6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Grinding and Clenching

The habit: “This can cause chipping or cracking of the teeth, as well as muscle tenderness or joint pain,” Dr. Messina says. “You might also feel like you can’t open your mouth wide or chew with pain.”

The solution: “Relaxation exercises and staying aware makes a difference,” he says. A nighttime mouthguard can also help. “You’ll have less tooth damage, less pain and muscle soreness and better sleep.”

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Sensitive Teeth

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about sensitive teeth.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Dental Gum Disease and your Overall Health

Gum Disease Can Affect Your Overall Health

Gum infections have now been linked to other serious health conditions. Medical research has provided studies that show how the bacteria in the gums travel through the bloodstream and affect vital organs, contributing to the problems of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

The American Dental Association has statistics on periodontal (gum) disease indicating more than three-quarters of Americans are afflicted with some level of gum infection. This high percentage could be recognized as a national epidemic. Dentists now recognize that gum disease can be a much more serious problem than losing your teeth.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases."

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Why Do Teeth Darken?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "Why Do Teeth Darken?".

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Analyze Your Dental Bite with State of the Art Technology

Relief from the Problems of Malocclusion

You've probably had a dentist check your "bite" to see if your teeth come together properly. Your "occlusion" was checked by having you bring your teeth together on a piece of carbon paper.

When your teeth do not meet as they should, pain in your muscles and joints is often the result. An improper meshing of your bite can also lead to small fractures in teeth and bruxism (grinding of your teeth while you sleep). 

Re-alignment of your bite can get very complicated, as even a small imbalance can cause problems. Dr. Ionescu is one of the first dentists in the country to relieve this type of pain and discomfort with Tekscan™. This state-of-the-art technology analyzes your malocclusion with computerized accuracy to ensure all the related problems can be addressed. 

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Healthy gums could lead to a healthy heart

The association between gum diseases and heart disease is not a secret anymore. It has always raised a question in my mind if maintaining good oral health can help me achieve good overall health. Well, the answer is “yes.” Maintaining good oral health can save us from spending thousands of dollars on preventing heart diseases. We can say that proper brushing and flossing can help us maintain a healthy heart. According to the American Academy of Periodontolgy, people with gum diseases are twice as likely to develop coronary artery disease, one of the leading causes of heart attacks.

Atherosclerosis also known as “hardening of arterial wall” is one of the major etiological factors of heart disease. This occurs due to deposition of plaque (formed by accumulation of fat and other blood substances on the arterial wall). This can eventually clog the artery leading to complete blockage of coronary arteries precipitating into stroke.

To read the entire article written by Swati Yadav, please visit ASDABlog.com

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

7 Easy Tips for White and Healthy Teeth

Who isn't on the quest to acquire the perfect set of teeth?

It was Hippocrates and Aristotle who wrote about repairing decaying teeth and fractured jaws centuries ago, and today, cosmetic bonding and cosmetic dentistry are all the rage. Many of us looking for the perfect smile will waste no time in thronging their dentist's office with such requests.

Having a great set of pearly whites can boost your self-confidence like few other things can. However, keeping your teeth in great shape will require you to put in a little time and effort on an everyday basis.

The daily brushing-and-flossing routine is a must for maintaining dental hygiene. Additionally, making sure that you stick to the following oral-hygiene tips and tricks will help you protect and care for your teeth better.

1. Keep Stains Away

Can't keep away from your cup of black coffee, but want to avoid those ghastly stains on your teeth? The good news is that you can lighten and remove most teeth stains.

With technological advancements, several teeth-whitening procedures have been developed that can treat tooth discoloration effectively. While most are performed at the dentist's, taking a few precautionary measures yourself can help you avoid these stains all together.

Sip your dark-colored soda, red wine, and coffee with a straw in small quantities, instead of drinking them from a glass/mug as doing so can ensure that your teeth never stain.

2. Keep Your Teeth Naturally Clean and Strong

Woke up late and rushing to work? Seems like flossing isn't going to be possible today? No worries! Munch on fibrous fruits and veggies like apples and lettuce for breakfast. Fiber prevents the buildup of tartar and plaque on your teeth, thus making them appear cleaner.

Fibrous foods also serve as exfoliating agents and prevent stain molecules from attaching themselves to teeth. Also, because these crunchy foods require a lot of chewing, they keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy.

To read the entire article written by Lawrence Calagna, please visit WebDental.com

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Lifestyle and Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about lifestyle and oral health.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com

Dental Root Canals

Saving a Tooth from Extraction

It is well known today that saving a tooth is better for your dental health than having an extraction, unless it is absolutely necessary. Root canals can save a tooth with damaged or infected roots. Although in the past this therapy was dreaded, today it is much easier and more manageable for patients with modern procedures and anesthetics. 

The pulp chamber in the interior of the tooth is removed and replaced with a special filling. This is necessary when decay has reached the nerves and roots. It will save the tooth and return it to full functionality. Occasionally, a crown will be placed over the tooth for additional strength. The exceptional endodontist we partner with will deliver professional and painless treatment.

Dentistry by Design  
Horia T. Ionescu, DDS  
9381 E. Stockton Blvd., Suite 100 
Elk Grove, CA 95624 
(916) 685-4662  
ElkGroveDentistry.com