Tempe Family Dentistry

Do You Grind Your Teeth?

2010-01-07T06:03:00.000-08:00

Do you wake up in the morning with pain and tightness in in your jaw? Have you ever awakened yourself in the middle of the night with a loud clenching or grinding sound?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you need to come into our Tempe, Arizona dental office to see Dr. Michael G. Smith.

Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together. Grinding occurs when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other.

Here are some symptoms you may be experiencing if you are grinding or having jaw problems at night.

-headache

-soar jaw

-frequent toothaches

-facial pain

-worn or fractured tooth enamel

-loose teeth

-earache

-insomnia

How are some jaw problems are treated.

Dr..Smith may suggest a night-gaurd to wear while you sleep. Night-gaurds are helpful for bruxism caused by sleep, disorders, crooked or missing teeth or stress.

Pain from clenching and grinding can be relieved by paying attention to the symptoms, frequent visits to Dr. Smith's Tempe Dental office and good communication with Dr. Smith.

Oral Cancer Screening

2009-12-17T08:49:00.000-08:00

Are you at risk for oral cancer? Virtually everyone is. Oral Cancer is one of the most curable diseases when caught early.

Increased risks:

~Patients age 18-39 without lifestyle risk factors

High Risk:

~ Patients age 40 and older without life style risk factors

~Tabacco Users (any age, any type)

Highest Risk:

~Patients age 40 and older with lifestyle risk factors (tabacco use/ alcohol consumption)

~Patients with history of oral cancer

In an effort to detect oral cancer early, Dr. Smith can perform an annual Vizilite Plus exam, in combination with a conventional visual exam. Vizilite Plus uses technology that has been proven successful in identifying precancerous and cancerous abnormalities.

Call us today to ask about Vizilite Plus. 480-839-0330 or make an appointment at www.tempefamilydentistry.com

Baking Soda?

2009-11-18T08:52:00.000-08:00

Baking soda has been used to clean and whiten teeth and fight bad breath. Several dental products on the market use it as their main ingredient. but is it really good for your teeth?

Some say baking soda is too abrasive, and that it can erode the enamel on teeth if used for too long. But with so many products on the market containing it, someone must think baking soda is good for your teeth. But does the research support this theory?

Research has shown that baking soda is the least abrasive polishing agent when compared to the other common ones used in commercial toothpastes. It also is extremely soluble in water, making it gentle on enamel dentin and soft tissue. Baking soda has been proven to buffer the acid produced orally to help maintain the mouths neutral environment, after brushing

How Harmful is Cola?

2009-11-04T07:20:00.001-08:00

Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world. It's delicious and refreshing. It's also been known to clean motor engines, remove gum from hair, and even preserve naval subs! A soft drink that rivals liquid cleaners should make you think twice about the effects of your daily soda intake!
Coke is undoubtedly acidic. But it is not acidic enough to dissolve a tooth in just a few hours. Other drinks such as cranberry juice, Sunny Delight and Gatorade are even more acidic that Coke. Given weeks during which a tooth is exposed to Coke, the results may differ. The enamel will eventually break down and the tooth will decay, which could ultimately lead to its destruction.
Putting a tooth in Coke overnight will mainly create a stain. Leaving a tooth in Coke for a few months can do some serious damage. So the next time you crave caffeine, remember that Coca-Cola can rust a steel nail in four days. Opt for something a bit more enamel-friendly!

Is a dog's mouth cleaner than a human's mouth?

2009-10-29T08:39:00.001-07:00

Is kissing your dog really better than kissing a human? According to the show "MythBusters, " it is. On the show a dog licked a petri dish and a human licked another. When compared the human's dish grew much more bacteria than the dog's. This must mean that the dog's mouth is cleaner, right? Not necessarily!
According to Colin Harvey, a professor of surgery and dentistry at the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary medicine, the two cannot be compared. The bacteria in a dog's mouth is species specific and often would not be able to survive in a human mouth!
The biggest argument for this myth is that human's bite is more infectious than a dog's bit. But the likelihood of an infection depends on the location of the bite, the kind of bacteria present, and the depth of the bite .Not who gave it!
So for all you animal lovers out there....go ahead and kiss your dog!!! Just ask yourselves: Where has that mouth been?

Care Credit

2009-10-20T07:27:00.000-07:00

At Tempe Family Dentistry, we want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible when receiving any kind of treatment. One way we accomplish this, is through Care Credit. Care Credit is a NO INTEREST payment plan that allows our patients to get the treatment needed to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile!
Care Credit is a healthcare credit card specifically designed to pay for procedures not covered by insurance.
With Care Credit you can:
~Pay for co-payments, deductibles, and treatment not covered by insurance.
~Start treatment immediately at out Tempe, Arizona dental office and pay over time with LOW minimum monthly payments.
~Have no annual fees
~Reserve existing credit cards for household or unplanned expenses.
~Apply online at http://www.carecredit.com/ or call (800)-365-8295.
Please call our office Tempe office TODAY if you have any questions about our fees, or about Care Credit. (480) 839-0330

Happy October

2009-10-12T07:26:00.001-07:00

Here at Tempe Family Dentistry we are getting in the fall mood! One of our amazing dental assistants decorated this pumpkin for us to display here in our Tempe, Arizona office.

Although Halloween is spooky, our office is not scary at all! Call us to schedule an appointment today! (480)-839-0330

Cracking the Case

2009-10-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

Dr. Michael Smith and staff are cracking the case on cracked teeth!

