What to do About Tooth Grinding

Dec 27th, 2012
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

Though there are relatively simple techniques for curing nightly teeth grinding, it is estimated that at least 10% of Americans still suffer from it for various reasons.  It’s possible they don’t know the risks of teeth grinding.  It’s possible they just can’t find the solution to their teeth grinding problems.  It’s even possible they have no idea they’re doing it.

Fixing teeth grinding is crucial to your overall dental health.  If done for extended periods of time, teeth grinding can lead to cracked teeth, receding gums, a misaligned jaw, shoulder and neck pain, and even headaches.

Teeth grinding can be attributed to several different factors.  In some cases, people grind their teeth because they did it as a child and never outgrew the habit.  Other people may grind their teeth as some sort of stress induced tic.  For others still, teeth grinding may be a symptom of a larger, more deeply rooted psychiatric issue.

However, there is also support that teeth grinding may just be the result of poor muscle control or overeating before bed.  No matter the cause of teeth grinding, the important thing is to stop it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of bigger complications down the line.

After you’ve learned of your teeth grinding, it is in your best interest to take care of the issue immediately.  Luckily, there are a few simple measures from your Columbus dentists to take to ensure the health and longevity of your teeth.

 

  • To address the immediate concerns of teeth grinding, find and wear some kind of protective nightguard.  This will prevent your teeth from grinding against each other during the night.  However, there may still exist some underlying issues that a nightguard will not cure.
  • If teeth grinding is caused by a more deeply rooted psychological issue, it may be in your best interest to engage in some stress management techniques.  Your local dentist can provide you with tips and tricks to help alleviate these persistent problems.  By addressing the problem, you give yourself a better chance at permanently fixing the issue.
  • If your teeth grinding seems to be caused by some type of muscular issue, medications are available to help.  Getting a prescription for some type of muscle relaxer should contribute to curing any teeth grinding issues.

Trying one or all of these solutions may be the cure you and your teeth need.  Remember though, it is important to consult your Columbus, Ohio dentist before trying any of these measures.  If you have more questions about teeth grinding, give us a call!

5 Simple Tricks for Avoiding the Flu

Dec 12th, 2012
Easton Dentists Mar 1st, 2017

It always happens this time of year in Columbus.  Noses start running, eyes get red; people are getting the flu.  During cold and flu season, getting sick seems like an inevitability.  No matter where you go in Ohio, someone is always sniffling or coughing.  It almost seems like the only way to avoid cold and flu season is to stay locked up in your own home and wait for spring to arrive.

Luckily, though, we have a few simple steps you can take to stay healthy during flu season without completely neglecting the outside world.  One of the least thought of places where bacteria thrives is a toothbrush.  Think about it, you use one to get germs off your teeth but then what do you do to get germs off your toothbrush?  As dentists in Columbus, Ohio, here’s what we can advise you to start doing.

 

  1. For a thorough cleaning, put the head of your toothbrush in a cup of antibacterial mouthwash.  By letting your toothbrush soak overnight, you allow the antibacterial mouthwash to kill all the germs that typically live between its bristles.
  2. During the day, soak your toothbrush in a small container of hydrogen peroxide.  This agent has been used for years to help clean stubborn stains; it will do the same thing for your toothbrush.  The best part is, hydrogen peroxide is safe enough for you to use this trick every day, just make sure you change it out after every use.
  3. For a more intense clean, boil your toothbrush in water for three minutes.  This action will be a little harder on the life of your toothbrush but the extreme heat will kill most of the bacteria on your brush.
  4. If you’re looking to sanitize your toothbrush, you may already have a sanitizer in your kitchen.  Stick your toothbrush in your dishwasher for a cycle without soap.  The heat and water pressure will get your toothbrush absolutely clean.
  5. If you like gadgets, find yourself a UV toothbrush sanitizer.  These tools combine dry heat and steam with a powerful UV light to kill 99.9% of all germs on your toothbrush.  A UV toothbrush sanitizer will get your toothbrush about as clean as it can get.

During cold and flu season, it’s important to take every possible step to ensure your health, especially in Columbus.  Keeping your toothbrush clean is the smart and simple way to keep your mouth as free of germs as possible.  For more tips on good oral hygiene, follow us on Facebook!