Millions of people suffer from TMD, a series of issues cause by imbalance of the temporomandibular joints, or jaw joints. When these joints aren’t properly aligned, patients experience a host of unpleasant symptoms. Neuromuscular dentistry focuses on identifying the root cause of the problem and restoring harmony to your whole mouth.
What contributes to TMD?
Your TMJ are sensitive to outside influences. Any strain on the TMJ can put added pressure on the associated nerves and muscles, creating discomfort. Emotional stress, physical trauma, habits like nail biting, and certain hereditary conditions can make you susceptible to TMJ.
How do I know if I have TMJ issues?
Depending on your situation, symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common signs of TMD include ringing in the ears, migraines, worn down teeth, difficulty chewing, and neck pain. If you regularly experience symptoms like these, consult your physician or dentist.
What are the treatment options?
Once your dentist confirms the diagnosis of TMD, he or she can recommend the next course of action to alleviate your pain. Various non-surgical options exist to help you deal with TMD. Exercises can strengthen muscles, relaxation techniques can help with stress, and a mouth guard can keep your jaw in the right position.
How does neuromuscular dentistry help with TMD?
Unlike traditional dental treatments that may only address damage, neuromuscular dentistry attempts to find the optimal position of your jaw and create balance for your chewing system. After establishing a comfortable bite, your dentist will develop a treatment plan to correct any damage and renew your smile.
Schedule your consult today at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry in Toronto – Yolanda Cruz DDS TMJ Treatment
During your orthodontic treatment, you need to keep up with your oral hygiene. Braces and wires easily trap food, allowing for plaque development and tooth decay. Thorough brushing and flossing will help prevent issues such as cavities and gum disease. Parents of younger children with braces may need to assist in the process.
When you have braces, flossing can be more difficult. These tips will help you successfully care for your teeth.
Take your time
With braces, it can take two to three times as long to floss your teeth. Don’t give up. Although it may require extra effort now, you will reap the benefits once your braces come off and you can show off your healthy, straight smile to friends and family.
Choose the right equipment
Use waxed floss because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught on wires or shredded by the brackets. A product called Superfloss has a stiffer end that makes the threading process easier. You can also pick up flossers, which will help you insert the floss under the wires. Make sure to tear off sufficent length, about 18 inches, so you have enough to work with while you floss.
Master the technique
Getting good at flossing with braces will take practice. Insert the short end of the floss under the wire and then gently move the floss between teeth. As well, floss under the gum line to promote healthy tissue.
Ask for help
If you have trouble flossing, your orthodontist can show you the proper technique and allow you to practice in the office so that the team can give you pointers.
We care about your oral health at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist.
Although most people brush and floss their teeth regularly, it’s still important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings. Routine exams and professional cleanings will protect the health and vibrancy of your smile. Since oral health impacts overall wellness, taking good care of your mouth will keep your whole body healthy.
Professional cleanings help to:
Prevent gum disease
An infection of the tissue around your teeth, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Because the initial symptoms of gum disease are mild, many people don’t realize they have a problem. During your cleaning, the hygienist will check your gums to make sure everything looks good.
Detect oral cancer
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, most people diagnosed with oral cancer are over the age of 50. There is no single cause but certain factors can increase the risks such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and sun exposure. When diagnosed early, oral cancer has a high cure rate. At your routine checkup and cleaning, the dental team will look for anything suspicious.
Maintain a beautiful smile
When you look your best, you exude confidence and grace. Keeping your smile in top shape helps make a positive impression in a variety of settings. A professional cleaning will give your teeth a bright, polished look.
Preserve your total body wellness
Research has shown a direct link between oral health and conditions like heart disease, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s. As well, missing teeth can impact your ability to eat, speak, and enjoy a full, active life. Your regular dental exam allows your dentist the opportunity to discover problems and correct them before things get any worse.
Schedule your next visit at Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry – Toronto Canada Dentist
Part of staying healthy involves making dental care and treatment a priority. Most dentists recommend twice-yearly checkups. Home care is also an important component of healthy teeth and gums. Keep your smile looking and feeling fantastic with these helpful hints.
