Bruxism and Dental Care
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Bruxism?

Bruxism is a condition that affects millions of people across the globe, from Raleigh, North Carolina to Encino, California. It is where one grinds or clenches his/her teeth. A person may grind his/her teeth while awake or asleep. Awake bruxism is when the individual grinds his teeth while being awake and sleep bruxism is when he grinds the teeth during sleep. On the other hand, sleep bruxism is also considered a sleep-related disorder. Such people may suffer from other sleep disorders like sleep apnea or snoring. Bruxism can be mild or severe depending on the signs and symptoms of the condition. In fact, mild bruxism doesn’t require any treatment while severe bruxism can result in jaw disorders, damaged teeth, headaches, and many other issues. This article provides information on what are the signs and symptoms of bruxism.

The condition may have many signs and symptoms such as clenching or grinding the teeth, chipped & loose teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, worn enamel, tight jaw muscles, jaw pain or soreness, dull headaches in the temple area, and sleep disruption. You may see a dentist if you have any of the above signs and symptoms persisting for a longer period. If you notice your child clenching or grinding his/her teeth, you should mention the fact when you see his/her dentist the next time around.

Although the exact cause of bruxism is not identified as yet, doctors believe that there could be a combination of causes such as physical, genetic, and psychological factors. In fact, awake bruxism can happen due to anxiety, depression, stress, frustration, anger, and tension. On the other hand, sleep bruxism may be caused due to sleep-related chewing activities and arousals during sleep. There are many risk factors of the condition such as the person’s age, stress levels, family history, medications, if you’ve had teeth whitening done recently and the personality type of the patient. An individual who has an aggressive or hyperactive type of personality has a higher risk of bruxism compared to other types of personalities.

Encino, California Teeth WhiteningYour dentist will diagnose the condition during dental check-ups. If there are any signs of the condition, the dentist will monitor your teeth and gums during the next couple of visits. This will help the dentist to decide on appropriate treatments depending on whether the condition is progressive. Your dentist will ask questions about your health and medical conditions to determine the cause of the condition. He or she may also check for tenderness in the jaw muscles, broken teeth, and any other damages to the teeth, jaw or dental implants through a dental x-ray. If you are diagnosed with the condition, the dentist will refer you to a sleep medicine specialist for further evaluation. A sleep medicine specialist will conduct more tests such as a sleep study to determine the severity of the condition.

Treatments for the condition include mouth guards and dental correction procedures. If tooth wear has led to sensitivity in your teeth, your dentist may consider reshaping the chewing surfaces of the teeth.

The above article provides information on what are the signs and symptoms of bruxism.

 

Poor Health Can't be Blamed on Genetics
Poor Health Can’t be Blamed on Genetics

It is a well-known fact that there are many hereditary diseases. We can freely say that our genetics can be the predisposition for many health conditions. But the fact of the matter is that genetics can’t be the only cause of sickness. The influence of environment and different lifestyles is more important than we all think.

“You are what you eat”

The rule number one of a lusty and long-lasting life is the healthy and various nutrition. People are often not aware of bad consequences of eating too much junk food or having irregular meals. First of all, this affects non-obese people who think that their thin figure means a good health for them. Because of that, they usually don’t take care what they eat. Of course, obese people have even greater problems with unhealthy eating, but most of them are aware of their health condition. Eating lots of sugar and fat, not only that makes us obese, but increases the risk of cardiovascular (such as stroke, heart attack etc.) and other diseases, which endanger our lives. That’s the reason why we should all learn our children to gain healthy eating habits from an early age.

“To enjoy the glow of good health, you must exercise”

The greatest enemy of the 21st century is all-day sitting in front of a computer or TV, being in a virtual world and not spending time walking in nature and exercising. If people get aware of this problem, they would stop blaming genetics and take responsibility for their health and body, even though it would be easier to say: “I am fat because my parents are fat.” Regular physical activity decreases the risk of many diseases, including obesity, boosts our immune system and makes us happier.

“Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll”

We are all surrounded by different temptations, but we should understand the modesty and precaution are the keys to safety for our health. You can’t blame your parents for your genomes anymore when you get an STD, or you end up in a hospital because of the overdose. Vice has always existed; it has affected and will affect many lives. But, if we learn ourselves and people around us about its’ bad effect, we can obviate unnecessary illness and premature death.

“Keep calm and no stress”

Do you remember the time when you didn’t wake up at 6:30, didn’t hurry to make a tasteless breakfast and be at work by 8:00; when you didn’t need to tolerate your nervous and annoying colleagues? Do you remember when you had more time for your friends and yourself, when you traveled more and just enjoyed a life? Well, you should! You should give yourself a break and stop for a minute to relax and spend time with people you love and care about. Stress is a quiet enemy that ruins our health day by day, without our awareness. Take a trip to Dubai, read an interesting book, smile a lot – you will be happier and healthier.  Here is how you can reduce the stress in your life.

Yes, it is a well-known fact that genetics can cause many health problems. But, the bigger problem is ignoring your role in maintaining your health. Don’t take health for granted, be responsible about it. “A healthy mind in a healthy body.”

Should You Undergo Genetic Testing
Should You Undergo Genetic Testing?

Before knowing whether we should or should not perform genetic testing, we should get the general knowledge of what genetic testing really is. Genetic testing can be described as a medical test that is performed in our bodies to identify any change in the genes and other elements that compose the body system. This medical test has an added advantage even if the outcome is negative because it helps in planning and decision making concerning our health.

METHODS USED FOR GENETIC TESTING

Some of the genetic tests that are in use include;

1. Gene tests– These help in analyzing single genes and hence the variations that can lead to genetic disorders are identified.

2. Chromosomal tests– These help in studying chromosomes do identify the huge genetic changes.

3. Biochemical tests– These tests analyze the quantity of proteins to identify any genetic disorder.

BENEFITS OF GENETIC TESTING

Genetic testing has its advantages, some of them include;

1. It helps with information that helps in planning for children in future.

When you are at the edge of giving birth to a child with a genetic condition, genetic testing gives the possibility of performing a test to determine whether the unborn child is affected so that treatment can start as early as possible. It also gives mental preparedness when you are aware that you are at a huge risk of bearing a child with a genetic disorder.

2. PROVIDES IMPORTANT GENETIC INFORMATION TO CLOSE FAMILY MEMBERS

Genetic conditions are often similar for close family members; hence your genetic composition information is useful to them in either planning for children or to avoid wrong diagnosis.

3. GENETIC TESTING HELPS IN DIAGNOSIS OF GENETIC CONDITION

Genetic testing can indicate complications in future life hence regular check up minimizes the possibility of such complication. Keen diagnosis is always followed by proper treatment.

4. Genetic testing can get to get some of the experimental treatments that are given to patients with positive tests.

5. It also qualifies some patients for screening.

6. Scientists or rather experts have also come up with medicine due to genetic testing.

LIMITATIONS OF GENETIC TESTING

Every process with benefits also has its limitations and therefore genetic testing also has its risks. They include;

1. A confirmation of a possible diagnosis from a genetic test doesn’t necessarily imply that treatment is obviously available.

2. The waiting period for results usually causes panic.

3. If there is a risk of a genetic disorder, this can cause mixed feelings in your family members due to the risk of passing genes down the family line.

4. Genetic testing could also reveal the secrets within a family especially for the adopted members.

5. Even if a genetic test is performed, in some the possibility of determining the extent to which they will be affected is not easy.

Every decision we make is crucial. Genetic testing is very important in one’s life though it also has its limitations. Therefore, making a decision to go for it requires lots of consultation from professionals or medical practitioners.