Our teeth are durable, powerful little tools that can chew a wide variety of delicious, nutritious foods. Unfortunately, however, there are some foods that are a bit more difficult to break down than others, and though tasty, can sometimes wreak havoc on them. If you’re concerned about tooth damage, here are a few foods that you should avoid.
Popcorn is a movie-fan favorite, but it can sometimes be dangerous for your teeth. Those un-popped kernels can cause tooth damage if you bite one unexpectedly, and the hulls can easily get stuck between your teeth causing pain and frustration.
Nuts are an extremely good source of many essential fats, vitamins, and minerals, however if you have brittle teeth, they can also cause their fare share of damage. But don’t skip them entirely. If you’re nutty for nuts, consider nut butter or stick to softer varieties like walnuts or pecans, which may be easier to bite into.
Yes, some people do chew on the bones of their chicken wings, but this can be bad for your teeth, too. Make no bones about it: your teeth weren’t meant to chew them, so stick to the meat only!
Hard candy is not only bad for your teeth because it’s pure sugar, but also dangerous because it’s so crunchy. If you do indulge, try to resist the urge to bite it and let it dissolve naturally. Then, rinse your mouth with a big glass of water, or better yet, go brush all that sugar off your teeth!
Crunching ice is a refreshing, calorie-free way to cool down, but it’s also a bad idea for your smile. If you’re an ice cruncher, consider switching to crushed ice, or investing in an icemaker that makes the “good ice” or pellet ice.
Beef jerky traces all the way back to the 16th century but remains a popular snack food today. While it is convenient because it doesn’t require refrigeration and doesn’t go bad like some other meat preparations, it can be tough to tear and chew, making it a bad idea for someone with delicate teeth. Not only that, but it can also get stuck in your teeth, which can be uncomfortable as well as cause bad breath and cavities.
Corn on the cob is a summer staple, but it can be very hard to eat, especially if you have dental work, brittle teeth, or dentures. Still, there’s no reason to pass on this classic barbecue side. Just cut the kernels off the cob and eat them with a fork!
Remember, your teeth are meant to chew a plethora of fantastic foods, but when it comes to being easy to chew, some foods fit the bill better than others. If you have dental work, weak teeth, missing teeth, or wear dentures, avoid eating these foods to help prevent damage to your smile.
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler believes in taking a holistic approach to dentistry. He strives to educate each of his patients on the connection between their oral health and overall health, so they can understand the importance of protecting their teeth and gums for a lifetime.
To schedule an emergency appointment at Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist, please visit our website today or call us at 312-224-9916.
Dental sensitivity can be surprising, uncomfortable, and annoying, but does it count as an emergency? Depending on its severity and what causes it, your teeth experiencing a tingling sensation or an irksome twinge in response to stimuli may be an easy problem to solve at home or require an immediate visit to your dentist’s office for treatment. Here are a few of the causes of sensitive teeth and how to tell if you should contact your dentist for an emergency appointment.
Dental sensitivity can result from a variety of factors, including:
If you experience dental sensitivity, the first thing to do is to enjoy a thorough oral hygiene session. Carefully brush and floss your teeth to eliminate anything that might be stuck between them. You may also want to try rinsing your mouth with a solution of one cup of water and one spoonful of salt. If this doesn’t work, you can try using desensitizing toothpaste to numb your teeth.
Dental sensitivity may be an emergency if the discomfort lasts longer than thirty seconds or if the unpleasant sensation becomes painful. In these cases, call your emergency dentist to explain the situation and book an emergency appointment so the problem can be treated. Until then, use over-the-counter pain relievers or a cold compress to manage your symptoms while avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages. Depending on what caused it, your dentist may address your dental sensitivity with treatments such as:
Sensitive teeth are a troublesome problem, but your dentist is equipped to effectively address it. Knowing how to treat oral problems at home and when to reach out to your dental professional for help can save you from much discomfort.
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler earned his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has served as a speaker at a number of dental study clubs. He is proud to have been a member of the American Dental Association for more than thirty years. His office in Chicago, IL, offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. If you are concerned about your own or a family member’s dental sensitivity, dial (312) 224-9916. For non-emergency concerns, please contact the office online.
