Mouthwash Makes Big Difference

Regular swishing with germ-killing mouthwash combined with regular brushing makes a big difference in preventing decay, a new study by the Academy of Generaly Dentistry shows.

In the study, those who used mouthwash regularly saw a 26 percent decline in plaque than those in placebo group.

Not only did it help reduce plaque, but also gingivitis and bleeding of the gums. In fact, 98 percent of those using mouthwash had a measurable improvement in gingivitis.

Three out of four Americans have gum disease and only three out of 100 get treated before it's too late.

The study was tested on adults, it's unclear if the same results apply to children or teens.

Regular removal of plaque by one of our hgyienists is also key to keeping your gums and teeth healthy. Call to schedule today at 702-991-0404 or schedule online.

Headaches? Can't Sleep? Check Your Bite!

The average person swallows 2,000 times per day, causing the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. People who have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth can have related health problems, such as frequent headaches or sleep disorders, because their jaw muscles must work harder to bring the teeth together, straining the surrounding jaw muscles.

This strain, know as orofacial pain, is defined as any pain in or around the face. Some people may experience pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheeks or side of the head, while other experience clicking when moving the jaw.

Orofacial pain can also be caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD), stress, nerve disorders or muscle spasms. Serious causes of orofacial pain are tumors in the jaw bone area, oral cancer or referred pain from cardiac disease.

"At the first sign of discomfort, see your general dentist," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Peter G. Bastian, DDS, MAGD. "He or she knows your mouth best and how you handle day-to-day stress."

Dr. Staples can check your bite for any of these symptoms and help you alleviate headaches and get more sleep. Call us today at 702-991-0404 to set up an appointment or request one online!

Source: Academy of General Dentistry