Happy National Tooth Fairy Day
Considering National Tooth fairy day, Kristina Killgrove talks about the importance and significance of the tooth fairy. Dr. Ashraf offers his expertise in educating children regarding the tooth fairy and oral hygiene. (Source: Forbes, Where did the tooth fairy come from?, Kristina Killgrove, September 14, 2016, https://www.forbes.com/sites/kristinakillgrove/2016/09/14/where-did-the-tooth-fairy-come-from/?sh=4d06c6b959d4).
This national tooth fairy day is celebrated on August 22nd. Kristina Killgrove, the author, begins by sharing and discussing the story of her seven-year-old daughter, who has lost her baby tooth. Though this is viewed as an exciting chance to get rewarded with a gold dollar coin, she is aware of the reality. She knows that there is no such concept as a tooth fairy. Yet, she is intrigued by how this story originated.
The tooth fairy culture
Dr. Ashraf mentions, ” a child that asks about the origins of a beloved character such as Santa Clause, the Easter bunny, or the tooth fairy may be ready to hear the truth. Alternatively, this may be a great time to expand their minds and share some light-hearted origin facts such as the ones mentioned in the article. For example, the story of the Venetian version of the Italian Befana, who gives gifts or coins to children who have lost a tooth. Or the late 19th century France tradition of the Virgin Mary exchanging a coin or presents for a tooth. The French fairy tale La Bonne Petite Souris mentioned in the article is a great way to share a light-hearted story with young ones.”
The article also discusses various practices to dispose of the lost baby tooth. Depending on the respective cultural customs, some rituals discussed include burning the tooth, swallowing it, or burying it in a hole or wall.
In European and American cultures, as the child develops a stronger new tooth in place of the lost ones, the crows or rodents are called upon to take away the lost tooth. Dr. Ashraf shares, “this may frighten young ones. It is best to keep the story fun and exciting.”
Origin of the tooth fairy story
Kristina Killgrove offers insight on old British customs, Irish folklore, Venetian, and 19th-century France traditions. Dr. Ashraf states, ” Parents can share such heavy information as “fun facts.” They should not share disturbing tales with their children. Depending on the child’s age, the details may be confusing, and of course, it may even frighten some young ones. Dental anxiety and fear are quite common in young children. They typically stem from things they have heard, watched, or experienced during their first few dental visits. As parents, use your discernment when sharing origin stories of the tooth fairy and other beloved characters.”
Dr. Ashraf shares, “parents can use the historical information on the tooth fairy to encourage young ones to maintain oral hygiene at home. It will also encourage them to feel comfortable visiting a pediatric dentist for dental cleanings.“
The article dives into the financial aspect of exchanging a tooth for money and the popularity behind the national myth. After WWII, there was an increase in prosperity, family values and traditions began to transition, and classic fairy-tale stories highlighting fairy godmothers gained popularity. Dr. Ashraf explains, “some parents have switched the small financial reward to more useful gifts and items. Of course, a child will be happy to see some shiny coins and dollar bills under their pillow. However, you may want to include a small gift or package with a new toothbrush and toothpaste, maybe some fun stickers and dental floss.”
In conclusion, Dr. Ashraf states, “it’s always fun to learn the history and details of common traditions we carry on today and pass down to our children.” Suppose you are unsure how to discuss oral hygiene or tooth fairy traditions with your children. In that case, Dr. Ashraf advises consulting a pediatric dentist.
The 101 of Botox Therapeutics
Botox is a popular cosmetic procedure that provides immediate results.
In this article, we will discuss the 101 of Botox therapeutics. We have included the dental issues treated by them and why dentists have incorporated Botox therapeutics in their practice.
We will also have a sneak peek into the Botox therapeutics procedure.
How is Botox used in dental practices?
Dental practices use Botox to treat misalignment of jaw muscles, TMJ, Bruxism, and more. Let’s discuss these dental issues in detail.
TMJ Disorder
The temporomandibular joint connects our lower jaw muscle to the skull. When there is muscle tension, the TMJ stops functioning correctly, causing the TMJ disorder.
As a result, there is extreme pain in the facial muscles and jaw. It can also lead to migraine headaches.
A dentist uses Botox to decrease muscle tension or pressure and stops migraines caused by the discomfort.
Why do individuals experience TMJ?
Causes
- Genetics
- Diseases of specific connective tissues
- The habit of teeth grinding, especially at night
Symptoms
- Sudden intense pain in the jaw and around the ear.
