Ever have any jaw pain, tenderness, or chewing difficulty with discomfort? Have you heard of the condition temporomandibular joint dysfunction? Want to learn what questions to ask your dentist?

According to an article at everydayhealth.com, “Questions To ask your Dentist”

“Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is a common cause of jaw pain. The temporomandibular joint is in front of the ears where the lower jaw is attached to the upper part of the face. If you put your hands in front of your ears and open your mouth you can feel the temporomandibular joint area move. This joint can develop pain along with difficulty in chewing and biting. Temporo-mandibular joint dysfunction may also present with a clicking sound with jaw movements.

Top Questions to Ask Your Dentist About TMJ

• Are there medications I can take for the pain?
• Do I need a bite guard, and how do I use us it?
• Do I need to have any tests like an x-ray or a CAT scan?
• I grind my teeth during sleep.
• Will that lead to temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• What causes temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• Are there any jaw exercises you recommend for temporomandibular joint dysfunction?
• Are there types of food that will cause less jaw pain?”

Suffering from temporomandibular joint dysfunction; Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry can help. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.

Do you remember your first dental visit? Did you have any dental fears when going to the dentist? Want some tips on how to tackle children’s common dental fears?

According to an article at dental.net, “Kid’s Dental Guide”

“I will never forget my first trip to the dentist. My mother had told me so many times not to be scared that when I finally got there I was terrified, and wet my pants while sitting in the waiting room. Once inside though, things were different – our family dentist was a friendly chap who made sure that I felt no pain.

What are the things that kids especially fear when a dentist appointment looms, and how best ought you to work through these?

•    Rule No. 1 – Do not try to fool a kid. Kids are a whole lot sharper than we think. These days they watch television, and surf the internet as well as we do. So level with them – kids are also a lot tougher than we sometimes think.

•    Be a good role model – When you are the littlest one, you stay out of trouble by learning with your eyes. Do not look scared when it is your dental turn. Take your child with you, and let them see what is involved. That way you capitalize on the instinct of a child to mimic what their parents do. Never be apprehensive on behalf of your child.

•    Fear of pain – If your child has been hurt by a careless dentist in the past, then you have a problem that must be resolved before their next visit, (and hopefully to a different dentist too). You could explain that falling off a bike is no reason not to cycle, that it should not have happened, and that the new dentist will be different.

•    Choosing the best dentist – There is not a single honest person that will not admit a sense of trepidation as they park their auto outside a dentist’s rooms. It is the welcome that you receive that makes the difference. Choose a competent dentist with a genuine love of children.

•    Managing uncertainty – Adults, too get scared when they do not know what is going happen next. Take time to discuss things openly with your child, and work through their misgivings. Find out what are your particular child’s concerns. Did they watch a movie? Did their friends tell horror stories? All these things are real to them.

•    Make it fun – A dentist’s couch and all their other apparatus can look scary too, so let your kid touch the equipment first. Consider sitting down, and letting the dentist clean your own teeth first. Another useful tip is holding a small child in your lap while a dentist goes about their business.

•    Timing – Arrange a session as early as possible and not on a school day. It is better to visit a dentist on the weekend so that other children won’t taunt your child — making up stories about the dentist and creating unnecessary fears. 

Like most things in life, a visit to a dentist can be horrible, or equally, pleasant, depending on the way that we approach things. Apply these principles to your kid, and make life fun.”

Need a dentist that understands the needs of children? Dr. McElhinney has more than 30 year’s of experience and can handle any child’s fear. Visit renolaserdentistry.com for more information.

Visit your dentist regularly? Did you know that gum disease is also known as periodontal disease, want to learn more about the stages of the disease? Make sure that you consult your dentist if you any concerns.

According to an article at naturalnews.com, “Periodontal Disease”

“Gum disease is also referred to as periodontal disease and encompasses the various stages of the disease, including gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontal literally translates to “around the tooth”. Interestingly, as the disease progresses it manages to burrow itself more completely around the affected tooth or teeth.

The beginning stage of gum disease is gingivitis, which occurs when plaque buildup begins to inflame the gums causing them to redden, swell and easily bleed. Typically there is little to no discomfort during this stage. Because of this, gingivitis is generally detected during a regular dentist visit. If diagnosed and treated, gingivitis is completely reversible.

If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to periodontitis, which occurs when plaque spreads below the gumline. The bacteria associated with plaque produces toxins, which trigger further inflammation. Over time, this heightened inflammatory response will ultimately deteriorate the bones and tissue that support the affected teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. Once periodontitis sets in, treatment is crucial to manage the inflammation and minimize damage.

It is estimated that 80% of all American adults have some form of gum disease. Smoking, genetics, stress, medications (including oral contraceptives, anti-depressants and certain heart medications), pregnancy, clenching or grinding your teeth, poor nutrition, diabetes and other systemic diseases have all been implicated as risk factors for the disease.

