Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort. Gingivitis is often caused by inadequate oral hygiene. Gingivitis is reversible with professional treatment and good oral home care.
Radiographs can help the dental practitioner evaluate and definitively diagnose many oral diseases and conditions. However, the dentist must weigh the benefits of taking dental radiographs against the risk of exposing a patient to x-rays, the effects of which accumulate from multiple sources over time. The dentist, knowing the patient's health history and vulnerability to oral disease, is in the best position to make this judgment in the interest of each patient.
Courtesy of The American Dental Association, www.ada.org
Teeth Grinding, aka Bruxism
Bruxism is the term for grinding or clenching your teeth. It comes from the Greek word "brychein" (say: bry-ken), which means to grind or gnash the teeth. Bruxism can happen during the day, but it usually happens when you are asleep. Most of the time you don't even know you're doing it! Because stress could be the cause of bruxism, you might try changing your bedtime routine so you're relaxed by the time you say good night. Take a warm bath or shower, listen to slow music, or read a good book. If that does not work you might want to try a night guard, which is a hard piece of plastic. A night guard is worn at night and is fitted especially for your teeth and mouth to prevent you from grinding your teeth. Wearing one can now can prevent problems for you later.
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