- Pain while chewing food
If left untreated, TMJ can severely damage the jaw. It can also cause arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis.
Bruxism
Bruxism is characterized by clenching and grinding teeth, often leading to jaw problems, headaches, and damaged teeth.
Causes
- High levels of stress
- Improper sleep and poor diet
- Overconsumption of drugs, caffeine, alcohol, and cigarettes
Symptoms
- Pain in the face, shoulder, and neck
- Teeth erosion
- Headaches
How can Botox Therapeutics help?
Botox injections will freeze the chewing muscles, therefore helping to relieve the clenching and grinding of teeth and the associated pain or damage.
Another effective way to deal with Bruxism is using a night guard. Also, healthy lifestyle habits will do a lot of good to improve the condition.
Trigeminal neuralgia
It is a condition that hits the trigeminal nerve: the nerve that sends sensory signals from face to brain. There is a Trigeminal nerve on each side of your face.
Causes
- Trigeminal nerve compression
- Facial injury and more
Symptoms
- Intensive pain on one side of the face or a particular spot.
- Throbbing pain that lasts for hours, weeks, and even longer.
- Pain after touching face and cheeks.
How can Botox Therapeutics help?
Botox injections can help relieve pain and discomfort for individuals who no longer respond to medication. If you are experiencing trigeminal neuralgia, consult your dentist.
Orthodontic Therapy
Orthodontic Therapy treats crooked or misaligned teeth. The process includes putting pressure on the teeth and straightening them.
Why would an individual need orthodontic therapy?
It improves the bite of the patient, preserves the jaw structure, and closes gaps between the teeth. With no gaps or significant spacing, there are fewer chances of food getting stuck and causing tooth decay.
Botox is also used to restrain muscle movement to prevent teeth relapse.
Quick fix for a gummy smile
When you smile, your gums should cover your teeth in a balanced way. If too much of your gums are exposed, you’ve got a gummy smile.
Causes of a gummy smile
- Having too much gum tissue
- Genetics such as Short upper lip, small teeth, and prominent gums
- Unhygienic mouth/teeth habits, primarily due to the application of braces
- Side effects of certain medicines such as Diltiazem and Phenytoin
How can Botox help a gummy smile?
The Botox injection on the upper lip muscles prevents it from rising too much when smiling, preventing over-exposure.
To sum up, Botox is a protein that works on nerves and muscles. Although it’s a simple and effective procedure, a dentist can only apply Botox for therapeutic benefits. Contact Ashraf Dentistry today for more information.
Upgrade Your Nighttime Routine with these Oral Hygiene Tips
The night is the most precious time of the day. It is the time when you want to have a good sleep, repair, rest, and revitalize yourself for the next day. However, it is also the time when you tend to overanalyze and overthink. It might be about what happened that day or your health. Just like taking a warm shower at night can do wonders for your sleep, following a nightly oral health care routine can do wonders for your teeth and your rest as well.
The importance of a nighttime oral health care routine
A minimum of eight hours of uninterrupted sleep is necessary for proper rest. A lot happens when you are sleeping. Your body repairs cells, re-energizes, and releases hormones and proteins while your nerve cells communicate. As your body tackles its nighttime duties, the harmful bacteria in your mouth also get plenty of time to do their damage when you sleep. This damage occurs when you don’t follow a good oral hygiene routine at night.
Fortunately, there are some simple ways to keep your teeth healthy, your smile beautiful, and your sleep stress-free. Remember, these tips will help you with only half of what good oral hygiene comprises. For the other half, you must visit your dentist regularly and get timely cleanings and fillings as and when required.
Nighttime oral health care routine
Eat at the right time
Try not to eat past 8:00 pm. If eating after 8 pm is unavoidable, wait at least 60 minutes before brushing your teeth. Let your saliva wash away the particles naturally. Brush your teeth right after dinner if you are more likely to have oral health diseases.
Use the proper oral care instruments
As crucial as it is to brush and floss daily, using the right brush and floss is equally necessary. There are many different types of brushes and floss available in the market. Use the right one according to your teeth type. You may want to incorporate fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps in remineralizing our teeth while sleeping.
Brushing
We all recognize that the purpose of brushing is to remove plaque and bacteria and clean the mouth of any food particles. This can only happen if you use the correct brushing technique. Gently move the brush back and forth. Don’t scrub or rush the process. Brushing the teeth’ outer and inner surfaces, including the inside of your cheeks and tongue, is encouraged.
