Stop Teeth Grinding By Lowering Stress

It is not abnormal for people to clench or grind their teeth at times. The medical term is called bruxism and is not usually harmful. However, those who grind their teeth on a regular basis can run the risk of oral health complications.

How Do I Know I’m Grinding My Teeth?

Most of us are unaware that we grind our teeth because it happens often while we are sleeping. If you wake up with a constant headache or a sore jaw, you may be grinding your teeth at night. There are many factors that can cause bruxism including, sleep apnea, anxiety, stress, crooked teeth or an abnormal bite. You should consult with your dentist if you think you are grinding your teeth. They can examine your jaw and mouth to check for tenderness or damage done to your teeth.

How Can I Stop Grinding My Teeth?

If you are a chronic teeth grinder, it can cause loss of teeth or fractures. If you do not seek the help of a dentist right away, you might need to have root canals, bridges, partial dentures or implants. While no one knows for sure what exactly causes bruxism, stress and anxiety may play a big role. Lowering your stress level can decrease the need to clench your teeth. Practice meditation prior to bedtime to help relieve stress and anxiety. Meditation allows you to focus on one particular subject at hand while focusing on your breathing. It helps you prevent your mind from racing which can cause unnecessary stress.

In reality, it only takes a few minutes of meditation a day to start reaping the benefits. There are several online videos and books that can teach you the proper ways to meditate. Burning candles and taking a nice warm bath before bedtime can work wonders.

Try to clear your mind as much as possible and forget about your day-to-day tasks. Yoga, massage, Tai Chi, and even a pedicure or manicure can make a world of difference. Whichever form of relaxing you choose, remember when you are relaxed your body will become relaxed, including your mouth and jaw.

If you are continuing to experience teeth grinding problems, contact us today!

What Type of Mouthguard Should You Use?

Mouth guards are flexible devices worn over the teeth and gums to prevent damage, braces damage, to protect bridgework, and the shape of your mouth and teeth. An ideal guard does not restrict breathing or speech and should comfortably fit over upper teeth while staying in place during athletic activities.

When Do You Need A Mouth Guard?

Not all sports require the use of mouth guards. The U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association does not require their use in all sports. Those participating in ice hockey, lacrosse, field hockey and football must wear a guard to play. Use with all other sports is optional. It’s wise to know your own body regardless of association rules. If you have dental issues, weakened teeth, braces and bridges use of a mouth piece is undoubtedly a good idea.

What Kind Of Damage Can Occur?

Keep in mind that guards not only protect against damaged teeth but injuries to the jaw, and bones as well. While sports are rewarding, we run the risk of more serious injuries, especially when not wearing a guard. Some of these include concussions, cerebral hemorrhage, and neck injuries from jaw fractures. This occurs when the lower jaw quickly slams into the upper jaw during sports. Mouth guards help prevent these injuries.

Types Of Mouth Guards

Now that you know the type of injuries that can occur when not wearing a mouthguard you may be wondering what kind of guard to get.

Stock mouth guards

Stock are performed and ready to wear.

Mouth-formed mouth guards

Mouth-formed are shell liner or boil-and-bite.

Custom-fitted mouth guards

Custom-fitted are cast to the teeth, are more expensive and provide the greatest degree of protection, as they cover all the teeth.

Visiting an orthodontist or orthopedic dentist to discuss yours or your child's individual needs and what is best for your situation is best in determining the appropriate mouth guard. This may largely depend on what type of sports you or your child are involved in, and the potential for injury.

For more information on selecting mouthguards, contact us today!

Is Your Child Too Old For Wisdom Teeth Extraction?

Having wisdom teeth doesn’t makes someone extra wise or intelligent. Instead, these extra set of teeth are molars that have grown in at the back of a person’s mouth and can be painful and irritating when infected.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are located at the back of a person’s mouth. Technically speaking, they can be found at the upper and third molars. Wisdom teeth generally form inside of a person’s mouth between the ages of 17 – 21. So, children typically do not have to deal with the problem of wisdom teeth.

Sometimes they can show up in a child’s mouth, but this is a very rare occurrence.

How Did Wisdom Teeth Get Their Name?

Wisdom teeth is a moniker that was given to these molars that develop during the late teenage and early adult years of life. Apparently, most people believe that older teens and young adults are supposed to have some kind of wisdom once they reach this age. However, as older adults know that most teens and young adults still have a lot to learn about life – especially when it comes to good oral care.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Sometimes they don’t need to be removed, but other times people experience crowding or impaction. Once this happens, it can create a lot of pain and cause a person’s mouth to be infected. As a result, wisdom teeth have to be removed.

When Should You Have Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Most people have their wisdom teeth removed when they realize the pain they cause. If you are suffering from wisdom teeth that have not properly developed, then it is advisable to have them extracted as soon as possible.

