Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

Bright and White Smiles at Home | Yorba Linda Dentist

The more brilliant your teeth, the better your smile looks to everyone you’re smiling at. The problem with white teeth really lies in the degree you take your oral hygiene. There’s always over-the-counter versions and professional treatments to do at home, but what if there was a way to do it without going the chemical route? Here are some natural options:

Old reliable. You can find a lot of toothpastes with these ingredients, but if you want to do it DIY style, just drop a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into a little bit of baking soda makes a paste

Fruit. Strawberries contain malic acid, fantastic at breaking down stains so grab a couple berries, add about a teaspoon of baking soda & rub on your teeth for 5-7 minutes. Peel a ripe banana and rub a piece of the inside on your teeth for two minutes to brighten your smile in a very nutritious way.

Apple cider vinegar. Chances are you have some apple cider vinegar in your pantry. Dilute it with some water (3 parts water, 1 part vinegar) and mix it with an all-natural toothpaste, you’ve made a tooth whitening solution.

Coconut oil. Swishing coconut oil around in your mouth for 20 minutes is a possible solution to dingy teeth. Or heat a cup of coconut oil, add two teaspoons of baking soda and 5-10 drops of natural spearmint essential oil for a natural whitener.

Charcoal. One of the latest detoxifying trends is to use activated charcoal due to its porous nature. The recipe is simple: mix with a little bit of water, gently apply it to your teeth, leave to set in your mouth for two minutes, then rinse.

For more information about teeth whitening, 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.

Posted on

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed? | Yorba Linda Dentist

It’s believed by many that wisdom teeth are a byproduct of evolution and that it was once necessary for ancient humans, whose diet consisted mainly of raw and unprocessed meat, plants, nuts and seeds, to chew and digest their food properly.

Even if they are hidden under the surface of your gums, your wisdom teeth are not free from disease. In fact, the third molars are actually quite prone to cavities, abscesses, gum diseases, cysts and so on. Also, if they are impacted, your wisdom teeth may end up damaging any adjacent teeth.

To prevent any complication caused by wisdom teeth, many people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed almost immediately as they appear. Not all dentists, however, recommend extraction. At least, not in all cases. In fact, most dentists agree that wisdom teeth should be evaluated to see if extraction is really necessary.

As far as making a decision goes, it’s best to consult your dentist and ask what is best for your oral health. If your dentist sees no problem in you keeping your last set of molars, you should take it as a sign that you’re one of the lucky few who didn’t have to go through the painful experience of their wisdom teeth crowding or impacting the adjacent teeth.

Remember, the only way to remove a wisdom tooth is through surgery. Although relatively safe, all surgical procedures are at risk for some sort of complication, especially in this case because the surgery to have wisdom teeth removed requires the use of either local or general anesthesia.

For more information about wisdom teeth, 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.

Posted on

Is It an Emergency? | Yorba Linda Dentist

No matter how much we try to avoid it, accidents happen. And from time to time, this accident affects your teeth. And whether it needs immediate attention or can wait for an appointment, it’s time to visit the dentist. But how do you know? Here are some basic rules of thumb to keep in mind:

If a tooth is knocked out completely, immediate care is required to save it. It’s possible that the tooth can be re-implanted if you get to the dentist within an hour or so. If you lose a tooth, rinse it with water, making sure not to touch the root.

If you chip or break a tooth, call your dentist – they’ll likely ask you to visit the office in the coming days for inspection. It’s difficult to know the extent of the damage without x-rays and proper checkup, so even if you think it isn’t a big deal, make sure to prevent further damage.

If the tooth is pushed inward or outward, GENTLY try to straighten it but do not try to force it into its socket and call your dentist, making sure to stabilize the tooth with gauze or tissue on your way.

As with tooth pain of any kind, there are some simple things you can do at home while you wait for an appointment. Rinse with warm saltwater. If you’re experiencing swelling, apply a cold compress, and take a pain reliever. A typical toothache is likely not an emergency, but you should have the tooth checked as soon as possible.