Instead of using a regular toothbrush, use an electric one. Electric toothbrushes have an oscillating-rotating movement that removes plaque better than a standard brush.
Floss
Just brushing your teeth is not enough. Your brush cannot remove the food particle stuck between your teeth. Floss can do it for you. Flossing at night every day will keep your teeth free of any stuck food particles and, by extension, free of any disease-causing bacteria.
Rinsing
Many types of mouthwash help strengthen your teeth and even treat oral health conditions. Rinse your mouth after every meal but also rinse it before sleeping. However, do proper research and ask your dentist for recommendations before choosing a mouthwash.
Nightguard
If you experience the habit of grinding your teeth, ask your dentist to make a mouth guard that you may use to protect your teeth.
Vitamin supplement
A balanced diet is necessary for keeping your mouth healthy. Take vitamins such as vitamin A, C, and D, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium. They provide strength to your tooth enamel, preventing future damage such as fractures or cracks. Some vitamins can even help prevent gingivitis! However, remember to discuss this with your dentist and healthcare professional before taking any supplement.
Nightly issues and treatments
Bruxism
Bruxism, in simpler terms, is known as teeth grinding and clenching. It can destroy your teeth and often cause jaw problems, headaches, and damaged teeth. Some people even do it unconsciously. Indicators of this common issue include a dull headache, facial pain, and jaw soreness.
Treatment: The condition is treatable. You can wear a night guard while sleeping. The night guard will put a barrier between your teeth and lighten the tension when you clench your teeth. While you can purchase nightguards at your local pharmacy, the best option is to get them customized by your dentist.
Another way is Botox Therapeutics. Botox Therapeutic injections are applied in the muscles responsible for chewing and can help relieve the clenching or grinding of teeth. This will automatically lessen jaw pain and headaches.
TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder is when the temporomandibular joint stops functioning correctly because of muscle tension. This causes pain in your jaw joint and often leads to migraines and extreme pain in the facial muscles.
Treatment: Botox Therapeutics can help relax your muscles. It can decrease the pressure in the muscles, thus stopping migraines and alleviating pain.
Your oral health can impact the quality of your life. Therefore, a proper oral routine should be a part of your nightly routine. Upgrade your lifestyle and sleep quality with the tips mentioned above. Remember, a healthy mouth is the key to a healthy life.
For more information on custom onsite printed night guards or Botox Therapeutics, contact us today!
Are cosmetic dental procedures helpful?
Cosmetic dental procedures are becoming increasingly popular in recent years. From simple teeth whitening to teeth reshaping and veneers, there is no limit to the range of treatments you can undergo.
What is considered cosmetic dentistry?
Cosmetic dentistry is a division of dentistry that focuses on the look and appearance of the teeth. That said, it has nothing to do with the underlying teeth health. Think of it as a smile-makeover or dental “makeup” for your teeth.
Patients undergo cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smiles. Many treatments target different dental aspects. Let’s walk through them in detail.
CEREC® Restorations: Porcelain
CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a digital alternative to fitting a crown or a veneer to your damaged or worn-out teeth. With CEREC, you don’t need to worry about impression materials, the discomfort of holding them up in your mouth, or any allergies.
In CEREC® Restorations, the dentist uses a camera to scan the dental structure of your mouth. Then, using that image, the computer designs a dental prosthesis with the correct measurement. The design is manufactured in the CEREC machine. Your dental prosthesis is ready and fixed in your mouth. It’s an easy and quick treatment that takes no more than an hour.
The CEREC crowns are made of porcelain. They are strong and look like natural teeth. This makes them a great addition to cosmetic dentistry.
Inlays and Onlays
Inlays and Onlays are used when the tooth has a moderate decay and require an intermediary between crowns and dental fillings. They are made of a porcelain-like material. Inlays are used for minor damages and work on the surface. Onlays are for excessive damages and are used on the cusps. They are like crowns but only for the visibly damaged area of your single tooth.
Veneers
Veneers enhance your tooth’s appearance and smile. They are a crisp, thin layer covering that shields your tooth. They bond with the enamel surface and are usually fitted on the front teeth. Likewise, they are the best alternatives for teeth discoloration, tooth chipping, and more.
Crowns and Bridges
Crowns and bridges work wonders for teeth gaps. They come in various materials like ceramic, metal, or a combination of both.