The link between gum disease and systemic disease is at the center of a number of on going studies. What we currently know is that definitive links do exists between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and pregnancy complications. Currently researchers are examining the possibilities that either inflammation, bacteria or a combination of the two are at the heart of the link between gum disease and other health problems.”

The good news is you can receive treatment for gum disease. Need the best dentist in Reno then Dr. McElhinney is the one? If you have any questions visit renolaserdentistry.com.

Have you heard of a condition called “black hairy tongue”? Well, it’s actually a painless oral health condition which the tongue appears black. Want to learn more about this oral condition?

According to an article at dentist.net, “An Overview of Black Hairy Tongue”

“The name — black hairy tongue — may sound scary, but the condition is actually harmless. Black hairy tongue is caused by bacteria or fungi in the mouth, which make the tongue, appear black and hairy. It’s easily remedied by good old-fashioned oral hygiene.

What causes black hairy tongue?

A black hairy tongue is caused by too much bacteria or yeast growth in the mouth. The bacteria build up on tiny rounded projections called papillae. These lie along the surface of the tongue. Instead of shedding as they normally do, the papillae start to grow and lengthen, creating hair-like projections. They can grow to 15 times their normal length.

Normally, the papillae are pinkish-white. But as they grow, pigments from food, drinks, and possibly the bacteria or yeast themselves get caught in the papillae, dyeing the tongue a color. Most often that color is black, hence the name. But the tongue can also turn brown, yellow, green, or a variety of other colors.

Certain lifestyle habits and conditions can make people more likely to develop black hairy tongue. They include:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Smoking tobacco
• Drinking a lot of coffee or tea
• Using antibiotics (which may disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in the mouth)
• Being dehydrated
• Taking medications that contain the chemical bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol for upset stomach)
• Not producing enough saliva
• Regularly using mouthwash that contains peroxide, witch hazel, or menthol
• Getting radiation therapy to the head and neck

Black hairy tongue is more common in men, people who use intravenous drugs, and those who are HIV-positive.

What are the symptoms of hairy tongue?

Other than the appearance of the tongue, most people with black hairy tongue don’t have any symptoms or feel any discomfort. The exception is when there is too much growth of the yeast Candida albicans, which can cause a burning sensation on the tongue. This burning sensation is called glossopyrosis.

Some people complain of a tickling feeling in the back of the roof of the mouth, a nasty metallic taste in their mouth, or nausea. In more severe cases, the condition may lead to a gagging feeling. Sometimes, food getting caught inside the extra-long papillae can cause bad breath.

How can I get rid of black hairy tongue?

Practicing good oral hygiene is the best way to treat black hairy tongue. Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush. Also, brush your tongue. You can use a tongue scraper to make sure you’re thoroughly cleaning the area. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help keep your mouth clean.

Other tips include:

If you smoke, quit.

Add more roughage to your diet. Soft foods won’t clean off the tongue effectively.”

Do you have an oral condition that needs the attention of a dental professional? Dr. McElhinney of Reno Laser Dentistry can be contacted at renolaserdentsitry.com for more information on appointment availability.

Are you a smoker? Worried about the negative effects that smoking has on your oral health? Do you have a need for a healthier lifestyle? How about some tips to help you make healthier decisions about your oral health.

According to an article at ada.org, “Smoking and Oral Health”

“Mark Twain once said, “Quitting smoking is easy. I’ve done it a thousand times.”

Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars and spit (chewing) tobacco—contain nicotine and nicotine is the agent in tobacco that’s capable of causing addiction or dependence. However, you can quit once and for all. The reasons for quitting are simple: You’ll lower the chances of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer, including oral cancer. A smoke-free environment is healthier for those around you. If you’re pregnant, you’ll improve your chances of having a healthy baby. And, the money spent on tobacco can be used on other things.

What effects can smoking have on my oral health?

• Oral Cancer
• Periodontal (gum) disease—a leading cause of tooth loss and sensitivity
• Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery
• Few options for some kinds of dental care (smokers can be poor candidates for particular treatments such as implants)
• Bad breath
• Stained teeth and tongue
• Diminished sense of taste and smell

What effects can smokeless tobacco have on my oral health?

Like cigarettes, smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. At least 28 cancer-causing chemicals have been identified in smokeless tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco is known to cause cancers of the mouth, lip, tongue, and pancreas. Users also may be at risk for cancer of the voice box, esophagus, colon and bladder, because they swallow some of the toxins in the juice created by using smokeless tobacco.

Smokeless tobacco can irritate your gum tissue, causing periodontal (gum) disease. Sugar is often added to enhance the flavor of smokeless tobacco, increasing the risk for tooth decay. Smokeless tobacco also typically contains sand and grit, which can wear down your teeth.”

Need help overcoming the effects of smoking, contact Dr. McElhinney of RenoLaserDentistry.com for more information on how Dr. McElhinney can help.