Case Scenario:
When you bite down you feel shape pain. It quickly disappears and perhaps you ignore it. You avoid certain foods or chew only on one side of your mouth.

Does this sound familiar? You may have a cracked tooth.

Case Details:

Q: What causes a cracked tooth?
A:
-chewing on hard objects or foods such as ice, nuts, or hard candy.
-an accident
-grinding and clenching your teeth
- uneven chewing pressure
-loss of significant portion of tooth structure

Q: How can you tell if a tooth is cracked?
A: You may not even be able to tell which tooth hurts or whether the pain is from an upper or lower tooth. A crack may appear as a hairline fracture, running vertically along the tooth.

Q:Why does a cracked tooth hurt?
A: A cracked tooth may hurt because the pressure of biting causes the crack to open. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and a sharp pain results as the crack quickly closes.

This is a picture of what a cracked tooth might look like. The red arrows point to the crack.

Even though the crack may be microscopic, when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated. The pulp is a soft tissue that contains the tooth's nerves and blood vessels. If the crack irritates the pulp, the tooth may become sensitive to temperature extremes. If the pulp becomes damaged or diseased as a result of the crack, endodontic (root canal) treatment may be necessary to save the tooth.

Case Solved:

Treating a cracked tooth:
Depending on the size and location of the crack, treatment may vary from bonding to a crown to hold the crack together. This may include endodontic treatment if the pulp is involved. A severely cracked tooth may need an extraction if the tooth cannot be saved. Dr. Smith will need to determine the best treatment for you.

IMPORTANT CASE FACTS:Frequent and regular dental exams and oral health checkups are very important. They will allow Dr. Smith to diagnose and treat problems in the early stage. If you are having any symptoms of a cracked tooth, please call our Tempe, Arizona dental office as soon as possible. 480-839-0330. We are ready to solve the case!

Visit: http://www.ada.org/ for more information.

This information is from the American Dental Association.

Don't Be So Sensitive

2009-10-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Do you enjoy ice cream or hot soup? If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, your answer is probably "NO!"
What causes sensitive teeth?
Cavities and fractured teeth can cause sensitive teeth. If these problems have already been ruled out, by Dr. Smith, then the worn tooth enamel or an exposed tooth root may be the cause.
A layer of enamel, the strongest substance in the body, protects the crowns of the healthy teeth. A layer called cementum protects the tooth root under the gum line. Underneath the enamel and the cementum is dentin, a part of the tooth that is less dense than enamel or cementum.
The dentin contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses it's protective covering, the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth. This causes hypersensitivity and occasional discomfort. Fortunately, the irritation does not cause permanent damage to the pulp.
How to prevent sensitive teeth
Proper oral hygiene is key to preventing gums from receding and causing sensitive-tooth pain. To schedule your teeth cleaning and exam, please call our Tempe, Arizona office today at 480-839-0502. If you brush your teeth incorrectly or even over-brush, gum problems can result. Come in and ask Dr. Smith and our professional staff any questions you might have about your daily oral hygiene routine.
Treatment
Sensitive teeth can be treated. Dr. Smith may suggest that you try a desensitizing toothpaste, which contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve. Dr. Drew recommends Sensodyne Toothpaste. Desensitizing toothpaste usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
If Sensodyne doesn't ease your pain, Dr. Drew may suggest in-office techniques. A fluoride gel, which strengthens tooth enamel may be applied to the sensitive areas of the teeth.
In cases where hypersensitivity is severe, persistent and cannot be treated by others means, Dr. Drew may recommend endodontic therapy (root canal).
Please call our Tempe, Arizona Office located at 6200 S. McClintock Rd. #111 Tempe, Arizona 85283 to schedule your oral health exam today. Or call us at 480-839-0502.
~click on the BLUE words to find out more. this information is from the American Dental Association

Invisalign

2009-10-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

At Tempe Family Dentistry we make it a priority to make our patients happy. Many of our patients want healthier teeth, easier cleanings, and a more beautiful smile. We offer Invisalign to accomplish this for many of our patients.
Invisalign is essentially, clear, removable braces! It gradually moves your teeth through a series of custom-made, removable, invisible aligners.

FACTS about Invisalign
1. Healthier Gums- Properly positioned teeth are easier to brush and floss than teeth that are crowded, crooked, or spaced to far apart. Having straight teeth can help gums "fit" tighter around them, which may lead to better periodontal health.
2. Easier Cleanings- With Maintenance of good oral hygiene, the chances of having plaque retention, tooth decay, and gum disease can be reduced.
3. Improved chewing and speech- In some instances, speech problems may result from poorly positioned teeth jaws. Correction of bight can help improve chewing and speech.
4. A beautiful smile- Straightening your teeth with Invisalign will make you less self-conscious and more confident.
Please call our office to find out how you can get a healthier, more beautiful smile. 480-839-0502. Or e-mail us at drsmithsblog@gmail.com. Also visit http://www.invisalign.com/.

Tour the Office

2009-10-05T07:14:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures of our Tempe, Arizona dental office.

Call us and schedule an appointment today! (480) 839-0330

Welcome to Our Blog

2009-10-04T13:40:00.000-07:00

Here at Tempe Family Dentistry, we want to "stay connected with you, our patients as well as our future patients! By setting up this Web log, or Blog, we hope to inform you of the most recent "goings-on" in our Tempe, Arizona dental office. Visit us often to stay updated. If you have any feedback for us, please leave us a comment at the bottom of every new post. We are excited to start this new journal to connect more efficiently with our patients!