Professional Teeth whitening
In order to remove surface stains, deep teeth stains, or discolored teeth, professional teeth whitening treatment is a must. The dentist uses whitening gels combined with heat and light to whiten your teeth permanently. The results are quick and long-lasting in comparison to the traditional DIY teeth whitening methods or over-the-counter products.
Advantages of cosmetic dental procedures
Self-confidence and self-esteem
Keeping in mind your teeth are ideal-looking, you feel more confident flaunting your smile in social situations.
A long-term approach to a beautiful smile
Although they are sometimes expensive, cosmetic dentistry treatments enhance your smile in the long term. You can achieve a picture-perfect smile with the help of your cosmetic dentist.
Youthful appearance
Unkempt teeth give an unhygienic look. Plus, they give off an aged appearance. Receiving a cosmetic dentistry procedure will help make your teeth look solid, youthful, and pearly white.
Improves overall appearance
Cosmetic dentistry targets broken teeth, chipped teeth, misaligned teeth, discoloured or stained, and weak teeth. With cosmetic dentistry treatment, you get straight, shiny, and strong teeth as a result.
Eat whatever you want
Missing teeth or irregularly shaped teeth may influence your diet choices. A complete set of functioning teeth will allow you to eat the foods you love and enjoy.
Functional aspects of cosmetic dentistry
Encourages oral health
Cosmetic dentistry treatments like CEREC® Restorations improve your bite. Veneers and other dental implants support weak teeth. Teeth whitening removes plaque buildup, further preventing tooth decay. Cosmetic dentistry thus encourages oral health.
Promotes the better maintenance of oral hygiene
Many cosmetic dentistry treatments begin with teeth cleaning. The dentist also targets tooth decay and damage. This helps in maintaining oral hygiene practices at home. Once treatment is complete, naturally, you will want to preserve the appearance and overall condition of your teeth.
Improves oral function
For improper teeth structures, the bite is affected adversely. This puts unnecessary pressure on the adjacent teeth and induces pain in the gums and jaw. Cosmetic dentistry improves bite and structure, eventually improving oral function.
It prevents damage from worsening
During cosmetic dentistry treatments, the dentist also works on the root cause. For instance, before fixing inlays and onlays, the dentist will scrape off the underlying cavity. This prevents your teeth from further worsening.
Cosmetic dental treatments are proven effective for a range of dental needs. They are extremely helpful for your oral health and appearance. While many of these procedures are performed in the patient’s best interests, finding a dentist you can trust is essential. If you are bothered with any dental issues, we advise you to contact Ashraf Dentistry today.
The Importance Of a Healthy Smile in Business
Whether in a business or a social setting, it’s all about how you present yourself and your first impression. And the very first thing that people notice about you is your smile.
Suppose you have noticed changes in your smile because of the condition of your gums and teeth; you needn’t worry. You can get back that beautiful smile through makeover treatments.
Read on to know more about how a healthy smile is a key to your social success and the ways to achieve it.
The Importance of a Healthy Smile in Business
A Healthy Smile In Business
When you meet a new person, the first thing you do is greet them with a smile. A smile is so important that it can impact you and your business.
Here’s why so much importance is attached to the way you smile in a social or business setting.
It Transforms Your Appearance
A smile has the power to transform your appearance. You appear more confident and approachable, and people get naturally drawn to those who appear happier. When you appear confident, people presume that you will be able to take their business to the next level and that investing in you will be valuable for them.
It Improves Your Mood
Smiling lifts your mood and changes the way you feel instantly. And there’s scientific evidence behind it. When you experience happy emotions, your brain releases a chemical called endorphin. This helps boost your mood and lowers stress.
A happy and improved mood makes you more productive and creative, especially in the workplace. It also betters your interpersonal relationships and creates better team bonding.
It Means Better Health
When you can smile openly, it signifies excellent oral health without any underlying tooth or gum-related issues. It also indicates your overall health and the absence of any systemic diseases. For instance, there is a correlation between oral problems and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Dental hygiene is part of self-care. When you take care of yourself, you are letting the world know that you take pride in everything you do, including business.
How To Achieve An Award-Winning Smile
There are a few reasons why your smile may not be as perfect as you want it to be. Some of these factors include suffering from tooth decay, gum disease, and loose or missing teeth. Some habits like clenching and grinding your teeth, brushing too hard, and avoiding regular dental visits leave you with a not-so-healthy smile.
