What is Bruxism?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition where a person clenches or grinds their teeth, often unconsciously, especially during sleep. It can also occur during the day due to stress or concentration. Over time, bruxism can lead to serious dental problems, such as tooth wear, fractures, and jaw pain. It can also cause headaches and disrupt sleep quality.

Causes and Symptoms of Teeth Grinding

Teeth grinding can be triggered by stress, anxiety, misaligned teeth, or even certain medications. Symptoms include jaw soreness, sensitive teeth, worn-down tooth surfaces, and a clicking sound in the jaw. Some people may not realize they grind their teeth until a dentist identifies the signs during a routine check-up.

Preventive Measures and Treatment Options for Bruxism

To manage bruxism, a dentist may recommend a custom-made night guard to protect the teeth while sleeping. Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness and relaxation exercises, can also help reduce daytime grinding. In severe cases, correcting misaligned teeth through orthodontic treatments or physical therapy for jaw issues may be necessary to alleviate grinding.

What is Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. This condition can make it difficult to chew, swallow, or speak comfortably. Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids, so a dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Common Causes of Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be caused by various factors, including medications (such as antihistamines and antidepressants), dehydration, smoking, or medical conditions like diabetes and Sjögren’s syndrome. It can also occur as a side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Identifying the underlying cause is key to effective management.

Tips for Managing Dry Mouth

Staying hydrated is essential for combating dry mouth. Sipping water throughout the day and using sugar-free lozenges or chewing gum can stimulate saliva flow. A dentist may also recommend artificial saliva products or fluoride treatments to protect the teeth from decay. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco can further reduce dry mouth symptoms and improve oral health.

What Are Minor Cavities?

Minor cavities, also known as early-stage tooth decay, occur when enamel begins to break down due to acid erosion from plaque buildup. These cavities often present as small white or brown spots on the tooth surface and may not cause pain initially. If detected early, minor cavities can often be managed without invasive treatment.

Preventing the Progression of Minor Cavities

Good oral hygiene is key to preventing minor cavities from worsening. Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing regularly, and maintaining a balanced diet low in sugary snacks can help protect enamel. Regular dental check-ups are also essential for catching cavities early and receiving preventive treatments like fluoride varnishes or sealants.

Treatment Options for Minor Cavities

When a cavity is still in its early stages, fluoride treatments can often remineralize the enamel and halt decay progression. If the cavity has progressed slightly, a small dental filling may be needed to restore the tooth. Dentists can use tooth-colored composite fillings that blend seamlessly with natural teeth, providing both protection and aesthetics while preventing further decay.

Bad Bacteria in Your Mouth

Bad breath, also called halitosis, is a rather common affliction that may not only be embarrassing but can also cause anxiety and low self-esteem. It has many causes, but primarily the odor comes from the build-up of bacteria in the mouth. Know more about it.

Halitosis is so common that convenience stores, drugstores, and supermarkets sell a lot of products that aim to treat, manage, or otherwise mask bad breath. The accumulation of bad bacteria usually comes from a lack of a thorough oral care routine resulting in a buildup of plaque on teeth, gums, and tongue

While poor oral hygiene can result in a foul-smelling mouth, there are others, for example stress, dehydration and dry mouth, certain food choices, certain systemic diseases, and smoking. Here is how these root causes can lead to halitosis.

• Poor oral hygiene. Neglect of daily brushing and flossing lead to left over food debris between teeth, around and under the gums, on the tongue, and other places that invite bacterial growth. This can lead to gingivitis or the more serious periodontitis, causing bad breath. Dental caries, decay, abscesses, may lead to the same. Not regularly cleaning your dentures, braces, and other dental appliances can also result in bad breath.
• Morning breath. If the requisite oral hygiene routine is neglected before you sleep, bacteria will tend to multiply overnight, causing you to wake up in the morning with a foul-smelling mouth.
• Particular foods. Certain foods can contribute to bad breath, like garlic, onion, cheese, pastrami, certain spices, and drinks like soda, orange juice, and alcohol. Foods circulate through your bloodstream and pass the lungs (which you may be able to smell through your breath). Until the body fully processes the food, its strong odors will remain.
• Dry Mouth Syndrome. Dry mouth happens when you do not secret sufficient saliva, which hydrates your mouth and its structures. Saliva washes away food and bacteria so that they don’t leave odors. There are certain medications that produce this syndrome.
• Tobacco use. The fumes from cigarettes stick to the insides of your cheeks, on your tongue and palate,. Nicotine stains teeth and that also leaves a smell.
• Certain diseases. There are illnesses that can bring about bad breath. Examples are: postnasal drip, chronic sinus infections, pneumonia or bronchitis as well as chronic lung diseases, some seasonal allergies, acid reflux disease, liver or kidney problems.

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Learning More About Bad Breath in Bellevue

If you think you have bad breath that does not go away, come see your Bellevue dentist. Let’s bring back fresh breath and confident smiles.