Foods to Avoid with TMJ/TMD

If you’ve been diagnosed with a TMJ disorder, our doctors at Riverwalk Dental want to assure that you are pain-free. If you have TMJ/TMD you may want to avoid certain types of foods that could make the condition worse. We don’t recommend making any drastic changes to your diet, but we do suggest incorporating softer foods into your diet. TMJ is a chronic condition that requires self-care measures and a little help from your dentist.

Crunchy foods, including popcorn, chips and other salty snack foods may be too difficult for your jaw to chew when you have TMJ. Hard vegetables like carrots and celery can also cause pain in the jaw because of the intensity with which you need to bite down on them. Other types of food to avoid include chewy snacks, fatty foods, and foods that are cut into large pieces.

If you have questions or concerns regarding TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Causes of Gap Teeth

A gap (also known as a diastema) between the top front incisors is one of the most common cosmetic problems people want dentists’ help with. At Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, we’re happy to help patients with their smiles, but depending on a gap’s cause, different treatments may be appropriate.

If the teeth are otherwise in good alignment and there’s just a small gap, veneers may be the quickest solution. They are artificial fronts for teeth that can be made in a slightly different size than the underlying tooth, closing the space. It is more common for teeth to be somewhat misaligned, in which case the Invisalign orthodontic treatment we offer may be preferable. Invisalign cannot be used for major realignment, but it is a good option for people seeking cosmetic changes.

Gaps that are caused by serious jaw issues, such as an overbite, may require a more specialized approach. Even if orthodontic work is completed successfully, there may be an underlying cause that has to be dealt with. Some people have overbites because anxiety causes them to suck their thumbs. Others involuntarily thrust their tongues forward when they swallow, in which case they will need to see an ear, nose, and throat doctor. It is also possible that the strip of connective tissue between the upper lip and the jaw, the labial frenum, is too thick, in which case an oral surgeon will have to cut some of it away.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

White Spot Lesions

Patients may be confused by the appearance of white spots on their teeth. Do they mean something good or bad about the state of their mouths? At Riverwalk Dental in Calgary, we want patients to understand when their oral health is in danger, so this week’s blog post is about incipient lesions, also known as white spot lesions.

White spots are the earliest signs of tooth decay. When enamel, the hard substance that makes up the outside of teeth, is eroded, it looks white and chalky. Dentists know that if a person has glazed-looking upper back teeth, it is a sign that they are suffering from chronic acid reflux. Elsewhere in the mouth, acid exposure is probably being caused by bacterial infections. As bacteria eat, they produce acid, which gets stuck in plaque. Damage to enamel is the result.

A white spot can form in as few as thirty days, and if they’re not taken care of, they will lead to more decay. Better brushing can remove a developing infection. Some places to pay especially close attention to are the gum line, the sides of teeth, and the area surrounding orthodontic brackets. Once decay is stopped, the teeth may remineralize naturally or can be treated with veneers.

Dr. Jared Palmer and his team operate Riverwalk Dental at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit Riverwalk Dental.

 

Oral Care for Elder Patients

Good dental hygiene and oral care habits are important at any age. But as we all grow older, certain health concerns earn our full attention, especially the importance of oral health for senior patients. Whether you have all of your original teeth, some of them, or a full set of dentures, our staff at Riverwalk Dental can help you keep your mouth healthy.

If you’re a senior headed for a checkup, one of our doctors will conduct a thorough history and dental exam. During the oral exam, he or she will check the following: your face and neck, your bite, your jaw, your lymph nodes and salivary glands, your inner cheeks as well as the inside of your oral cavity. It is important for us to check for signs of infection and oral cancer so that if something is wrong, we can catch it at the earliest stage when it is the easiest to treat. If you wear dentures or other appliances, we will also ask about when you wear them as well as if you are experiencing any problem areas in the mouth.

If you have questions or concerns about dental services, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.

Cosmetic Dental Services

Cosmetic dentistry is a type of dentistry that is aimed at creating a positive change in your teeth and to your smile. If you have a grin that embarrasses you due to missing teeth, tooth discoloration, or teeth that are chipped or cracked, our doctors at Riverwalk Dental offer a variety of treatment options to aesthetically restore your smile while improving its overall function.

From subtle changes to major repairs, our dentists can perform a variety of procedures to improve your smile. These procedures include, but are not limited to, whitening, dental bonding, dental crowns, veneers, and reshaping and contouring. These improvements are not always just cosmetic. Many of these treatments can improve oral problems as well, such as your bite. If you’re not sure which procedure may be right for you, we are here to answer all of your questions. The condition of your teeth and your desired result often indicate the best procedure for you.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. Riverwalk Dental is located at 540 6^th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1K5, Canada. To schedule an appointment, call 1-403-456-4994 or visit riverwalkdental.ca.