Fortunately, several cosmetic dentistry procedures are available that improve your smile’s appearance. Let’s look at some of the most effective and commonly used smile restorative procedures that dentists use:
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a process that involves using chemical compounds that lighten your tooth enamel, including the underlying dentin. Your dentist will use a whitening gel that is a form of hydrogen peroxide. When applied to the teeth, it gets absorbed under the surface of the teeth and lightens their tone.
It is worth considering professional teeth whitening rather than over-the-counter products when you want to brighten your smile. This is because when done by a dentist in a controlled environment, teeth whitening is safer, lasts longer, and is more effective. This saves you embarrassing situations arising from compromised results from at-home whitening treatments. Professional cleaning makes you more confident while meeting people professionally.
Invisalign
Sometimes your smile appears less healthy due to crossbite, underbite, or gaps between teeth.
Invisalign is the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry treatment. This custom-made brace covers your teeth and pulls them into place over time. This orthodontic treatment has become popular over the years because it involves the use of removable clear braces as compared to the unsightly metal braces of the past.
The most exciting advantage of Invisalign is that it shifts the focus away from your teeth even while undergoing orthodontic treatment. This is because it is literally invisible! You can confidently talk to people and give presentations, conduct meetings over food, and put your best foot forward.
Routine Cleanings
As you eat food, some of it sticks to your dental surface and tongue. The bacteria present in your mouth produce acids that lead to plaque. This plaque sticks to the surface of your teeth and leads to enamel erosion and, eventually, tooth decay. If left untreated, it may potentially lead to loss of tooth and gum disease, leading to an unhealthy smile.
Cleanings and fillings performed at your dentist’s office prevent these problems and therefore reduces the risk of bacteria traveling from your mouth through the bloodstream to other organs and damaging them.
Not to mention, you get a stunning smile that you can flash with confidence in any social setting.
CEREC Restorations
CEREC® Restorations is a computer-aided design and manufacturing system. It helps create a natural-looking and perfect restoration of your teeth in just a few minutes that are ready to be fixed in your mouth. This is a non-invasive procedure that makes getting a repair comfortable and quick.
This cutting-edge technology does away with the need to use gooey molds and waiting time for a replacement tooth. You don’t need a temporary replacement; you don’t need to wait a week to get the final tooth, either! CEREC® Restorations are placed in a single visit without making multiple time-consuming visits. This is the best option for people who want faster and better results, especially before an important meeting.
A Healthy Smile Compliments Your Overall Health
Infections in your teeth and gums don’t stay limited to your mouth. As is verified by this American Society For Microbiology Journal, your oral health is linked to several systemic diseases. Did you know that subgingival biofilms and gram-negative bacteria from your mouth can travel to the rest of your organs?
Having a healthy smile contributes to superior overall health. Here’s the link between the two:
- It prevents bacteria from entering your bloodstream and causing arteries to harden. Therefore, it reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks or cardiac arrests.
- Inflamed gums release compounds that can kill brain cells. Keeping your smile healthy keeps your brain active and healthy longer.
- Healthy teeth prevent the risk of bacteria entering your lungs and causing conditions such as COPD, pneumonia, and acute bronchitis.
- Gum disease can make your blood sugar levels imbalanced, increasing your risk of developing type-2 diabetes.
- Good oral health decreases inflammation in the body. This reduces your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.
As is evident, having a healthy smile is directly linked to a healthier body and mind. Healthier people are much more productive and perform better in businesses. This also leads to lower absenteeism and loss of workers and helps in cost savings for the company.
Interested in achieving a successful smile that will WOW your colleagues and associates? Contact Ashraf Dentistry today!
All About Bad Breath
Do you often avoid talking to people because of your bad breath problem? We all have been in that situation in life at least one time. But, you might make the mistake of ignoring it and trying to use temporary solutions to fight it. Instead, visit a doctor, and you will be surprised to know how your breath can say a lot about your health.
So, if you want to know more about your breath, keep reading the article.
Causes for Experiencing Bad Breath
There could be varied causes of bad breath. Some of them include –
Food – Very often, food particles stay in the corners of your teeth and cause bacterial growth and lead to bad breath. Furthermore, food items like onion, spices, and garlic, when consumed, can also cause bad breath after getting digested.
Tonsil Stones – Bad breath could also be caused due to tonsil stones and the bacteria that cover them.
