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TMJ is the quick way of referring to your Temporomandibular Joint. Pardon the pun, but that’s quite a mouthful! What is this joint, what does it do, and, if your Drs. Sheena Allen, Murat Ayik, and Mark Margolin and our team have told you that you have a TMJ disorder, what can we do to help?

The Temporomandibular Joint

Your two temporomandibular joints are amazing works of anatomical design. These are the joints where the temporal bone in the skull meets the mandible bone of the jaw, and allow our mouths to open and close, move back and forth, and slide from side to side. Muscle, bone, and cartilage work together to provide easy movement and to cushion the joint. But sometimes, the joint doesn’t work as smoothly as it should, and this can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.

When Should You Suspect You Have TMD?

You might have TMD if you experience any of these symptoms:

• Painful chewing
• Pain around your TMJ, or in your face or neck
• Earaches
• Changes in your bite
• Jaws that are limited in movement or lock open or shut
• Clicking, popping or grating noises when you open and shut your jaw

There are many conditions linked to TMD. If you grind your teeth at night, have arthritis in the jaw, have suffered an injury or infection in the area, or have problems with your bite, for example, you might be more likely to have TMJ problems. If you suspect you have TMD, or suffer from any of the symptoms listed above for an extended period, give us a call.

Treating TMD

During your visit to our Dallas,TX office, we will check your medical history, and examine your head and neck. We can take an X-ray or scan if needed for further examination of the joint. Because there is no real scientific agreement yet about the best way to treat TMJ disorders, a conservative treatment plan is often best. If you do show signs of TMD, we might first suggest relaxation techniques, over-the-counter pain relievers, or the use of ice packs or moist heat compresses. A change to a softer diet can help, and you should stop chewing gum and making any exaggerated jaw movements.

If these self-care practices aren’t effective, we might suggest a nightguard. This appliance is a comfortable and flexible mouthguard custom fitted for you, and will bring relief from teeth grinding when worn at night. If this treatment is not effective, talk to us about other options.

Luckily, most cases of TMD are temporary and don’t become worse over time. But any persistent discomfort is a good reason to visit us. Whether you have TMD, or any other problem causing you pain in the head or jaw, we want to help.

Let's talk about brushing and flossing.

Brushing and flossing are essential daily habits to maintain good oral and general health. By regularly brushing and flossing your teeth you remove plaque and bacteria that cause gum disease and decay. Excess bacteria in the mouth have been linked to several systemic diseases including heart and kidney disease, and could also be linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

To keep your mouth as clean as possible, brush twice a day, and floss every night. This simple routine will help promote healthy teeth and gums and ensure a beautiful smile for years to come.

We recommend that you use an electric toothbrush, as it removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush when using the proper technique. There are many different brands on the market; some use ultrasonic vibrations while others use an oscillating motion to remove plaque. Ask us about our recommendations for electric toothbrushes!

Whether you are using a manual or electric toothbrush, hold it at the gum line with a gentle pressure and take your time, allowing the toothbrush to do the work for you. Brush for three minutes to make sure all tooth surfaces are brushed. When flossing, gently place the floss in between the teeth and scrub the surface of the tooth with the floss. This will allow you to remove plaque from between the teeth to prevent gingival inflammation and decay.

Do you have other questions about maintaining a healthy smile? Ask Dr. Allen the next time you visit us!

Toothpaste no longer comes in simple choices of fluoride and fresh breath. Paste is not even the only option! You can choose gel forms and even some with ribbons of color and flavor. With so many varieties available, it may be difficult to know which features or combinations of ingredients are best for your mouth. Drs. Sheena Allen, Murat Ayik, and Mark Margolin and our team are here to help!

Fluoride

The majority of all dental patients should use toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the enamel on your teeth; it makes them stronger and more resistant to cavities. Even if you live in an area that adds fluoride to your drinking water, the fluoride protection in toothpaste is necessary.

Some individuals can have an allergic reaction to fluoride. Fluorosis can occur in children or adults that swallow too much toothpaste while brushing. If swallowing cannot be prevented, fluoride use should be reduced. The American Dental Association has updated guidelines that recommend fluoride be used as soon as the first teeth erupt in children. However, the amount should be minimal and swallowing should be prevented.

Sensitivity Protection

If your teeth are sensitive to temperatures, toothpaste with sensitivity protection can work wonders for your discomfort. Ingredients in these pastes or gels work to block the pathways to the nerves that react to hot or cold. Do not give up on this type of toothpaste after a few days; the full results may take a few weeks.

Plaque, Tartar, and Gingivitis Protection

Everyone has bacteria in his or her mouth, and this bacteria is normal. Unfortunately, some bacteria also cause plaque. If the plaque remains on your teeth, it hardens into tartar or calculus. Tartar is an almost cement-like substance that cannot be removed by brushing alone. When bacteria and tartar are left behind, the deposits will form under the gum line. This leads to gingivitis and gum disease.

Since there is a wide variety of toothpastes and ingredients for preventing tartar and gingivitis, ask Drs. Sheena Allen, Murat Ayik, and Mark Margolin and our staff what the best choice is for your teeth. We can help you select the right combination of ingredients.

Whitening

White teeth are desirable, and manufacturers are heavily marketing whitening toothpastes. Most brands do not contain bleaching ingredients; they use abrasives to polish stains away. Unfortunately, too much abrasive use can be damaging to your teeth. If you’re interested in teeth whitening, our Dallas,TX team can recommend a number of safe and effective options.

Feel free to ask Drs. Sheena Allen, Murat Ayik, and Mark Margolin and our staff at Dallas Dental Arts about the best choice in toothpaste to meet your individual needs. Remember to look for the ADA approval seal on any toothpaste you are considering.

If you are unhappy with the current shade of your teeth and are looking for a brighter, whiter smile, ask us about our teeth whitening services at Dallas Dental Arts! 

What is teeth discoloration? Teeth can become discolored over time, as staining from coffee, tea, or red wine builds up. Sometimes, teeth are naturally discolored. Whatever the reason, Dallas Dental Arts offers several types of professional teeth whitening that are safe, comfortable, and provide results that you’ll love.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Dallas Dental Arts

Dallas Dental Arts uses three systems for whitening, which can be used individually or together depending on your teeth-whitening needs.

In-Office KöR® Whitening

In-office KöR Whitening uses a dual-activated, Tri-Barrel™ Hydremide® peroxide whitening gel delivery system in combination with whitening trays. Super-resistant stains, like tetracycline and fluorosis, can be flooded with the concentrations of three bleaching factors necessary to obtain truly white teeth.

At-Home KöR® Whitening

At-home KöR Whitening uses a set of thin, form-fitting, ultra-comfortable trays. You only need to wear your trays, filled with KöR patented bleaching gel, while you sleep, so they won’t interfere with your lifestyle.

At-Home Phillips Zoom DayWhite

Phillips Zoom DayWhite comes in a variety of strengths, so we can customize your level of whitening and monitor your level of sensitivity. 

At Dallas Dental Arts, we genuinely care about your smile, hopes, and dreams, and try our best to help you achieve the smile you want. During your teeth whitening treatment, we’ll be here for you every step of the way, making sure you are comfortable during the process and happy with your results.

If you have any questions about how we can help you brighten up your smile please don't hesitate in contacting us. Request your appointment with us here.