Brush and floss regularly
One of the key components to successful dental visits is your oral hygiene routine. Brushing at least twice a day gets rid of food and plaque from your teeth. Flossing stimulates the gums and removes debris from hard-to-reach areas. When you don’t brush and floss like you should, your mouth is susceptible to problems like cavities and gum disease.
Schedule routine appointments
With regular checkups, your dentist can examine your mouth and look for signs of trouble. Often, concerns such as tooth decay, oral cancer, or gum disease begin with mild symptoms that you may not notice. If your dentist discovers a problem, the doctor can address the matter before it becomes more serious. For example, a filling is a much simpler process than a root canal.
Don’t ignore problems
If you have a toothache or notice bleeding gums after you brush, contact your dentist right away. These issues won’t correct themselves, and leaving the situation unresolved can cause further damage, leading to more discomfort and greater expense for you.
Eat a healthy diet
The plaque that erodes enamel and encourages tooth decay thrives on starchy foods, like candies, sweets, and other junk food. Choosing healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and low fat dairy options, will promote a healthy mouth.
It’s time for your check up at Dr. Yolanda Cruz Dentistry – Toronto Dental Office
Our teeth allow us to chew, speak, and live active lives. Most people know very little about their teeth and the complex system involved in their unique design. Understanding the parts of your teeth may give you a different perspective and greater appreciation of their true value.
Crown
The part that most people see, a tooth’s crown is the area above the gums. How a crown is shaped determines the tooth’s function. For instance, molars have flat surfaces, which are ideal for grinding.
Gum line
The location where the gums and tooth meet. This area is susceptible to plaque and tartar build up, so proper brushing and flossing are critical to optimal gum health.
Enamel
Known as the hardest substance in the human body, enamel is the outer layer of your teeth. Enamel protects teeth from environmental forces such as acid and decay-causing agents.
Dentin
Composing the bulk of the tooth, dentin is a yellow, bone-like material under the enamel. Though it feels solid, dentin is actually porous and contains millions of small tubes that feed directly into the pulp.
Pulp
Considered the nerve center of the tooth, the pulp contains the soft tissue and blood vessels. The pulp provides nourishment that keeps the tooth healthy. When decay hits the pulp, people usually experience pain.
Root
Embedded in the bone, the root comprises two-thirds of the tooth and anchors the tooth in place. Usually, the roots are twice as long as the crown, the part visible to the naked eye.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry for the whole family – Toronto Canada Dentist
With mouth wash, breath strips, and minty gum in plentiful supply, it might seem like brushing is optional. Brushing at least twice a day, however, plays a critical role in your oral health. If you have doubts, consider these points about the importance of brushing.
Provides fluoride
Instrumental in cavity prevention, fluoride strengthens your teeth and helps stop the formation of cavities. Make sure to choose toothpaste that contains fluoride to maximize the effectiveness of your brushing.
Removes bacteria
When bacteria in your mouth are not eliminated, they produce acid that wears away your tooth enamel. Brushing after meals and when you first wake up will keep bacteria under control.
Increases saliva production
Saliva provides an added layer of defense against the plaque and bacteria that wreak havoc in your mouth.
Limits tartar development
When plaque is left in your mouth, it can harden into tartar, which has to be removed by a dental professional. Twice-a-day brushing will make you less likely to develop tartar.
Prevents gum disease
Not only does brushing help your teeth, but it also benefits your gums. Because your gum health impacts your oral health, you need to make brushing and flossing a priority. Gum disease can also influence your total body health, contributing to conditions such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s.
Improves breath
Having halitosis, or bad breath, can cause you embarrassment and limit social interactions. Brushing your teeth, as well as you tongue, removes the food debris and odor-causing bacteria from your mouth, which eliminates the source of halitosis.
Dr. Yolanda Cruz dentistry for the whole family – Toronto Canada Dentist
E-Mail Us 
416-595-5490