Dental Hygiene – Poor dental hygiene, like not brushing your teeth regularly or not flossing your teeth, could lead to a foul odor.
Dry Mouth – Lack of saliva production or Xerostomia can also cause bad breath.
Infection – If you have gone through any oral surgery or tooth removal, you might notice bad breath.
Gum disease – Mouth sores or gum diseases can also make your mouth smell bad. Gum disease treatments can quickly solve the problem.
Tooth decay – If you have one or multiple decaying teeth, even that might be a cause for experiencing bad breath.
Tobacco – Smoking or consuming tobacco products is highly harmful to your health and can cause bad breath.
What Could Your Bad Breath Indicate?
You might also experience bad breath if you have other severe problems in your health. If you notice breath similar to the smell of acetone, it might be a symptom of diabetes. Digestive issues like Crohn’s, IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), celiac diseases, and constipation can also cause such problems. Furthermore, if you have other digestive conditions like GERD and acid reflux, you can experience bad breath. Sleep apnea or other sleeping disorders can also be indicated by bad breath.
Researchers in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2013 showed that bad breath could also be a symptom of something serious like heart and kidney failure.
Natural Solutions
To avoid bad breath, brush your teeth twice daily, especially before bed at night. Along with that, make sure to clean your tongue and floss regularly. Scheduling a dentist visit can help you get rid of your problem immediately. You will not be able to understand the cause of your bad breath, but they will also help you find the best solution to treat it. Avoiding food items like cheese, alcohol, etc., can help you fight bad breath.
Take some warm water in a glass and add salt to it. You may use this solution as a mouth rinse. Rinsing your mouth with apple cider vinegar daily can also solve the issue. Frequently rinsing your mouth will help prevent bad health and assist with the associated bacteria. A 2015 study by some experts also showed that consuming green tea can help deal with bad breath. Rinsing your mouth with herbs like cloves, basil, parsley, rosemary, or mint can help in reducing plaque and oral bacteria. But most importantly, you must remember to drink a lot of water and stay hydrated.
Furthermore, probiotics are live bacteria known to be beneficial for health. Try eating food that has probiotics to reduce bacterial growth in your mouth. You may also consult with your dentist or a holistic practitioner for additional natural solutions.
If you are facing persistent bad breath issues, always consult your dentist and health care professional. Only they will be able to find the cause of your bad breath and treat you accordingly.
Myths and Facts on Botox Therapeutics
When we think of a Botox treatment, we think of it as a cosmetic solution that helps remove fine lines and wrinkles from our faces to give us a younger appearance. But did you know that Botox, short for botulinum toxin, also has medical therapeutic uses, especially in dentistry?
Due to its minimally invasive nature, Botox therapeutics is used to treat various conditions. However, despite its wide-ranging benefits, this practice is surrounded by myths and misconceptions that prevent people from taking advantage of this superior application over other procedures.
Continue reading to know more about Botox therapeutics, some of its most common myths, and its applications in modern dentistry.
How Is Botox Therapeutics Used In The Dental Industry?
The use of Botox therapeutics in dentistry is not a new phenomenon. It has been used for decades in treating several oral problems with proven results.
Let’s look at some of the most common applications of this therapy:
TMJ Disorders
Short for temporomandibular, TMJ disorders are a group of conditions that affect your jaws. It may cause tenderness, facial pain, and difficulty moving the joint. This condition may also lead to pain in the head or the neck, popping noises in the jaws, ear popping, and other symptoms. According to the Toxins Journal, Botox therapeutics is the preferred therapy when other procedures don’t work. In this, your dentist will inject the medication into your temple, forehead, or jaw muscles, depending on your symptoms. It helps release jaw pressure and alleviates pain, and reduces muscle spasms.
Bruxism
Teeth grinding is also commonly known as bruxism. It is a habit where one clenches or grinds their teeth, especially during sleep. It not just erodes your enamel but may also lead to pain in the jaws, neck, or head. Botox therapeutics are used to treat people with moderate to severe cases of bruxism. These injections are administered into the cheeks of the patients. Therefore helps reduce the tension in these muscles, which is the primary cause of teeth grinding.
