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Why Is Teeth Grinding Harmful? | Yorba Linda Dentist

Bruxism is the excessive grinding of the teeth and/or excessive clenching of the jaw, often caused by stress or an abnormal bite and can be very damaging to your teeth and jaw. But don’t worry – your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard needed to protect your teeth during sleep and develop a long-term solution to your teeth grinding issue.

Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a telltale symptom of bruxism. Many times, people learn that they grind their teeth by their loved one who hears the grinding at night. You dentist can also examine your jaw and abnormalities with your teeth.

Not only can severe grinding damage teeth and result in tooth loss, it can also affect your jaws, result in hearing loss, cause or worsen TMD/TMJ, and even change the appearance of your face.

There are lots of things you can do to prevent bruxism, including exercise, meditation or medication.

Other tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:

  • Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate and coffee.
  • Avoid alcohol. Grinding tends to intensify after alcohol consumption.
  • Do not chew on pencils or pens or anything that is not food and avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching.
  • Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth.
  • Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

For more information about bruxism, call Dr. Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Andrey Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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The Signs and Symptoms of Oral Cancer | Yorba Linda Dentist

When we hear the word cancer, we are always sent into a state of shock. Here in America, someone is diagnosed with oral cancer every hour of every day. Because there are so many factors that can contribute to developing oral cancer, knowing some of the signs and symptoms you should keep an eye out for can help to diagnose the problem quickly and find some type of treatment. While you can’t diagnose yourself, if you find that you have any of these symptoms, make an appointment with your dental professional to get a proper examination.

Lumps and lesions. If you notice red or white sores on or inside your mouth, it’s important to see a dentist as they will have difficulty healing, making it a perfect bed for bacteria, etc. Finding lumps or swollen areas in your throat or cheeks can cause painful issues closing your mouth.

Dysphagia. Dysphagia, or problems swallowing, will not only cause problems breathing but can also cause you to contract infection. If you feel a lump in your throat, or you find you are losing weight because of issues swallowing, make an appointment.

Numbness. Any numbness in the mouth or chin is cause for concern, so if you find this is a new constant, it’s time for an examination.

Tooth loss. If you find that you have loose teeth for no apparent reason, you may be developing early signs of oral cancer. Tooth decay and gum disease are signs you may be subject to oral cancer in the future, so see a dentist asap.

Bad breath. There are many reasons you have bad breath. If you find that it is a chronic problem, seek advice from your dental professional. 

For more information about oral cancer, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Choosing Clear Braces over Traditional Braces | Yorba Linda Dentist

When deciding to straighten out your smile, it is important to weigh out all the options because they are not the same animal. If you’re an adult, you may think that traditional braces are a bad idea because of the lack of discretion. If you are an active individual, you may find traditional braces to cause issue while active. Sure, both versions will make your smile look fantastic, but not everyone is a candidate for the clear aligners.

Since 1998, products like Invisalign and Clear Correct have been aesthetic alternatives to the typical tooth-straightening option. Both of these products can now straighten your teeth without wires and glued brackets. Using clear aligners, you can achieve your dream smile even if you have misaligned, crooked, or gapped teeth. But only if your flaws are fairly subtle. Unfortunately, if your flaws are extensive, traditional braces will be the ideal option because trays won’t be able to straighten major flaws.

For the record, you are less restricted than with traditional braces, but there is some maintenance involved. In order to ensure that your clear aligners are in good condition, keep the following care tips in mind as you use the system:

  • Wear your aligners at all times, except when eating, brushing, and flossing. Failure to wear your aligners will prevent your teeth from becoming straight.
  • Avoid gums and caramels at all times. The chewy material will instantly ruin your aligners.
  • Avoid placing your aligners in places that are too warm because this could potentially damage your aligners.
  • Clean your aligners often. Aligners should be gently cleaning with a toothbrush and soap in cool water.

For more information about braces, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Root Canals: Why? | Yorba Linda Dentist

If you ask any average American what they fear most about going to the dentist and chances are, they will respond root canals. It’s true. Most patients assimilate root canals to lots of pain, and they dodge coming into contact with them as much as possible. Unfortunately, this isn’t by continuing proper dental hygiene, but by avoiding dental appointments. The problem is, avoiding the inevitable isn’t going to help your cause. In fact, by dodging the dental chair, you are likely making more of a mess than you realize. Because root canal therapy, or endodontic treatment, is absolutely necessary when the nerve of the tooth is infected due to exposure to bacteria.

