. While many people may experience minor, temporary pain in this area, persistent discomfort or significant symptoms could indicate TMJ Disorder, a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding chewing muscles.

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ Disorder

TMJ Disorder can range from mild discomfort to long-term, debilitating pain. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Radiating pain in the jaw or neck
• Jaw muscle stiffness
• Limited jaw movement
• Painful clicking or popping sounds in the jaw joint
• Changes in how the upper and lower teeth fit together

What Causes TMJ Disorder?

The root causes of TMJ Disorder can vary. In many instances, bite problems and habits like teeth grinding play significant roles. Trauma to the jaw can also lead to TMJ disorders, though in some cases, symptoms may appear without an obvious trigger.

Diagnosis and Assessment

At Dentistry by Design, we use advanced diagnostic tools to assess TMJ health. Our approach includes taking a detailed description of symptoms and utilizing ultrasound and imaging studies. Notably, we employ a Doppler instrument for a rapid and accurate auscultation (listening) of the TMJ. This tool allows patients to hear their own joint sounds, offering a clear understanding of any dysfunction present.

Approaches to Treatment

Although the medical community continues to research effective treatments, conservative, noninvasive methods remain suitable for most people affected by TMJ Disorder. Since many TMJ issues are temporary, these steps can often provide relief:

• Eating soft foods
• Applying ice packs to reduce inflammation
• Avoiding extreme jaw movements
• Practicing gentle jaw stretching and relaxation exercises

Our team at Dentistry by Design is committed to guiding patients through their TMJ concerns with care and precision. If you or a loved one are experiencing jaw pain or other related symptoms, reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate TMJ Disorder with comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options.

Let’s use this National TMJ Awareness Month to spread knowledge and encourage those experiencing TMJ discomfort to seek support.

How to Protect Your Teeth During Holiday Feasting

The holiday season is a time for family, festivities, and indulging in delicious meals and sweet treats. However, with all the rich foods and sugary desserts, your oral health can take a hit if not properly cared for. At Dentistry by Design, we want you to enjoy the season without sacrificing your dental health. Here are some essential tips to help you maintain a healthy, sparkling smile through the holiday feasting.

1. Limit Sugary and Sticky Foods

From pumpkin pies to holiday cookies and caramel-coated desserts, sugar is everywhere during the holidays. These sweets can contribute to plaque buildup, leading to cavities if not properly managed. Sticky treats, such as toffees and caramels, are particularly harmful as they tend to cling to your teeth, prolonging the exposure to sugar.

Tip: Try to limit the frequency of sugary treats and opt for healthier snacks, like fruit, when possible. If you indulge, drink water immediately after to help wash away lingering sugars.

2. Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated is beneficial not only for your overall health but also for your oral health. Drinking water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth.

Tip: Keep a water bottle with you and make it a habit to sip water between courses or snacks. This simple action can reduce the risk of cavities and help you maintain fresh breath during holiday gatherings.

3. Brush and Floss Regularly

It may be tempting to ease up on your daily routines during the holidays, but maintaining your brushing and flossing habits is crucial. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing once daily removes food particles and plaque, ensuring your teeth stay healthy and clean.

Holiday Routine Tip: If you’re attending parties or out for the day, pack a travel toothbrush and floss in your bag. A quick brush after meals can make a big difference, especially if you’ve enjoyed sugary or starchy foods.

4. Rinse Your Mouth After Meals

When you can’t brush immediately after a meal, rinsing your mouth with water or a mouthwash can help. This helps reduce the amount of acid in your mouth and washes away food particles, giving your teeth a better chance to stay strong and healthy.

Tip: Swish water around your mouth for about 30 seconds after eating and before brushing for an extra boost in oral protection.

5. Be Mindful of Hard and Crunchy Treats

Hard candies, nuts, and even some types of brittle holiday snacks can cause tooth damage if bitten into improperly. Chipping a tooth during a holiday party is a sure way to dampen the festive mood.

Tip: Cut hard foods into smaller, more manageable pieces and avoid chewing on ice or hard candies to protect your enamel from unnecessary damage.

6. Choose Your Beverages Wisely

While sipping on hot cocoa, eggnog, or holiday punches can be part of the holiday experience, many of these beverages are high in sugar. Additionally, red wine, coffee, and tea can stain your teeth.

Tip: Drink through a straw to minimize contact with your teeth and sip water between your festive drinks to prevent stains and sugar build-up.

