Over time many of us have teeth that yellow or stain due to pigments in the food and drinks we consume. Tooth whitening or bleaching is a safe chemical process that can help remove the stain and restore a beautiful smile.
Tall Pines Dentistry uses Opalescence PF and Opalescence Go for our patients. Opalescence has been the leader in tooth whitening for over 25 years. Benefits of Opalescence products include:
- Superior stability and quality control
- Formulated to keep teeth hydrated
- Contains potassium nitrate and fluoride to help reduce sensitivity
- Sweetened with Xylitol which helps fight tooth decay
- Made in the USA
Dentists across the nation are noticing an uptick in patients presenting with excessive tooth wear over the past 18 months. Increased clenching and grinding of teeth are often associated with stress. Covid-19 appears to have caused an increase in these behaviors and the damage that results from parafunctional bruxism. https://www.newsobserver.com/news/article257652813.html
Signs and symptoms of bruxism include:
Teeth grinding or clenching with noise that wakes sleep partner
Flattened, chipped or fractured teeth
Worn enamel exposing the dentin layer of teeth
Painful, sore or tight jaw muscles and TMJ joint
Headaches or earaches
Sleep disruption
Risk factors for bruxism include age, stress, personality type, and use of certain medications and substances such as antidepressants, caffeine, and alcohol. Treatments for bruxism vary based on the severity and condition of teeth and can include:
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located just below the Adam's Apple at the base of the neck. It produces important hormones that help regulate the normal function of the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin. Common disorders of the thyroid include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid cancer, Graves' disease, and Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.
Signs and symptoms that your thyroid may not be functioning properly include the following:
Unexplained changes in weight
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Changes in memory or ability to concentrate
Irregular heartbeat
Depression, anxiety or irritability
Irregular menstrual periods
Joint or muscle pain or weakness
Common risk factors associated with thyroid disorders include:
Type 1 diabetes
Past radiation treatment to the head/neck area
Recent pregnancy
Family history
At Tall Pines Dentistry every cleaning appointment also includes a head/neck and oral soft tissue examination to help screen for any abnormalities. If you experience any of the symptoms above an endocrinologist can help assess the health of your thyroid. For more information on thyroid disease and awareness please click here.
Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.
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