Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/398083
W193 DO YOU GRIND YOUR TEETH? BEST SE LLE R Tooth clenching and grinding can afflict children and adults of any age. This brochure gives patients a list of symptoms and causes of bruxism — including stress — while outlining various treatment approaches. Alerts patients that it might take a few tries to find the right treatment. Includes photos of bruxism and a night guard. PERSONALIZE IT #DAB074 See page 49 W164 4 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $25.00 $37.50 100 $45.00 $67.50 500 $189.00 $283.50 1,000 $305.00 $457.50 DO YOU HAVE A CRACKED TOOTH? Demystify this condition with a succinct set of facts about cracked teeth. Denotes the signs of a cracked tooth and what causes it, from bruxism to accidents to large fillings. Explains why a crack can be painful and that the pulp may be affected. Lists possibilities for treatment, depending on the cause. Includes cracked tooth illustrations plus a photo of a cracked tooth with large filling. PERSONALIZE IT #DAB073 See page 48 W131 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 TEMPOROMANDIBULAR DISORDERS (TMD) Our brochure lists the causes, signs and symptoms of TMDs and describes the complex structure of the TMJ, with anatomical illustrations. It explains that TMDs are managed rather than cured and gives an idea of the approaches the dentist may recommend. PERSONALIZE IT #DAB075 See page 49 W193 6 panels 50 per pack QTY MEMBER RETAIL 50 $26.00 $39.00 100 $45.50 $68.25 500 $192.00 $288.00 1,000 $325.00 $487.50 W131 A tooth may crack for many reasons, such as the following: • chewing on hard objects or foods such as pencils, ice, nuts or hard candy • an accident, such as a blow to the mouth • grinding or clenching of teeth • uneven chewing pressure, especially if a nearby tooth is lost • loss of tooth structure through wear • loss of tooth structure due to large fillings or other restorations • exposure of tooth enamel to extreme hot and cold temperatures How is a cracked tooth Treatment depends on the size, of the crack, as well as your will talk with you about the for your tooth. It is possible recommend no treatment at common and usually do not How can you tell if a tooth is cracked? It can be hard for you to tell if a tooth is cracked. If you have pain, you may not be able to tell which tooth hurts or whether the pain is from an upper or a lower tooth. Cracks sometimes are invisible to the eye and may not show up on an x-ray. And sometimes you won't have any pain or sensitivity at all; your dentist will discover it during your exam. If you are having symptoms, you can help your dentist find the cracked tooth by sharing some information: • the things that cause you tooth pain (such as heat, cold or foods that are sweet, sour or sticky) • the area of the pain A small crack in the tooth Crack widens when teeth bite down Cracks in a tooth with a large filling Why does a tooth crack? • repairing the tooth with • placing a crown (cap) on protect it from further • endodontic (root canal) pulp is involved • extracting the tooth if cracked and cannot be Types of treatment include the following: Regular dental important, your dentist problems A cracked tooth can become if left untreated. If you think cracked tooth, visit your dentist. Why does a cracked tooth hurt? Sometimes, a crack in the enamel travels through to the nerve pulp. This type of cracked tooth may hurt when you bite down or when you stop biting. The crack may be too small to see, but when it opens, the pulp inside the tooth may become irritated. The pulp is soft tissue inside the center of the tooth that contains the nerves and blood vessels. If the crack extends into the pulp, the tooth may become sensitive to extreme heat and cold. The pulp also can be affected as a result of the crack. If this happens, endodontic (root canal) treatment may be needed to save the tooth. SEE YOUR DENTIST REGULARLY W164 Bruxism is a habit of grinding or clenching the teeth. Clenching means you tightly hold your top and bottom teeth together. Grinding is when you slide your teeth back and forth over each other. Bruxism can happen in children and adults of any age. many people with bruxism wake themselves up during the night with a loud clenching or grinding sound. Sometimes the sound is so loud that other people can hear it. For other people, bruxism may be silent. Teeth worn by bruxism Custom-made night guards protect teeth from wear. Treatment depends on each person's situation. Your dentist may recommend one or more treatments, such as the following: • stress reduction methods • a protective nightguard worn over the teeth while sleeping • medication for pain or muscle spasms • exercises to relax jaw muscles • fillings or other dental treatment to repair damaged teeth Your dentist may recommend that you wear a nightguard during sleep. nightguards are custom- made by your dentist from plastic or acrylic. The nightguard slips over the upper or lower teeth and prevents them from touching. it protects teeth and helps keep them from wearing down. since bruxism has many causes, you may need to try a few different treatments to find out what works for you. You can help manage bruxism by paying attention to the symptoms, having regular dental visits and talking with your dentist. • headache or earache • sore jaw • jaw clicking • frequent toothaches • sensitive teeth • facial pain • worn or cracked teeth or fillings • tongue indentations • insomnia (trouble sleeping) People who suffer from bruxism may have one or more of these symptoms: What causes bruxism? The causes of bruxism are not known for certain. stress, sleep disorders and an abnormal bite are some things that may play a role. Your dentist can diagnose bruxism by checking for unusual wear spots on your teeth and looking at any related symptoms. regular dental checkups are important to find damage in the early stages. Your dentist can help you manage bruxism and the related symptoms, as well as repair your teeth if necessary and help prevent further damage. How is bruxism treated? Signs and symptoms A TMD is a condition, not a specific disease. Temporomandibular disorders can have many different signs and symptoms, from mild to severe. Some patients may have symptoms but are still able to function fully. TMDs appear to be more common in women. Specific symptoms may include: • pain in or around the ear • tender jaw muscles • clicking or popping noises in the jaw • difficulty opening or closing the mouth • pain when yawning or chewing • jaw joints that feel as if they are "locked," "stuck" or they "go out" • headaches What causes TMD? Several conditions may be linked with TMD. This often makes it difficult to pinpoint the cause of a particular case of TMD. Related conditions may include: • jaw or head injuries • diseases that affect the muscles or joints, such as arthritis • tooth grinding • stress To determine how best to treat your condition, a complete evaluation is recommended. Your dentist may check the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Your complete medical history may be reviewed, so it is important to keep your dental office record up-to-date. Your dentist may take X-rays and may make a model of your teeth to see how your bite fits together. Your dentist may also request specialized X-rays of the TM joints. How the jaw joints and muscles work The joints and muscles on each side of your jaw help open and close the mouth. These joints move in many different directions. They allow you to chew, talk and swallow. The two temporomandibular joints are among the most complex joints in the body. They work together in a delicate balance with muscles, ligaments, cartilage and your jaw bones. When a problem prevents these parts from working together properly, pain may result. Treatment options For some patients, the disorders themselves; for others, may worsen over time. managed, rather than may recommend treatment, you to a physician or dental There are several ways The success of the treatment you and your dentist working works to relieve your symptoms. Treatment may involve by-step plan allows you before moving on to more Experts generally recommend approach to treating TMJ The following self-care recommended: • eating softer foods or cause symptoms • minimize extreme jaw yawning, yelling or singing • avoid chewing gum • modifying the pain with • practicing relaxation jaw tension, such as meditation If necessary, your dentist the following to relieve • exercises to strengthen • medicines to reduce or to help you relax • a night guard or bite clenching or grinding In some cases, your dentist fixing an uneven bite by some teeth. Orthodontic be recommended. To determine how best to treat your condition, a complete evaluation is recommended. Your dentist may check the joints and muscles for tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Close-up of TMJ Cartilage Jaw Bone ligament O R D E R O N L I N E : A D A C ATA L O G . O R G 23