7. Keep Up With Your Regular Dental Check-Ups

One of the best ways to ensure your teeth stay healthy is by keeping up with regular dental visits. If you’re due for a cleaning, schedule an appointment before the holiday season kicks into high gear. Regular check-ups can help identify any issues before they worsen, allowing you to enjoy the holidays worry-free.

Enjoy the Holidays Without Worry

With these simple but effective tips, you can enjoy your holiday feasts and gatherings while protecting your oral health. At Dentistry by Design, we’re here to support you through every season. If you have any questions or need to schedule a post-holiday check-up, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a festive, joyful, and healthy holiday season!

Stay merry and smile bright!

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, it’s easy to focus on cozy sweaters, warm drinks, and fall festivities. But don’t forget—this season is also a great time to refresh your dental care routine and keep your smile healthy! Here are a few simple tips to maintain your oral health and avoid common issues that can arise as the weather cools down.

1. Combat Sensitive Teeth

With cooler temperatures, you might notice your teeth becoming more sensitive, especially when enjoying those hot drinks or cold fall winds. Sensitivity can be caused by weakened enamel, exposed roots, or gum recession. Try using toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth and avoid extreme hot or cold foods.

Pro tip: If your sensitivity persists, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can recommend treatments to strengthen enamel and reduce discomfort.

2. Stay Hydrated

We often associate hydration with summer, but it’s just as important to drink plenty of water in the fall. The dry, cooler air can lead to a decrease in saliva production, causing dry mouth, which can increase the risk of cavities and gum disease. Drinking water helps keep your mouth clean and your saliva levels healthy, reducing the chance of bacteria build-up.

3. Brush After Meals

Fall can be a busy time with back-to-school events, holiday prep, and more, but it’s important not to let your dental routine slide. Make sure to brush your teeth after meals with fluoride toothpaste to remove food particles and prevent plaque build-up. Maintaining this habit is key to protecting your teeth from decay.

4. Manage Your Sweet Intake

While fall treats like caramel apples and candy can be tempting, it's best to avoid sweets when possible. If you do indulge, try to eat all your sweets in one sitting and brush afterward to limit the amount of time sugar stays in contact with your teeth. Avoid snacking on sweets throughout the day, as this increases the risk of cavities.

5. Schedule Your End-of-Year Checkup

Fall is the perfect time to get your routine dental checkup scheduled. The end of the year is often packed with holidays, so book your appointment now to make sure your teeth and gums are in great shape. Regular checkups can catch issues like cavities or gum disease before they become bigger problems, ensuring you can smile confidently through the holiday season.

By following these simple tips, you’ll keep your smile bright and healthy all season long! Need to schedule your fall checkup? Visit us at Dentistry by Design and keep your smile shining bright. Contact us today to book your appointment!

Do you struggle with digestive issues? Let’s explore the root of the problem—specifically, the roots of your teeth!

Statistics reveal that about a quarter of the U.S. population experiences some form of digestive discomfort, ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, prompting many to seek relief through either traditional medicine or natural remedies. Digestive issues can arise from various factors, including food intolerances, insufficient digestive enzyme production, or simply not chewing food properly. As many of you know, digestion begins in the mouth. When we chew, food is broken down into smaller pieces and mixed with saliva, which contains essential digestive enzymes before being swallowed.

Saliva plays a vital role in digestion, helping to break down proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, making it easier for the body to absorb nutrients. Additionally, enzymes help defend against bacterial infections. If food isn’t chewed well, large pieces can travel to the stomach and intestines undigested, leading to nutrient deficiencies and potentially creating a breeding ground for bacteria in the colon, which can cause indigestion.

So, let’s address digestive issues from the ground up—literally, from the roots of your teeth!

Teeth are crucial for breaking food into smaller pieces and masticating it before it reaches your stomach. While incisors cut food, it’s the molars that do the heavy lifting, crushing and grinding. Many of us recognize the importance of teeth for digestion, but when faced with digestive problems, how often do we consider that improper chewing might be a factor? Impatience or a busy lifestyle can lead to rushed meals, but dental health also plays a significant role in our ability to chew effectively.

Cavities, infections, gum disease, tooth mobility, sensitivity, or even missing teeth can greatly affect chewing ability. Often, people prioritize the appearance of their teeth over their essential function in digestion. After all, if you can’t see them, do you really think about them? But the role of molars in chewing is undeniable.

So, the next time you find yourself dealing with bloating, abdominal pain, or other digestive discomforts, consider addressing the issue from the roots—your teeth! If it’s been a while since your last dental visit, it might be time to schedule an appointment. You may find that resolving your dental issues could lead to a significant improvement in your digestive health!