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By Citracado Dental Group 18 Mar, 2024
As the warm weather approaches, it's time to start thinking about spring cleaning for your teeth and gums. Just like you declutter and freshen up your living space, it's important to do the same for your dental hygiene routine.
By Citracado Dental Group 15 Feb, 2024
Routine dental exams are key to good oral health. However, there are certain signs or symptoms that should prompt you to schedule an appointment with us as soon as possible.
By Citracado Dental Group 02 Jan, 2024
You may have heard the news of the recent bankruptcy and closing of Smile Direct Club. This was a self-service orthodontic program involving care provided without the supervision of a dentist or orthodontist.
By Citracado Dental Group 21 Dec, 2023
The significance of oral health in children cannot be overstated, and a critical aspect of this is the care and maintenance of baby teeth.
By Citracado Dental Group 22 Nov, 2023
November has assumed a new significance in recent years as it has been designated as Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Awareness Month. This observance serves as a crucial platform to disseminate information, promote understanding and encourage dialogue about TMJ disorders, a group of conditions that affect the jaw joint and the muscles controlling jaw movement. Prevalence and Impact TMJ disorders are more common than people may realize. The temporomandibular joint is a crucial component involved in essential daily activities like speaking, chewing and yawning. When this joint that connects the jawbone to the skull isn’t working properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms and can significantly affect everyday life. Causes and Risk Factors TMJ disorders can arise from various factors, including trauma to the jaw, arthritis, excessive teeth grinding (bruxism) or stress. Additionally, certain habits like nail-biting and gum-chewing can contribute to the development of these disorders. Identifying these factors is essential for both preventing and promptly addressing the issue. Symptoms and Diagnosis Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can manifest with a variety of symptoms, and individuals may experience a combination of these. These symptoms can range in intensity and frequency. Some common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders include: Jaw pain: The pain may be confined to the joint itself or extend to neighboring areas, like the face, ears or neck. Jaw clicking or popping: Many individuals with TMJ disorders may hear unnerving sounds when they open or close their mouths. This can be due to the displacement of the disc within the joint. Limited jaw movement: Some people with TMJ disorders may find it challenging to fully open or close their mouths. This limitation in jaw movement can be accompanied by a feeling of stiffness. Ear pain or fullness: Pain or pressure in the ears, sometimes resembling an earache, is a common symptom. This is because the TMJ is located in close proximity to the ears. Headaches: TMJ disorders can contribute to tension headaches or migraines. The pain may be felt in the temples or around the forehead. Facial pain: The jawline, cheeks or temples may have discomfort. Tenderness of the jaw muscles: The muscles that control jaw movement may become tender to the touch. Difficulty chewing or biting: Individuals with TMJ disorders may experience discomfort or pain while chewing, and some may avoid certain foods due to jaw pain. Locking of the jaw: Occasionally, the jaw might temporarily “lock” in either an open or closed position. Changes in bite: TMJ disorders can sometimes cause changes in the alignment of the teeth or the way the upper and lower teeth come together (malocclusion). It's important to note that not all jaw pain or discomfort is necessarily related to TMJ disorders. If you exhibit these symptoms, visit us for a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment Options and Management An accurate diagnosis will determine an appropriate treatment plan. Non-invasive treatment options might encompass changing one’s lifestyle, mitigating stress and engaging in physical therapy. In more severe cases, medications or dental devices may be prescribed. For some, surgical options may be recommended. Contact us to schedule an appointment today and let’s get to the root of any jaw pain you are experiencing.
By Citracado Dental Group 19 Oct, 2023
Whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or any other festive occasion, one thing that remains constant is the tradition of coming together with loved ones and sharing moments of affection.
By Citracado Dental Group 21 Sep, 2023
In this blog, we'll take you through a few effective fall oral care tips to ensure that your smile remains vibrant this season and beyond.
By Citracado Dental Group 17 Aug, 2023
National Wellness Month, observed every August, encourages individuals to incorporate healthy routines into their daily lives. One aspect of wellness that often goes unnoticed is oral health. Our oral health and overall wellness are undeniably connected. Let’s delve into this more.
By Citracado Dental Group 12 Jul, 2023
Summer: the perfect time for beach trips and barbecues and an opportune time to reassess your oral care routine. The warm weather and long days can mean changes in eating habits, outdoor activities and even our hydration levels, all of which can impact our dental health. Here are some essential summer dental tips to keep your smile bright and healthy while you enjoy the sunshine and outdoor fun.
By Citracado Dental Group 22 Jun, 2023
Did you know BOTOX® treats more than wrinkles? This popular injectable medication has the ability to block certain chemical signals from nerves and relax facial muscles. It helps address a range of other issues related to dentistry so patients can look and feel their best. Decreases the occurrence of headaches and migraines If you have chronic headaches and migraines, you may be a candidate for BOTOX® treatment. The medication is injected near pain fibers at various locations on your face, neck and head. Once BOTOX® reaches the nerve endings, it stops the pain-transmitting chemical from being released and, as a result, blocks the pain networks in the brain from activating. Alleviates pain associated with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders Your temporomandibular joint (TMJ) facilitates your ability to chew and speak. Unfortunately, stress can affect the TMJ, causing muscle tension which often leads to various oral and jaw issues such as: · Facial swelling · Neck and ear pain · Clicking in your jaw as you open and close your mouth · Headaches or migraines · Teeth clenching and grinding (bruxism) Bruxism, while not always an effect of TMJ disorder, often goes hand-in-hand with it. Mouth guards have been a useful treatment to TMJ disorders but another solution may be necessary for more severe cases. BOTOX® relaxes the jaw muscles, which can help reduce the harmful effects of bruxism and decrease biting pressure. Improves gummy smiles The term "gummy smile" is used to describe a smile where a significant portion of the gums are exposed. Many factors can cause excessive gum visibility. Some include: · A hyperactive upper lip muscle causing the lip to lift higher than normal, resulting in more gum tissue being exposed · The natural development of the upper jaw bone that results in a bulging appearance within the gum tissue · Genetics that cause short teeth, a small upper lip or extra gum tissue To improve a gummy smile, the upper lip is injected with BOTOX® so the muscles that cause the upper lip to lift higher than normal are relaxed. This treatment will lower the elevation of your upper lip so the gums will be less visible when you smile. No recovery time necessary One of the advantages of BOTOX® is that no surgery is needed, which also means there is no downtime after the injection is completed. While some individuals might experience outcomes sooner, it typically takes around one to two weeks for the results of the injection to become visible. The outcomes are expected to last between three to six months before they begin to fade, and it might be necessary to have another course of injections. Our BOTOX® services At Citracado Dental Group, we place great emphasis on providing exceptional care to all our clients. Dr. Anna Gute, our BOTOX® provider, takes the time to discuss a variety of options, treatments and plans tailored to meet your individual BOTOX® goals. Additionally, we work around your schedule and provide same-day services for your convenience. We guarantee that you will receive the highest level of care, and we are committed to answering all your questions to your satisfaction. Schedule your appointment today here!
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