Dentist Farmingville

Dentist Farmingville

Residents of Farmingville are welcome to call for an appointment. Our services include implants, veneers, root canal therapy, bridges and more.

Common dental problems

There are many issues you may encounter with your teeth. Always consult with your dentist regarding these common dental problems.

 

Teeth Grinding

This is a typical issue with teeth that often goes unnoticed, mainly because the grinding occurs while you sleep. If you feel an ache in your jaw when you awake, there’s a good chance it resulted from the movement. Also known as “bruxism,” the grinding does not normally cause worse conditions than minor aches. In extreme circumstances, however, teeth go off alignment. Just like when a car goes off alignment.

You should have a dentist examine your mouth if you are feeling discomfort. In some cases, people may find it difficult to fully open their jaw. The grinding of teeth can also cause disruption of sleep for the person laying next to you. While the sound may not be as irritating as fingernails on a chalkboard, the last thing you want to do is wake someone up when they have work in the morning. Reducing the personal stress in life is always helpful. In addition to consulting with a dentist in the Farmingville area, consider these suggestions:

  •  Do not chew gum or eat hard foods
  •  Sleep enough that you are well rested
  •  Drink more water. Water is the key to life.
  •  Apply something cold like an icepack to your face
  •  Massage of face and neck

If these options do not work for you, you may want to consider speaking to your dentist about an acrylic nightguard. This is a thin and clear protector for your teeth which is easily removable. The piece is custom made and worn on your upper or lower jaw while you sleep. The guard is specifically designed to shield the enamel from bruxing. 

Erosion of Enamel

This is something you can avoid by simply being selective about the liquids you consume. Regular exposure to acids in soda and other drinks cause damage to your teeth by eroding the enamel. Another common cause of this problem is too much brushing. This seems ironic, but excessive brushing will wear the enamel at the gum line. Speak with a dentist or hygienist in the Farmingville, Selden and Medford area for expert advice.


Discoloration of teeth

Dentist Farmingville

Over time, regular exposure of certain products to your teeth will cause loss of the sparkling original white color. Items such as coffee, tea and smoke will all cause a modification of color to teeth. Prevention is simple though requires good habits. Minimize the intake of beverages that cause stains. One way around the staining of the front teeth is to use a thin straw. You may see people walking out of 7-11 in Medford, Selden or Farmingville with a straw in their coffee cup. And if you haven’t already, avoid cigarettes.

Regular brushing is essential overall to prevent cavities and other typical ailments. But brushing also helps to decrease stains caused by drinking. Proper hygiene is vital. Aside from brushing, a thorough flossing will aid in numerous ways. Rinsing with a mouthwash ensures a healthy mouth. There are many mouthwashes and fluoride rinses on the market today and most have different combinations of benefits. Inventive floss devices are always improving. All of this leaves very little room for the excuse of not putting care towards your teeth. Everyone is busy. But setting aside just a few minutes a day to floss and rinse will make a noticeable difference in hygiene.

Halitosis

There are many different causes of halitosis, aka bad breath. Some causes are obvious, while others go unrecognized. Common sources include:

  • Lack of sufficient oral hygiene, including brushing, flossing and rinsing.  Leftover food develops bacteria, which in turn creates terrible odors.
  • Food itself can be a source of halitosis. And not only just after a vegetable such as garlic has entered the mouth. After entering the bloodstream, the odor makes its way to the lungs. From there, it’s exhaled. In this case, oral hygiene won’t get the job done. The food needs to completely exit your system.
  • Lack of eating is a cause that may be somewhat surprising. This causes a decrease in saliva, a fluid that actually helps with bad breath. Without the saliva, bacteria will build.

Enamel Erosion

In addition to brushing too much and aggressively, constant contact of liquids that contain acid will eventually cause enamel erosion. This acid is usually found in soda, sports drinks and even citrus liquids. When the tooth erodes, it will become discolored. Even worse, the teeth will eventually be visibly rounded. Your best bet is to stick with water. But if you must drink beverages with acid—and this even includes diet soda—use a straw. If it’s the brushing itself producing the wear, switch to a softer toothbrush. In general, be mindful and aware of what enters your mouth and follow proper methods for cleaning.