If you do not have any pain when your teeth come in but have problems later on in life – you can have them removed when you are older. The bottom line is that you are never too old to have your wisdom teeth taken out. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental can extract wisdom teeth for older teens.

Contact us for more information or to schedule your child’s wisdom teeth removal today!

How To Ease Your Child's Dental Fear

Many have a fear of going to the dentist and that includes children; however, there are things we, as parents, can do that can help such as initiating your child’s visits to the dentist early, at age one or when the first tooth is visible.

Follow the KISS principle

Most importantly, keep it simple when you talk with them about going to see the dentist. Too many details can cause questions and that could increase your child’s anxiety. Keep your conversation positive but don’t give them false hope.

Be Careful With Your Words

In addition, be careful of the words you use when talking with them about visiting the dentist. For example, avoid the words hurt or pain. Instead, tell them that they are going to the dentist so that the dentist can look at their smile and count their teeth.

Try Make Believe

Another way to put your child’s mind at ease is to make believe that you and your child are at the dentist’s. Take a toothbrush count the teeth on your child’s teeth. Use numbers or the alphabet.

• Be careful not to make drilling noises. 
• If you have a small dental mirror and a small explorer, pretend that you are checking their teeth. 
• This procedure will prepare them for their first dental appointment. Picture books that you can get on the Web can also help. 

Expect Turbulence

Keep in mind; your child may cry, wiggle and not want to be examined by someone they don’t know. Stay calm and know that the dentist and staff are prepared for some fussing. They might ask you to stay for awhile or hold their hand. This may help to calm them down and get them through the dental process.

Explain The Importance Of The Dentist

Most importantly, explain to your child how important it is to see the dentist so that their teeth stay healthy and prevent cavities.

• This will help your child to see how important it is to have good oral health. 
• At our dental clinic, we know how important healthy teeth are for overall good health. 

Make an appointment soon at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental and find out how our dental services can ease your child into good dental care.

What Does A Hygienist Do?

A dental hygienist plays an important role in the care of our teeth. A licensed and degreed health professional, he or she works under the supervision of a dentist to provide preventative care and teach patients about oral hygiene. A hygienist also assists a dentist in the treatment of dental problems.

Cleaning Teeth

A hygienist cleans the patient’s teeth, removing plaque and stains. He or she cleans beneath the gum margins and also flosses the teeth.

Examination

While cleaning the teeth, a hygienist examines the teeth and gums for signs of problems, including tooth decay, receding gums, excessive bleeding of the gums, and any sores or lesions in the mouth. A hygienist also asks the patient about his or her oral hygiene habits and about any pain or discomfort or other symptoms.

Dental X-Rays

X-rays allow dentists to see problems between teeth and under fillings, where they would otherwise be unable to see. They allow dentists to identify problems early, before noticeable symptoms develop. A hygienist typically takes and develops x-rays for the dentist.

Patient Education

A hygienist plays an important role in the education of patients about oral hygiene. He or she teaches patients the proper way to brush and floss and explains the importance of doing so regularly. A hygienist also explains what the dentist is going to be doing so patients know what to expect.

Charting

A hygienist is responsible for noting any tooth decay or other problems in the patient’s chart, as well as detailing any treatment recommended by the dentist. Complete and accurate charting is important for continuity of care and is also needed if dental insurance is going to cover the cost of a patient’s care.

Equipment and Supplies

Stocking supplies, making sure the dentist has everything he or she needs to perform treatments, and cleaning and maintaining equipment are other tasks handled by a dental hygienist. Though this typically takes place “behind the scenes,” it’s critical for safe and effective patient care and infection control.

Dental hygienists are a vital part of our success. For more information or any questions, contact us!

How Children’s Teeth Erupt and Fall Out

Though they can’t be seen when most babies are born, teeth start to grow in a baby’s jaw surprisingly early in pregnancy. Beneath those bare gums are the buds of all of the baby teeth. As the baby grows, the teeth start to form around the buds, helped by calcium from the baby’s diet. The calcium deposits develop and harden in rings that very much resemble the rings in a tree.

How The Teeth Erupt

When the baby’s about six months old, their primary/deciduous or baby teeth start to erupt and push through the gums. The first baby teeth to erupt are the incisors, which are used for cutting and are found in the front and center of the jaws. Then, the first molars erupt followed by the canines and the second molars.

Your child has 20 baby teeth. These teeth come in until the child is nearly three years old, and they should have had their first visit to the pediatric dentist by then. This not only allows our staff to examine the new patient to make sure that all’s well, but gets the child used to going to the dentist.

The function of these baby teeth are to serve as placeholders for the permanent teeth and to develop the structures of the oral cavity. Eventually, the roots of the baby teeth start to dissolve. This is perfectly natural and normal. Eventually, the baby teeth fall out and make way for the permanent teeth.

