Do whitening toothpastes really work?
Sometimes our patients feel that their smile is looking a little dull or discoloured and wonder if whitening toothpaste could help. So, do whitening toothpastes really work?
At Elgin Corners Dental, we offer treatment for our Surrey patients with Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ), a disorder of the jaw joint.
What is TMJ?
Tempro-Mandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome (TMJ) is characterized by severe headaches, jaw pain of varying degrees, grinding teeth, and an intermittent ringing in the ears. The vast majority of TMJ sufferers are unaware that the root cause of these problems is something that a dentist can effectively treat.
The symptoms of TMJ are debilitating and can greatly interfere with every day life. The comfort and general well being of the patient is at the heart of the dental practice, so pain relief is the first consideration of the dentist. The dentist is able to test, diagnose, and devise an immediate plan to treat the underlying causes of the TMJ disorder.
Reasons for treating TMJ
The most common cause of TMJ is the misalignment of the teeth, often called “bad bite.”
It is possible for the dentist to realign or adjust the teeth without the need for painful or expensive surgeries.
The realignment/adjustment will stop the pounding headaches, the jaw pain, and the dizziness.
Teeth grinding will eventually erode the structure of the teeth and lead to much more severe dental problems in the future.
Untreated TMJ is one of the prime underlying factors in eroded jawbones and loose teeth.
It is important for anyone experiencing the symptoms of TMJ to visit the dentist for an exact diagnosis.
What does treating TMJ involve?
Initially, the dentist will thoroughly examine the jaw area, the patients bite, take x-rays, and review the patient’s history in order to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend necessary treatment.
A specially molded bite guard can be created to stop teeth grinding during the night. A bite relationship analysis may be recommended by the dentist.
A better option is realignment. This is especially useful because it alleviates TMJ symptoms and may improve the aesthetic appearance of the teeth as well.
This may require new restorations and/or adjusting the natural teeth. It is not a painful procedure, and it is one the dentist has performed with great success numerous times.