Are you experiencing sudden facial aches or swelling? It’s only natural to be concerned if your jaw or cheeks inflate painfully. You’re probably wondering what’s causing it and who you should contact. Is it an emergency? And if it is, should you reach out to your dentist or your doctor?
Although there are many potential causes behind your recent distension, there’s a good chance that it points to an underlying dental issue. Continue reading to learn about 3 possible reasons for your inflammation and who can help!
If your jaw is engorged or throbbing, there’s a chance you have a tooth abscess. This is a pocket of infection that forms when harmful bacteria penetrate the roots of your tooth or around your gumline. This sack is filled with fluid and won’t resolve itself. It’s important to contact your emergency dentist right away to address it. Otherwise, the infection can enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body. This can eventually lead to sepsis, a dangerous condition that can be fatal if it’s severe enough.
Your provider may need to perform an emergency root canal followed by antibiotic therapy to drain the infection and preserve your tooth’s functionality. However, if it’s overly damaged or decayed and can’t be saved, they might recommend extraction and replacement instead.
The glands that secrete saliva into your mouth are located behind your cheeks. If they become infected, it can cause the sides of your face to swell agonizingly. Plus, it reduces the moisture in your mouth, which can put your dental health at risk. Spit is your body’s natural defense against harmful germs that contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Without enough of it, you’re at a higher risk of having a dental problem in addition to your aching face.
Your glands may be infected due to duct blockage, dehydration, a salivary stone, or other health conditions like mumps or Influenza A. Your dentist can help identify whether this is the issue, and if so, they’ll refer you to a professional who can better assist you, such as an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck. It’s part of the endocrine system and produces different hormones that regulate your body’s growth, development, and metabolism. If it doesn’t produce enough hormones, you might develop a puffy face along with other symptoms like:
If your bulging cheeks are accompanied by these other concerns, then you should contact your doctor for a diagnosis.
When your face is throbbing, getting the right help as quickly as possible can provide some much-needed relief!
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler has been helping Chicago Loop residents improve their dental health since 1986. He’s a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has been a member of the American Dental Association for over 30 years. Today, he takes a whole-body approach to oral health and offers a full array of services under one roof to streamline your dental care. If your face is inflamed or aching and you need help right away, you can contact the office for a same-day appointment on the website or by calling (312) 224-9916.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) plays a vital role in jaw movement, allowing for actions like biting, chewing, and speaking. While many people don’t think much about these movements until they experience jaw pain, it’s worth noting that migraines might be related to TMJ disorder. The good news is that neither migraines nor TMJ dysfunction have to be chronic problems you just put up with. Read on to learn more about the connection between migraines and TMJ dysfunction.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jaw to your skull on both sides of your head. Problems with this joint can lead to various issues. These issues, collectively known as temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders), involve the TMJ and the muscles that control facial movements. While the exact causes of TMJ disorders aren’t always clear, they’re often linked to factors such as:
Recognizing the signs of TMJ can help you get timely treatment. There are several common symptoms associated with TMJ disorders, including:
You might wonder about the link between jaw soreness and severe symptoms like migraines. When you clench or grind your teeth, or have a misaligned bite due to TMJ problems, it can add pressure to the surrounding jaw muscles, leading to tension. This tension can spread to nearby tissues and throughout the head, causing pain in different areas.
Sometimes, this pressure can even trigger migraines. Recent studies have found that people with chronic migraines are three times more likely to have TMJ disorder symptoms. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek the right treatment to address these issues effectively.
The great news is that TMJ disorder can be effectively managed with help from a sleep dentist. While pain medication might provide temporary relief from headaches or jaw pain, it doesn’t address the underlying issue.
However, your dentist can examine your mouth thoroughly and provide a solution, such as oral appliance therapy. This treatment involves wearing custom-made night guards that gradually improve the alignment of your jaw while you sleep, promoting better health.
