TMJ

TMJ issues affect many Americans daily. This disorder causes pain in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) that connects your lower jaw to your skull at the temporal bone. This joint controls many jaw functions and any pain in this area may cause jaw joint muscle problems, known as temporamandibular disorder (TMD). At Lewelling Dental Care, Dr. Shital Kazi and her team have trained extensively in the diagnosis and treatment of TMJ and offer various treatment options to new and existing patients.

 

Symptoms of TMJ are wide-ranging. Patients will often feel pain when opening or closing their mouth, trouble chewing food, their jaw will become stuck, headaches are quite common and they will often hear a clicking or popping noise when opening or closing their mouth. These symptoms can be associated with a lot of other health problems so if you are feeling any of these symptoms, make sure to ask during your next appointment.

 

Treatment for TMJ can go many different ways. Pain relievers and hot/cold compresses are short term methods and often do not solve the problems. Another possible treatment for TMJ would be wearing a night mouth guard, this will lessen the effects of teeth grinding that can cause TMJ. More permanent solutions include possible surgery in severe cases, but behavioral treatments to change the way the jaw muscles are used can be enough to solve the problem permanently. 

Take-Home Tray Whitening

Even with consistent brushing and good oral care, teeth can lose their color. Today, patients have many options when it comes to teeth whitening that include over-the-counter options and professional options that include either in-office or take-home systems. At our San Lorenzo, CA practice, Lewelling Dental Care, we offer our patients custom tray whitening to help improve the cosmetic appearance of their teeth. Having teeth professionally whitened is an excellent way to restore the natural color of teeth quickly and effectively.

 

When it comes to whitening your smile, we will first need to determine whether your teeth are intrinsically or extrinsically stained. Intrinsic stains are on the surface, having barely penetrated the enamel. They are caused by staining agents like coffee or smoking; they can also be caused by old-age. These stains are reversible through take-home tray whitening.  Extrinsic stains develop from the inside of the teeth and are often caused by more permanent staining agents like antibiotics. With an extrinsic stain, the teeth are darkened as a result of bacteria buildup and cannot be reversed by whitening alone.

 

Traditional tray systems include a custom-fitted mouth tray that the patient wears for a period of 40-45 minutes for a few days. We will take a mold of your mouth in order to create a custom-fit mouth tray. You will apply the gel treatment to the mouth trays and wear it for approximately 45 minutes a day. The amount of days the mouth tray is worn depends on how white you want your teeth to be. This often results in a whiter smile of 4-8 shades in just a few days. 

Oral Cancer

Did you know that oral cancer often goes completely undetected until it spreads to another part of the body? You can stay ahead of the game by having regular oral cancer screenings with us in San Lorenzo, CA. If you use tobacco and drink alcohol regularly, you are at a greatly increased risk for oral cancer. Oral cancer is also being connected to human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. Oral cancer can appear anywhere in the oral cavity. It is mostly found:

• On the lips
• On or under the tongue
• On the roof of the mouth
• Back of the throat
• Inside the cheek

The ability to detect oral cancer early is a great tool for us and for you. We are able to identify and pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution, meaning it can be treated well before it becomes a major problem. If you’re having regular cleanings at least twice a year, you are much more likely to have possible problems detected early because we document each appointment and know your history.

 

You should be getting an oral cancer screening at least once a year. Come in and visit us today so we can make sure your oral hygiene is in tip-top shape. We’re here to help, so call today!

Acid Reflux and Teeth

The enamel of your teeth is the thin, tough outer layer of your teeth. Enamel protects your teeth from daily activities like chewing, biting and grinding. The enamel of your teeth also protect against harmful temperatures and chemicals. Although enamel is a hard protector of your teeth, it can chip and crack. There are many factors that affect the health of your enamel, but one of the quickest ways to erode enamel comes from acid reflux disease.

 

If you suffer from consistent acid reflux, the health of your teeth probably isn’t one of the first things you’re thinking about. You’re probably reaching for an antacid or a glass of milk and moving on with your day. However, new research reveals how gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can severely damage your teeth thanks to an increase of acid in the mouth. The study concluded that acid reflux can ultimately lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth.

 

GERD, better known as acid reflux disease, causes chronic heartburn. The stomach contents, including acid, leak into the esophagus and often work their way back up into the mouth, causing burning pain. The damage from acid reflux looks a lot like tooth wear because the acid dissolved the tooth surface directly, softening the surface. Once the surface is softened, it becomes worn down layer by layer. Once the enamel is eroded, it cannot come back. In that case, patients would need a crown, veneer or filling to replace their tooth.

 

We recommend the following to our patients who suffer from acid reflux disease:

• Do not brush immediately after an acid reflux episode, use a fluoride rinse instead
• Use specialized toothpaste recommended by our staff
• Utilize antacids or baking soda after an episode to protect your teeth

If your teeth have been damaged by your condition, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shital Kazi to discuss your treatment options. 

Night Guards for Bruxism

Think you might be a night grinder but aren’t sure? If you wake up with a dull, constant headache or a sore jaw then you might be suffering from bruxism (night grinding). If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth and you live in the San Lorenzo, CA area, schedule an appointment with us at Lewelling Dental Care for information on treatment options.

 

You might grind your teeth because of stress and anxiety, but it more likely due to an abnormal bite or missing/crooked teeth. Patients often find out that they are a grinder from a loved one or through a consultation with their dentist. Dr. Shital Kazi is trained in the detection of bruxism and can diagnose it through a simple examination. Patients exhibiting symptoms such as jaw tenderness and teeth abnormalities are most likely grinding their teeth at night.

 

Teeth grinding can become a serious issue. Chronic teeth grinding can lead to fractured, loosening or loss of teeth. Taking the time to visit us at Lewelling Dental Care is a great preventative measure when it comes to preventing night grinding. Chronic teeth grinders can wear their teeth down so bad that bridges, crowns or even dentures may be necessary. While these procedures are effective, they are also very expensive and can be very invasive.

 

We have a great reputation when it comes to creating custom mouth guards for prevention of night grinding. Our team is able to custom-fit a mouth guard to your individual needs so as to prevent any discomfort during sleep. Dr. Kazi will take an impression of your teeth and the mouth guard is molded over the model using special material. Custom-fitted mouth guards are utilized because they provide the most comfort and best overall protection. The night guard creates a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, preventing your teeth from grinding. Call us today to schedule  your appointment!

Night Guards

If you or your sleep partner grinds their teeth at night, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding is a very common condition. Teeth grinding can lead to sore gums and a sore jaw. It can also cause headaches and can wear down teeth. In some instances, it can even lead to loose or fractured teeth. Although the cause of teeth grinding is not always known, stress and certain sleep disorders may play a role.

At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer a solution for teeth grinding. Night guards are coverings worn over the teeth while you are sleeping. It creates a barrier between the top and bottom teeth. A night guard prevents damage to the teeth and gums due to teeth grinding.

Although stock night guards are available over the counter, they are often uncomfortable and don’t fit well. This might increase pain and make the situation worse. At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer custom made night mouth guards.

The process of creating a custom made night guard is simple. An impression is made of your teeth. The night guard is then created in a laboratory. Because the night guard is custom made to fit your mouth, it is more comfortable than a stock mouth guard.

For more information on night guards or to schedule an appointment, please call Lewelling Dental Care, at 510- 276-6040 or visit us at www.lewellingdental.com.