How does your dentist help you stay healthy?
Most individuals know that they can go to their dentist if they have a chipped tooth or have a toothache. Because of this, they may not realize how many other health dilemmas your dentist can help you with.
Stephen Ratcliff Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is a full-service dental practice providing comprehensive oral health care.
Bad Breath
Bad breath is usually due to bacteria build-up in the mouth. Perhaps, however, you have undesirable breath even though you brush and floss daily. If that’s the case, speak with your dentist. She or he can help you discover the cause of your problem. It could be an infection or a side effect of prescription medications. You need a professional diagnosis and we are here for you.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack of saliva and can be quite uncomfortable. Reduction of saliva flow is a common problem, especially among older individuals. However, individuals of all ages experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These symptoms include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.
Unfortunately, it can bring about a myriad of issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. A lot of individuals experience dry mouth because of medications or medical conditions. Make sure you bring a list of current medications with you to your appointment.
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMD)
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge-type joint that allows you to open and close your mouth. If you have pain or clicking in your jaw, you may have TMD. But the first step is diagnosing the cause of the condition. For example, teeth clenching or grinding can cause or exacerbate TMD. Your dentist can tell if you grind your teeth in your sleep. The condition can also be caused or aggravated by injury or arthritis. Some people who are plagued with TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress. If stress is the only cause, stress-reducing practices can help you prevent it or reduce the severity.
Snoring
Your dentist may treat snoring and OSA. Many dentists in the Arlington area provide Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT). With OAT, a custom-made mouthpiece helps keep your airway open throughout the night. If your bed partner tells you that you snore, do him or her a favor and get professional help!
Oral Cancer
Dentists also perform oral cancer checks when they examine a patient. Oral cancer accounts for about three percent of all cancers diagnosed each year in the U.S. This amounts to 53,000 new cases annually. That means thousands of Texas residents receive the grim news every year. Early detection is critical for all types of cancer, but especially so for cancers of the mouth and throat.
Teeth Grinding
Your dentist may also be able to help you with teeth grinding. Nighttime teeth grinding can damage enamel and cause severe headaches.. If you suspect that you grind your teeth at night—schedule a consultation and exam at Stephen Ratcliff Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. It’s not just an annoyance, teeth grinding can cause headaches, and sleep problems and put you at risk of cavities and gum recession.
Sports Protection
Your dentist may also create custom sports mouthguards. If you or your child participates in a contact sport, talk to your dentist about a quality, custom-fitted mouthguard.
If you have questions about any of these issues or want to schedule an exam, give us a call today. We look forward to meeting you.
CONTACT STEPHEN RATCLIFF FAMILY & COSMETIC DENTISTRY:
817-274-7875
LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):
909 W Mitchell St
Arlington, Texas
76013
