Many young children grind their teeth at night or even during the day. Often, night bruxism is related to sleep disturbances like muscle cramps, bed-wetting, sleepwalking, or talking in their sleep.

Children usually grow out of this problem, but if they don’t, preventive measures can be taken to avoid future damage to teeth.

Cumulative damage caused by bruxism can include excessive wear, exposure of inner tooth material to the air, and bacteria in the mouth. Problems with the jaw joint, facial spasms, and headaches can also result.

Once bruxism is diagnosed, the first treatment is usually to prescribe a mouthguard for nighttime wear. This guard provides a barrier to protect the top and bottom rows of teeth from each other. When the problem is found early, the nightguard can prevent costly restoration later on. For adults, preparing a nightguard usually involves a dental visit or two to obtain an appropriate custom fit.

Bruxism in young children does not necessarily mean dental problems later in life, but it shouldn't be ignored. If you’ve noticed this problem in your child, mention it at your next visit, and we’ll help you determine whether it’s a problem that needs immediate attention.

It’s a fact that some over-the-counter and prescription medicines can cause dry mouth, and dry mouth can mean increased risk of decay. This problem isn’t isolated, since more than 400 different drugs (including some antihistamines and antidepressants) are known to encourage dry mouth.

A lack of saliva in the mouth means less natural protection against cavities. This is because saliva generally washes away food debris and bacteria that cause plaque. On top of this, when your mouth feels dry, you're more likely to reach for a soft drink

or hard candy to restore moisture. These are quick fixes for that dry feeling, but they can lead to even more decay.

If you're taking a medication that causes dry mouth, it may not be possible to give it up or switch to another drug that doesn't have this side effect. Here are some suggestions that may help you avoid decay without giving up your medication.

In addition to these steps, ask us about products -- toothpastes, mouthwashes, and synthetic salivas -- that can help you ward off dry mouth and its ill effects.

Your teeth get a lot of attention when you come to our office, but you may not realize how much attention we also give to your gums or how important they are to your dental health. Good gum care is an essential part of good dental health.

Plaque Attack
Unhealthy gums are often the result of plaque buildup near the gumline. Dental plaque is composed of bacteria and the by-products they produce. As bacteria grow and multiply, they form colonies and release toxins which affect your gums.

The irritation these bacteria cause may show up in tender, sensitive gums that bleed easily and appear inflamed and swollen. These symptoms are signs of gingivitis, which is the first stage of periodontal disease -- a major cause of tooth loss.

Home Care
Preventing gingivitis begins at home with a dental care regimen that includes daily flossing, as well as brushing. In order to remove plaque, it’s necessary to keep the floss tight against each tooth and move it up and down while pulling it up and away from the gum. This process should be done for each tooth, including the back teeth.

Professional Care
Regular professional cleanings remove plaque buildup that cannot be adequately taken care of by home care. Your visits also give us the opportunity to check for any symptoms that might indicate a gum problem and recommend a treatment regimen to help keep your gums healthy and “in the pink.”