Accidents will happen – but it isn’t time to panic. Rest assured, your dentist can help treat injuries as they happen.

For more information about dental emergencies, 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.

Posted on

Start the New Year with New Dental Habits | Yorba Linda Dentist

We all try to improve our quality of life in the new year, and this upcoming new year is no different. But when you think about improving your health, do you ever think about your dental health? I won’t assume but it is likely that the answer is no. I will encourage you to think twice about that as you write your resolutions for 2020. Because in a way, your oral health dictates the rest of your body.

We know a proper dental routine includes brushing, flossing and rinsing with mouthwash, but a couple of these steps may be done in error, or completely missed altogether. If you are forgetting to do any of these steps, it’s time to rethink your habits. Don’t get overwhelmed, here’s a quick rundown. Promise it isn’t as scary as you think…

When it comes to dental health, the best thing you can do is stay on top of your oral hygiene. Make sure you do three things: brush for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste, rinse and floss twice daily, change your toothbrush every few months or after being sick, and see your dentist regularly.

You may not think it’s important but rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash is your leading line of defense when gum disease presents itself in your mouth. Not only does it help cure gingivitis, but also prevents bleeding gums and inflammation by eliminating the bacteria in your mouth causing the irritation. The brand or flavor is up to you, just make sure it’s accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t take work, just a conscious effort. And now we have a whole new year to get it right…

For more information about dental hygiene, 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.

Posted on

Battle Royale: Traditional Braces vs. Clear Braces | Yorba Linda Dentist

During the holiday season, it is tough to dodge a photo op. So many social gatherings to attend with our loved ones, and everyone seems to have a social media page needing new content. But if you don’t have a smile you are proud of, it can be a trying time. Crooked teeth affect us all – but no matter who is in need of a perfect set of pearly whites, there are a few options on the market you can go with. The problem is… which is the better choice to fix them – the classic braces or the more inconspicuous Invisalign?

The first, and most obvious option, is to go with the tried-and-true braces. They have the most history of success, are affordable, and are almost a rite of passage for a teenager. They were silver metal back in the day but can now come in a ceramic that makes them a whole lot less noticeable. There are also colors you can choose from to create a custom look. On the downside, you still have to get them tightened every month or so and broken pieces are a hassle. But you are guaranteed a gorgeous smile as a result.

Since 1998, Invisalign’s transparent tooth aligners have revolutionized the orthodontic world. This system can now straighten your teeth without wires and glued brackets, but clear, removable trays. The treatment time is generally a third of traditional braces but are more expensive and it takes a lot more discipline to maintain the strict regimen of wearing the aligners 22 hours/day (plus the additional steps it takes to clean). The option you choose really depends on your particular case.

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.

Posted on

How to Protect Yourself from Oral Cancer | Yorba Linda Dentist

It is an estimated 53,000 new cases of oral cancer will be diagnosed this year alone. It’s a frightening thought, but if it is caught early enough, it is likely to be treatable. But what exactly is causing cancer to develop in the mouth?

First, realize keeping a healthy lifestyle is best, but there are also risk factors to keep in mind. Excessive use of tobacco products is already bad for you, but if you have this particular habit, you have a high risk of developing some form of oral cancer in some area of your mouth. This is why it is important to pay close attention to any sores or patches in your mouth. Alcohol use and poor diet also play into oral cancer signs. Physical trauma and exposure to infectious disease are also ways you may develop symptoms.

The best way to stay on top of your oral health is to give yourself a quick exam every month. With a bright light and a mirror, follow these guidelines:

  • If you wear dentures, remove them.
  • Look and feel the insides of your lips and front of your gums
  • Tilt your head and check out the roof of your mouth
  • Tug your cheek so you can analyze the surfaces and back of your mouth
  • Inspect all areas of your tongue
  • Your lymph nodes to make sure they aren’t getting enlarged and there are no lumps

You are trying to find any type of persistent sores or growths that may cause you to have issues eating, speaking. If you feel you may have symptoms of oral cancer, make an oral cancer screening appointment with 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.