Migraines can disrupt your daily life and make it hard to relax. If you suspect TMJ disorder is the cause, seeking treatment is important. It can help you get the care you need to address the issue effectively.
Dr. Harvey Jay Mahler leads the dedicated team at Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist, a trusted dental practice in Chicago known for delivering exceptional patient experiences. With a commitment to excellence, Dr. Mahler offers a comprehensive range of treatments to help patients overcome TMJ disorder. By addressing this condition, individuals can enjoy restful sleep, quality time with loved ones, and migraine prevention. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahler and the Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist team or to learn more about treating TMJ disorder, contact their office at (312) 224-9916 or visit their website.
If you’ve developed a stiff or locked jaw, there’s a chance that you’ve developed TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) which occurs when the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull becomes irritated or inflamed. While there are several potential causes, chronic gum chewing could be contributing to the problem. If you like to freshen your breath this way, you might want to consider changing your habits. Keep reading to learn more about the connection between chewing gum and mouth pain, and what you can do to address it!
Historically, the concept that chewing gum contributes to a throbbing jaw has been controversial. Then, a 2014 study revealed that there’s a connection between this behavior and the likelihood of suffering symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorders. Researchers sectioned the participants into 2 groups and documented signs of TMD at the onset of the experiment. Then, subjects in one of the groups were given gum to chew at 30, 60, or 120-minute intervals in a 24-hour day.
When they tested for TMD symptoms again at the end of the study, those who chewed gum showed a statistically higher incidence of clicking and aching in their jaws than the control group. It was also discovered that a longer duration of gum chewing showed an increase in the prevalence of TMD issues.
If you frequently chew gum, your jaw and mouth muscles can become overworked. The added pressure created by the extra chomping can tire them out and cause painful spasms in the face, neck, and head which triggers TMD. As the tissues tighten, they can cause a misalignment in the temporomandibular joints which act as shock absorbers when you chew.
If you’re worried that you’ve developed a problem, contact your dentist. They’ll schedule you for an appointment to examine your mouth and determine whether you have TMD. Then, based on their findings, they’ll create an individualized treatment plan to address the issues. Potential solutions can include:
Thankfully, you can reduce the likelihood of developing a problem by chewing gum less frequently or for shorter periods. That way you can avoid developing jaw pain to begin with!
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler has more than 30 years of experience providing a wide range of services ranging from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, including TMD treatments. He is a graduate of the Georgetown University School of Dentistry and has been a longtime member of the American Dental Association, making him a trusted expert when it comes to teeth. His practice stays up to date with the most recent advancements in dental technologies and techniques, so you know you’re getting the most up-to-date procedures. If your jaw is sore or stiff and you need help, you’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (312) 224-9916.
Whether you are engaging in small talk with your family, making presentations in your office, or simply chatting with strangers in the grocery store, your speech is important! Sadly, millions of people are afflicted by a condition that can have negative effects on their ability to verbally communicate: TMJ disorder. How exactly could TMJ disorder affect your speech? This blog post explains what you should know. It also provides tips on how you can find relief and reclaim your ability to speak with ease.
TMJ disorder, also known as TMD, is a condition that affects the small joints in front of your ears (the temporomandibular joints, TMJs). They are responsible for controlling the movement of your lower jaw. When the TMJs are injured or stressed, it can have consequences for nearby muscles. A range of symptoms may result, including difficulties with speech.
Here are a few examples of how TMD may affect your ability to speak:
TMD is a complex problem, but the good news is that in most cases, it is highly treatable. Here are a few steps you can take that may improve your ability to speak easily and comfortably:
Your ability to speak is precious! Rather than simply enduring through the pain of TMJ disorder, seek help from a professional so you can get back to conversing with ease.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Harvey J. Mahler has more than 30 years of experience in dentistry. He has extensive knowledge in how to address TMD, and he has already helped countless patients find relief from jaw pain and associated symptoms. If you believe that TMD is limiting your ability to speak, Dr. Mahler and our team would love to help you find relief. Contact Smile 312 Chicago’s Premier Dentist in Chicago at 312-224-9916 to learn more about how we may be able to serve you.