Because the buildup of bacteria is mainly caused by poor oral hygiene, it is essential to maintain excellent oral healthy by brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinse. Although poor oral health is one of the main reasons for root canal therapy, failing dental restorations and cracked teeth also allow bacteria to leak inside the tooth and infect the nerve. Not only will this situation cause excruciating pain but will result in root canal therapy to treat your condition.

So, what is the easiest way to prevent endodontic treatment and root canal therapy?

The answer is simple. Proper dental care and regular dental visits. Scheduling regular visits will ensure that your teeth are thoroughly examined for any signs of decay or other dental predicaments. Avoid undergoing the painful symptoms of endodontic problems and consult about preventing root canal therapy.

For more information about root canals, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Do My Migraines Mean I Have TMJ Disorder? | Yorba Linda Dentist

Nothing is worse than a really bad headache. If you are one of the many patients that deal with migraines, you are on an entirely different level. As many as 1 in 4 homes has someone that suffers from these painful migraines, which is probably why migraines are rated among the most disabling medical illnesses in the world. The problem is lots of times, it isn’t a migraine to be dismissed. It could be something that may be caused by one of your temporomandibular joints, or TMJ.

If you are unaware, TMJ is the joint where your lower jaw is attached to your skull, so you have TMJs on both sides of your face. Problems related to said joints are classified as TMJ disorders. Common examples of TMJ disorders are frequent migraines, having trouble sleeping and difficulty closing and opening the mouth. TMJ may also result in a number of other problems, including:

Once identified, alleviating the pain caused by TMJ is simple. A mouth guard will be recommended while you sleep and any time you find yourself grinding or clenching your teeth. Massage or relaxation therapy will help alleviate your need to tighten your jaw, thereby relieving some pain. And your diet will change your diet to decrease the need for chewing and an increase in calcium and/or magnesium intake.

For more information about TMJ disorder, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation Could Be the Answer to Your Receding Gums | Yorba Linda Dentist

Not only is gum disease a common occurrence one will experience in our lives, but gum recession is a significant problem for many patients. Not only is it visually unpleasant, but the exposed root is subject to more rapid decay, which weakens the tooth and jeopardizes the health of your tooth going forward. Unfortunately, treatment for gum recession wasn’t a pleasant experience. Traditional gum recession treatment involves taking soft tissue from the roof of the mouth and grafting it into the gum line – a procedure that is time intensive and requires significant recovery. But as time went on, an alternative method was developed – Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, a procedure that differs from traditional recession treatment in three important ways:

No grafts, no sutures, or incisions. While the procedure is surgical in nature, it is far less invasive and virtually pain-free.

Faster recovery time. In many cases, the patient can eat normally later in the same day and resume normal activity the day after. Overall discomfort is noticeably less, as there are no uncomfortable sutures to irritate the mouth.

Quick and easy. Typically, this means less expensive to perform, with comparable results to the more involved surgical procedure.

Regardless of the cause, whether it’s periodontal disease, natural aging, or aggressive brushing, the pinhole surgical technique is beneficial to getting your smile back on track. The simple, fast procedure can quickly address the recession, protect the root of the tooth and give you a nicer smile without an invasive surgery. Instead of avoiding your gum recession, get it taken care of with pinhole gum rejuvenation.

For more information about Pinhole Gum Rejuvenation, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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November Is National Diabetes Month | Yorba Linda Dentist

Because this is the time of year diabetes is spotlighted the most, it is important to know that not only does diabetes affect your blood sugar levels, but every part of your body, including your teeth. Sure, we don’t typically correlate diabetes with our smiles but it’s true. Those with diabetes that isn’t taken care of are at a much higher risk of developing gum disease and other issues than non-diabetics.  So, in honor of National Diabetes Month, let’s take a quick look at some of the things you can do to keep dental issues at bay while you are beginning to figure out how to control your glucose levels.

Since chewing is necessary to eat, and teeth are needed to chew, it is important to keep your teeth healthy. Oral infections can lead to bone damage, and may cause tooth loss. Unfortunately, not all dental appliances will be suitable to your teeth so stay on top of your oral hygiene. Use a soft-bristle brush between the gums and the teeth in a vibrating motion and rinse daily.