Orthodontic Therapy
Orthodontic treatments, especially those that are invasive, may cause pain and feelings of pressure in some people, primarily due to muscle contractions. This is not just discomforting but may also cause dental phobia in some, further increasing the burden on oral health. Botox therapeutics reduce the intensity and frequency of muscle contractions, thereby reducing the sensation of pain.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
This is often defined as the most painful condition. In this, a person feels sudden and intensely painful sensations on one side of their face. It can be triggered by the simplest of activities like smiling, chewing, talking, or even brushing your teeth. Trigeminal Neuralgia is considered to be a rare condition. It is caused by a blood vessel exerting pressure on the nerves near the stem of your brain. Though it is first treated by medication, Botox therapeutics is said to help people when the first line of treatment cannot help. According to the Medicine Journal, Botox therapeutics have significantly reduced the intensity and frequency of pain attacks in patients with this condition. These injections are administered on the faces of the patients, primarily at the pain site.
Gummy Smile
This is a condition where one shows too much gum tissue over the top teeth. It is caused due to several reasons, such as a short upper lip, incorrect bite, or developmental problems with the jaws. When Botox therapeutics are injected into the spot between the patient’s nose and upper lip, it helps relax the muscles in the upper lip. It reduces the possibility of them rising while smiling.
Common Myths And Facts In Botox Therapeutics
Even though Botox therapeutics have proven to be effective in treating dental issues due to muscle-related problems, the procedure still has some misconceptions. Listed below are some of the most common myths about Botox and their related facts:
Myth 1- Botox Therapeutics is only meant for wrinkles or as an anti-aging treatment.
Botox is much more than just a muscle-relaxing cosmetic procedure. According to the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery, Botox therapeutics have been in clinical use since 1967, especially in dentistry procedures. It has been used for years for treating functional and aesthetic oral disorders with proven results.
Myth 2-Botox Therapeutics is addictive.
Botox therapeutics is not an addictive treatment. Its popularity is due to its excellent results. This is why people often repeat it. There is no addictive substance in this drug, and it cannot hook people into getting this treatment.
Myth 3-Botox Therapeutics is unsafe.
According to the Toxins Journal, Botox therapeutics have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in dentistry procedures. The misconception about it not being safe comes from the thought that it is a botulinum toxin, which is often connected to food poisoning. But the levels of this compound used to make the final product are not high enough to become toxic.
Myth 4- Botox will make you feel and look frozen
All Botox therapeutics do is gently relax the specific muscles it is injected into. Instead of making you look frozen, your muscles work better and are more flexible, which helps reduce pain and distress.
Myth 5- Botox Therapeutics is painful.
Botox therapeutics are injected using fine needles, which are much thinner than those used for injecting medicines. This makes the procedure painless.
Myth 6- Botox Therapeutics has a long recovery time
Botox therapeutics recovery time is just like any other medical procedure. You can expect quick recovery and healing with proper administration and adequate aftercare.
Myth 7- Dentists cannot administer Botox.
Botox therapeutics can be administered by several medical professionals, including dentists. They have been using this procedure to treat oral issues for decades now. They are the perfectly qualified professionals to administer this procedure. Their knowledge and experience of the anatomy of the facial muscles help in the administration of Botox therapeutics.
The Bottom Line
With these myths debunked, are you ready to relook your oral health? With its proven benefits, Botox therapeutics can go a long way in helping you improve your oral health and get a smile makeover.
Top 5 Qualities a Dentist Should Have
Anyone can become a qualified dentist, but to be a success in dentistry takes more than academic knowledge. Whether a patient is opting for services like teeth whitening, fillings, or placing dental implants, dentistry is a profession that requires patience and care. Teeth are sensitive, and most individuals have real fears of dental visits. Dentists have to be more inclined to a patient’s unique needs, both mentally and physically. Along with the manual dexterity that dentists have to portray, there should be a deep understanding of patients with patience!
Extensive Knowledge
Dentists should be highly skilled at what they do. Several dentists are involved in multiple procedures, from cosmetic dentistry to installing implants. Whatever procedure a patient has to be involved in, the dentist must share relevant information about the process and its effects with patients. Attention to detail is a must, and staff at any dental clinic should be as highly qualified as the dentist.
Excellent Communication Skills and Patient Participation
Continuing along the lines of open communication with patients, dentists and staff should educate patients about procedures. This is especially important in complex processes involving a surgical component like placing implants. It is also the dentist’s job to display any alternatives to patients, so patients have a say in decision-making. After procedures are completed, dentists must follow up regularly with patients. This is possible with technology. Even before treatment takes place, proficient dentists will make it a point to communicate with patients via emails and other communication methods.
