Month: July 2017

When people hear Botox, they often think of cosmetic treatments and the solutionbeing used for a younger looking face. But, did you know Botox can also be used in the dental field? There are numerous conditions that can be treated with Botox injections and they may also be used to improve the area around your smile! Some of the dental conditions Botox can be used for include:

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders

The temporomandibular joint (also known as TMJ) functions like a hinge, which connects your jawbone and skull.There is one temporomandibular joint on each side of your jaw. Disorders of the temporomandibular joint can cause pain and issues with chewing and speaking. Luckily, Botox has been proven effective in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorders, providing up to 3 months of relief.

Bruxism

Bruxism is a dental condition that causes unconscious clenching and grinding of teeth which can occur while a patient is asleep or awake. Bruxism can lead to painful symptoms and severe dental problems such as cracked teeth. Botox injections can help relax oral muscles and decrease bruxism and the painful symptoms associated with it.

Dental Implant Surgery

Many patients get dental implant surgery to replace missing teeth and obtain a younger looking appearance. When you are missing teeth, you begin to lose bone mass, giving your face a more aged appearance. While implants can help give more youthful looks, the lines and wrinkles will not go away. Botox treatment can help soften the area around your mouth, helping achieve the younger appearance most patients are looking for.

Gummy Smile

When a patient smiles, it’s common for them to expose a small portion of their gums above their teeth; however, people with a gummy smile tend to show a larger section of their gums. Although this doesn’t pose any dental risks, it can often cause self-esteem issues. Botox can be injected into your upper lip to limit the elevation when you smile, causing you to show less gum when smiling.

Good dental care is much more than just brushing your teeth. No matter how much you brush and floss, bad oral health habits can be sabotaging your hard work and increasing the risk of damaging your teeth, leading to even more dental problems down the line. Here are three things that could be affecting your oral health—break these bad teeth habits for a safer, healthier smile.

Biting Nails Habit

Biting your nails isn’t just a bad habit. The constant biting can wear down the surface of your teeth, putting them at risk for cracks and damage and making them more sensitive over time. If you’re having a hard time quitting the habit, there are solutions you can put on your nails that taste bad enough to alert you to when you’re biting and help you keep your fingers out of your mouth.

Chewing Ice

It might seem harmless, but chewing ice is one of the worst things you can do to your teeth. Ice can damage the enamel, hurt your gums, and even cause your teeth to chip or break if you’re not careful. As a rule, you should try to avoid chewing hard foods if you don’t want your teeth to break.

Poor Oral Hygiene

While brushing your teeth is important, aggressive teeth brushing or using a toothbrush that’s too hard could actually erode your teeth’s enamel, damaging your teeth in the long run. There’s no need to be forceful with your brushing—a soft brush and slow movements will get your teeth just as clean without causing any damage. It’s also important to floss regularly, as not flossing leads to gum disease which can cause your teeth to fall out if not treated quickly enough. Flossing takes only a few extra moments but can make a world of difference for your teeth.

Breaking these bad dental habits will go a long way towards preserving your oral health in the long run. If you have any questions about your oral health, your dentist will be happy to help. Call our office anytime to book an appointment or ask any questions you might have!