It is important to know that bleeding or swollen gums is a common symptom those suffering with diabetes will encounter. If you notice your gums are bleeding while eating or brushing, see a dentist. They need to know you have been diagnosed with diabetes so that they can help you maintain your oral health going forward. In fact, notify your dentist immediately if you notice any abnormal changes in your mouth. Regular checkups will also be a great time to touch base with your dental professional regarding any other lifestyle changes that need to be made in order to maintain your overall health.

For more information about diabetes, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Not All Halloween Candy Is the Same | Yorba Linda Dentist

As soon as October hits, the air turns from Indian summer to chilly Fall. And just like that, out come the cutest little ghouls and goblins waiting to trick-or-treat. Yes, things may seem a bit different this year but nonetheless, the tiny humans in your family are especially excited about this sugary nightmare of a holiday and there is little a parent can do. After all, we know that too much of a sugary thing will only lead to dental issues in the future. But there is no need to deprive your child of this sweetest of holidays, just keep an eye on what it could do to their teeth. The following is a list of your child’s Halloween dental health enemies:

Sour. Sour candies can ruin your tooth enamel by combining sweet with sour for a pH level of 2.5, a level that high can cause serious damage to developing teeth so keep them clear of this fruity confection.

Sticky. It may seem fairly harmless, but sticky candy is some of the worst for teeth. Not only does the sticky texture stick to your teeth’s surface and in their crevices, but they can also loosen dental fixtures, like braces or fillings.

Gummy. Similar to caramels and other sticky candies, gummy candies also stick to the crevices of your teeth, making it difficult to remove with a brushing or a quick rinse of water.

Hard. Not only can hard candy damage teeth when bitten, but even if you don’t bite them, sucking on hard candy isn’t a quick process, making time for sugars to nestle into a tooth and cause cavities extensive.

For more information about veneers, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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Which Veneer Is the Ideal Choice? | Yorba Linda Dentist

If you had the ideal smile, would you hide it? Likely no. We all want a fantastic smile and will endure lots of dental time in order to achieve it. One of the best ways to improve chips, discoloration, misalignment and other complications is with the use of porcelain veneers.

A porcelain veneer is a medical appliance that’s applied as a cosmetic dental treatment. It’s thin and made out of pieces of porcelain that’s shaped to fit on the front of the teeth. Veneers are strong, durable and natural-looking. They are custom-made to match both the shape and color of the patient’s teeth, but not all veneers are created alike. Here is a brief description of all three versions:

MAC veneers. Made with pressed ceramics, this particular brand is different from others, which use layered ceramics.  MAC veneers are also widely preferred by celebrities and athletes alike due to the realistic and translucent appearance it creates and its 16 color hues.

Da Vince veneers. Da Vince veneers are very thin and as a result are rarely noticeable. The brand has been around for over 25 hours and was the brand of choice in the tv show Extreme Makeover.

Lumineers. This particular brand of veneers is made from a special patented cerinate porcelain that is both very durable and at the same time, very thin. It is so thin that it’s been compared to contact lenses. Lumineers are widely considered as the brand of choice for patients who’re looking to attain that “bright, Hollywood smile”.

When it comes to veneers, it’s best to listen to the assessment of your cosmetic dentist about what will benefit your esthetic goals best and what the best course of action is for long-lasting results.

For more information about veneers, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

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The ABCs of Oral Cancer Symptoms | Yorba Linda Dentist

It may not be the most pleasant subject to talk about but becoming aware of the signs and symptoms of oral cancer could save your life. Close to 50,000 patients are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. Men are actually twice as likely to get it than women, so it is important that they are extra careful when paying attention to symptoms that may be developing. The risks are much higher if treatment is delayed more than it need to be.

As far as indicators are concerned, there are a few things you should keep an eye out for:

  • Red and/or white spots in your mouth
  • A sore hasn’t healed within two weeks
  • A persistent hoarseness when you speak

If you find any of these early indicators, see a dental professional as soon as possible. If left untreated, more severe symptoms will develop. If they get to an advanced stage, treatment will become imperative. Here is what could develop if you don’t get medical advice:

  • A sensation that feels like something is stuck in the back of your throat
  • Any numbness in your mouth
  • Difficulty moving your jaw or tongue and have problems swallowing
  • Persistent pain in one particular ear
  • A lump or enlargement in the neck or lymph node area
  • If you wear dentures and you notice a sore beneath them that doesn’t heal

As always, prevention is key when it comes to our health. And because our mouths are the first line of defense, it is important that we are aware of any issues that may be developing.

For more information about oral cancer, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.