Blog | Trusted Wantirna Dentist | Studfield Dental Group

Can My Dentist Tell if I Have Sleep Apnea?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a type of sleeping disorder that’s related to your oral anatomy. It’s caused by soft tissues in the back of your mouth (like your soft palate, tongue, and tonsils) collapsing against one another and sealing off your airway. Having a large neck circumference is a common symptom. But there are other warning signs of sleep apnea that can be picked up by none other than your dentist! At Studfield Dental Group, some of the things we’ll look for during your dental exam include symptoms of sleep disordered breathing. Here are just a few: Worn Teeth … Continue reading

Why Periodontitis is Bad for Your Teeth

man with gum disease getting teeth clean

Gum disease — also known as periodontitis or periodontal disease — is a condition that destroys the bone and soft tissue attachments around your teeth. Periodontitis starts out as gingivitis, which is simply redness and inflammation along the margins of your gums. It’s the first stage of gum infection, caused by plaque bacteria collecting on your gumlines for too long. If gum disease is allowed to progress, your body’s own immune system will start to target the area. As antibodies are rushed towards the bacteria, the soft tissues along your gumlines begin to break down and bleed. The open bleeding … Continue reading

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

When you’re expecting, your hormones can seem to go haywire at times. From cravings to mood swings, every woman responds to pregnancy differently. Some even notice that their gums bleed more easily than they used to. If you just found out that you’re pregnant — or you’re having trouble conceiving — pay careful attention to your oral health. Here’s why: Gum disease can make it difficult to conceive. And it’s not just women. When one partner has active gum disease, it can take longer for the couple to become pregnant. Active periodontitis raises inflammation throughout your body, affecting your reproductive … Continue reading “Gum Disease and Pregnancy”

Does Your Child Need a Filling?

If your child is complaining about a toothache or you notice they’re not eating well, they could have a cavity. Tooth decay affects children of all ages, including from older infants and toddlers. Cavities aren’t always visible. In fact, an X-ray may be the only way to tell if there’s a cavity at all. Believe it or not, cavities are the most common childhood disease. They’re caused by acidic byproducts of bacterial plaque which can spread from tooth to tooth throughout their mouth. Primary (baby) teeth decay very quickly, because they’re not as dense as adult teeth are. At Studfield … Continue reading “Does Your Child Need a Filling?”

Four Reasons to Whiten Your Teeth

Does your smile need a bit of a pick-me-up? Teeth whitening at Studfield Dental Group is great for adults and teens who are looking for a simple and affordable cosmetic treatment. Teeth bleaching can make a big impact in a small amount of time. Are you debating whether now is the right time? Here are just a few ways to know that you’re ready for a teeth whitening treatment. You’re Updating Dental Work in Your “Smile Zone” Ceramic crowns and white fillings are one colour and one colour only. They can’t be lightened with a bleaching agent at any point … Continue reading

What are Water Flossers?

Over the past several years, different types of flossing devices have come out on the market. One that’s been around for a few decades is the water flosser. A water flosser uses a small handheld wand with a self-contained reservoir or tubing (attached to a faucet) to deliver a steady stream of water out of one end. Depending on the design, the water pressure can be adjusted to be lighter or heavier, based on your preference. Additionally, you can select which temperature of water you like. What it’s Made For Water flossers are designed to help clean areas that … Continue reading “What are Water Flossers?”

Four Things You Didn’t Know About Bruxism

Bruxism is a condition where someone clenches and grinds their teeth excessively. Although it usually happens at night, some people revert to bruxing during the day (especially if they’re stressed out.) It Can Lead to TMD (TMJ Disorder) When you clench and grind your teeth excessively, it overworks your jaw muscles. Gradually this can lead to muscle strain, painful headaches, and deterioration of your TMJ ligaments. You may start to notice limited range of motion, migraines when you wake up in the morning, or popping and clicking inside the joints on either side of your mouth. It Will Break … Continue reading

Early Orthodontic Intervention for Kids

For years, most orthodontic experts and families waited until a child was in their teens to start wearing braces. Today, we understand that orofacial anatomy is significantly affected by the way children’s mouths develop at an early age. With strategies such as early orthodontic intervention, it’s possible to help children’s mouths develop in a more proper manner, significantly lowering their risk of extensive treatment later on. Sometimes referred to as “growth modification” or “Phase I” braces, early intervention encourages proper orofacial development so that a child’s adult teeth come in at a proper alignment. When would you want to consider … Continue reading

Abscessed Tooth Symptoms

Dental abscesses mean that the nerve inside of your tooth is infected and/or dying. In most cases, the nerve tissue needs to be removed and the tooth protected with a root canal (endodontic therapy.) Although abscesses aren’t always obvious, there are typical signs that accompany them. Be on the lookout for: Toothaches Throbbing, dull, or sharp aches coming from a specific tooth should always be investigated. A Fistula Fistulas look like small pimples on your gums, near the tip of your tooth root. They can swell and drain, coming and going as the infection leaks into your mouth. Pain When … Continue reading “Abscessed Tooth Symptoms”

How Braces Can Help with TMJ Disorder

Do you suffer from frequent headaches, migraines, jaw pain, or popping when you open and close your mouth? You could have TMJ disorder (also called “TMD”.) Your TMJ is the joint on either side of your mouth, where your mandible (lower jaw) attaches to your body. TMD causes your joint to function abnormally or causes pain when you chew. Tooth Misalignment Concerns One of the contributing factors to TMJ disorder is a misaligned bite. When your teeth don’t fit together properly, it means your jaw has to move in irregular ways when it comes to chewing and biting into food. … Continue reading