Autumn Leaves and Botox Please

What is Botox and what does it do? Botox is a drug made from a toxin that is produced by bacteria, called Clostridium botulinum, which blocks nerve activity in the muscles. This causes a temporary reduction in muscle activity for about 3 months.

How do I know if I clench or grind my teeth?

Do you ever wake up with a stiff, sore jaw and/or headache? Do you feel like your teeth are sensitive to cold drinks? If you have any of these symptoms, you could be clenching or grinding your teeth! Most people aren’t aware of this habit, as it is generally done during sleep. Grinding your teeth can be very damaging. It contributes to breaking and chipping, can reduce sleep quality, and in severe cases it can damage the nerves in your teeth, resulting in a need for a root canal. This condition is also called Bruxism. Studies indicate that people who clench or grind their teeth can Read More →

how to care for your night guard

You’ve heard the reasons why to get a night guard, but how often do we talk about how to properly care for your night guard to keep it working for you for a long time? Here are some tips: Always store your night guard in the case provided for you by your dental office. If you lose your case, contact your dentist office to get a new one.  Keep your night guard away from pets. All too often a pet is the reason for needing a new night guard! Clean your night guard with a toothbrush and warm water after Read More →

Is Your Pain Associated With Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMJ, TMD)

Do you have trouble with: a painful, aching jaw, sore, sensitive teeth, stiff neck, tension headaches, morning headaches, or a stiff, tired jaw? If you experience these issues, you may have a Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD). TMJ/TMD is a disorder in which your jaw muscles and joints do not function properly, resulting in cycles of pain and spasms that in many cases can be successfully treated. We asked our assistant, Janet to share her TMJ experience with us. “When I had TMJ, I would wake up in the morning with a stiff jaw and what I would describe as burning Read More →