Must-have Services
Leading professionals in the field of dentistry have more than just skills at their disposal. Besides traditional dental skills and interpersonal skills, dentists must be equipped to offer multiple procedures to cater to every patient’s need. From services that relate to cosmetic dentistry and teeth whitening to simple fillings, root canal procedures, and supplying crowns and bridges, dentists should do it all. Typically, depending on the age of patients, there are dentists who focus on children specifically. Services that target children’s dental requirements should be part of any dental practice.
Up-To-Date Methods, Procedures, and Technology
Any medical professional today has to stay updated where equipment is concerned. This is the only way to make use of technological advancements that make treatment accessible and convenient. Dentists should be abreast of new procedures and the latest equipment to conduct these, such as CEREC restorations, Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, and All-On-4 Implants, to name a few. In cosmetic dentistry, advancements are frequent, and when a dentist updates their knowledge, they draw more patients.
A Dentist Should Have a Welcoming Office
A positive atmosphere in any dental clinic is the key to making the patient experience optimal. The more a patient feels comfortable, the better any following procedure will go. Every part of the dentist consultation should be seamless, from taking an initial appointment to the follow-up. Patients need to feel the genuine trust of the dentist, and only then will procedures, treatment, and follow-up be successful.
Individuals require complex procedures that range from implants and root canal treatment to restorative dentistry. It is in the hands of the dentist to make a patient’s life comfortable and hassle-free while they undergo any treatment, straightforward or complicated. This goes a long way in making a dentist successful.
The 101 on bone grafting procedures
Bone grafting is the process of using a piece of bone from a different part of one’s body by transplanting it into the jaw bone. Alternatively, it can be obtained from a cadaver or animal source.
Bone grafting is an essential initial step of dental implant surgery. Oral bone loss due to periodontal diseases, misfit dentures, or facial trauma often requires a bone grafting procedure as a means for the creation of a base for dental implants. It helps in bringing gum disease to a halt or creating a more pleasing smile. Bone grafting is encouraged because of its several benefits.
In the case of dental implant surgery, it helps to strengthen the implant site so that the implant put there by the dentist stays firm. Once the bone grafting procedure is over, it generally takes a few months for the jawbone to heal and the dental implant surgery to be carried on with. For faster healing, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) is now implemented, where PRP from a patient’s own centrifuged blood is used to create blood clots at the site of the wound. This technique enhances wound healing and bone maturation.
There are various bone grafting procedures based on what the doctors feel is safe.
Autogenous bone graft:
The bone is removed from other parts of the body. For example, a fragment will be taken from the iliac, the chin, the molar areas of the jaw, or the hip and shinbone and then implanted in the oral cavity.
Allograft:
A cadaver bone or an artificial synthetic bone is used as an implant.
Xenograft:
It involves the use of a bovine (cow) bone as an implant. It is safe and requires no secondary donor site.
Examples of bone grafting solutions:
Dental implant:
Bone grafting helps strengthen the base for dental implants in dental implant surgery.
Periodontal bone graft:
It is put near an already present tooth to provide additional support. Therefore, giving strength and restricting its mobility.
Ridge Augmentation:
The bone graft procedure is used to fill the ridges in the jaw bone caused due to injury, trauma, or periodontal disease to give a uniform shape to the jaw.
Sinus lift:
Bone is grafted in the sinus floor after the elevation of the sinus membrane for secure placement of implants.
Bone grafting procedure and its preparation:
The essential requirement is an oral X-ray for the dentist to locate the exact position of the procedure. Your dentist may advise taking some antibiotics before the surgery to prevent infections. Anesthesia might be necessary, so one should make arrangements to go home after the surgery beforehand. Rest is needed due to general anesthesia’s residual effect if used.
To ease anxieties surrounding a dental procedure, it is always helpful to understand the details. The grafting material is first prepared or harvested in a bone grafting procedure. An incision is made in the gum, gently separated from the bone, and then the grafting material is placed in it. The bone regeneration healing process may be aided by stimulating tissue proteins, platelet-rich growth factors, etc. Then the gum is sutured in place, and a 10-day follow-up visit to the dentist is necessary to assess the progress. In a few months, the jaw will be strong and ready.
Last word
Bone grafting is an excellent, safe and successful technique to help those with the disfigured jaw to have a perfectly uniform and healthy jaw. Proper oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist can also aid in this. Contact Ashraf Dentistry today for more information.