There are 32 permanent teeth. The first to come are the six year molars, followed by the incisors, the canines, the cuspids and the second and third molars.

These permanent teeth develop from the same tooth buds as the baby teeth. Permanent teeth come in between the ages of six or seven and can continue until the person is in their early 20s.

Wisdom teeth are the third molars, and sometimes the jaw is not long enough for them to erupt properly. Some wisdom teeth do not erupt at all while others partially erupt or erupt on their sides. These teeth need to be taken out by the dentist because they can't be cared for properly and invite harmful bacteria.

Make an Appointment with Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental

Has your little one’s teeth started to come in? Congratulations! Now, make an appointment to see our staff at Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental. We have three convenient locations for our Long Island patients. Our numbers are:

Massapequa Park: (516) 798-1111
Nesconset: (631) 360-7337
West Islip: (631) 661-7337

Contact us today!

Why Dental Cleanings Are Essential

Routine dental cleaning sessions are important. They're actually vital for people of all age groups. From children, young adults, and elderly people, the positives of dental cleaning sessions are worth sharing!

Stopping Cavities

Dental cleaning can stop cavities from making your days unpleasant and painful. Cavities feel awful and call for fillings. Cleaning does away with the pale film layers that accumulate on top of the teeth. Plaque isn't just annoying. It also triggers severe tooth decay. This decay is acidic and can seriously destroy your tooth enamel. If you ignore the whole situation, plaque can even cause the development of cavities. If you want to get persistent plaque off your teeth, dental cleaning appointments are a must. Thorough flossing and brushing can help, too.

Whiter Teeth

Dental cleaning sessions are invaluable for people who want radiantly white teeth. Many things can bring on teeth staining and discoloration. Heavy coffee, wine and tea consumption are a few things. Tobacco use is yet another. If you wish that your teeth were white and devoid of icky staining, you need to get regular dental cleanings.

Fresher Breath

It can be highly unpleasant to be in the company of someone who has breath that's not exactly lovely. You don't ever want to subject another person to foul breath. Dental cleanings can be great for people who want to keep nasty halitosis away. If you want to stop lingering bad breath, then you need to focus on strong oral hygiene practices day in and day out. Dental cleaning sessions are a big part of outstanding and effective oral hygiene routines.

A Healthy Mouth

The mere idea of loss of teeth can be pretty frightening. If you want to protect your smile from missing teeth, dental cleaning sessions are your finest bet. Plaque accumulation can make people a lot more susceptible to gum disease. Gum disease, in turn, can in many cases encourage tooth loss. If you're interested in keeping your teeth fully intact, then nothing can top a classic cleaning session in the dentist's chair.

If you are searching for A+ dental cleaning for a child on Long Island, New York? Reach out to Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental now for appointment scheduling.

Fun Facts About Saliva

Saliva is a watery substance that is found in the mouths of all people. This substance is a natural part of the body that is used for chewing and swallowing food and it is also used to aid in the digestion process. Saliva not only helps us with the eating process it is also used to destroy bacteria, reduce incidence of tooth decay and it helps us to talk. Let’s check out some fun facts about saliva and how important this substance is for parents and their kids.

Saliva Is Your Mouth’s Personal Ph Level Monitoring System 

Saliva contains various substances such as proteins, enzymes, buffering agents and salts which keeps the inside of your from becoming to acidic. This natural monitoring system will kick in when the acid levels increase within a person’s mouth. This is an especially good thing for children who usually do not have good oral care or proper eating habits.

Saliva Makes Some Things Taste Sweet 

Your child will probably get a big kick out this fun fact about saliva. Ptyalin is a substance that is contained inside of saliva that makes bread and other starchy foods taste sweet. Ptyalin is an enzyme and when it comes into contact with starchy foods it produces this type of flavor. 

Saliva Is A Natural Bacteria Fighter

Saliva is a natural bacteria fighter and your drooling kids have the best defense against these microorganisms. That is because their drool constantly washes away and destroys the bacteria. Just so you know, when we sleep at night, we produce less saliva. This is the main reason why our breath smells so terrible in the morning. 

Saliva Neutralizes Acids Within Your Child's Mouth

Certain foods have acids that damages a person’s teeth. It can ruin the enamel and cause discoloration. However, saliva neutralizes the acid allowing your kids to drink carbonated beverages, orange juice and other foods. 

Keep in mind that saliva does other great things such as moisten the foods we eat, and it also helps to keep your kids mouths lubricated while they run, play and act foolish throughout the day. One thing all parents should do is to take their kids to the dentist for a regular checkup. Remember saliva can only do so much to naturally protect your oral health. 

Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental is a great place to take your children for a dental visit. This is a kid-friendly place where young patients can receive the best oral care possible. Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental has three great locations in the New York area. Parents your child and you can find out more about this great dentist organization by reading our website!