How Stress Impacts Oral Health - 7 Ways Stress Affects Your Teeth

Stress and oral health have a stronger link than was previously imagined. In today’s busy and dynamic world, stress is a common concern for most people. Everyone knows that stress/negatively affects mental health. Research has also shown that stress has a negative impact on our oral health. Long-term Stress can hurt not only physically or emotionally also it has a bad impact on teeth and 
mouth.

Stress may lead to the following oral health concerns:

• Poor habits

• Mouth sores

• Grinding/Clenching your teeth

• Nail Biting

• TMJ Disorder

• Gum Disease

• Missing a regular dental appointment

Poor habits - Smoking as a means of coping may increase during stressful times that may also negatively impact our immunity and increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

Mouth sores - If you suffer from occasional attacks of painful mouth ulcers, these frequently develop due to Vitamin B deficiency and extreme levels of stress. canker sores or cold sores are oftentimes caused by emotional stress. Please speak to your dentist as he/she can provide medication.

Grinding/Clenching your teeth - If you grind your teeth, you probably do it while you sleep. It's a common oral health problem. It can cause headaches, a sore jaw, and damage to your teeth. Severe teeth grinding can cause loose teeth or even broken or lost teeth.  stress can cause worrying and repetitive thoughts, which can cause grinding during sleep. 

Nail Biting - Though many people bite their nails in stressful situations, this bad habit can have serious consequences such as:  

1. Germs transfer from your nail to your mouth which causes mouth infection.

2. Warts may spread from your hand to your mouth.

TMJ Disorder - TMJ stands for temporomandibular joints. These are the joints that you use to move your lower jaw. They are located just below your ear. Swelling or stiffness in these joints can cause a TMJ disorder. Symptoms can include pain, clicking, and popping. Stress is a major cause of TMJ problems. For instance, stress can cause you to clench your jaw and grind your teeth.

Gum Disease - Gum disease is an infection of your gums. It can cause loose teeth, bleeding gums, and bad breath. Stress can also contribute to gum disease if it causes you to grind your teeth, clench your jaw, or smoke cigarettes. If you have severe pain on your teeth or mouth then you need to get treated sooner.

Missing regular dental appointments - Visiting your dentist regularly (every six months), not only provides preventative care but also facilitates diagnosing and managing dental issues that may become worse over time.

How can you manage stress?

1. Find relaxing techniques or a self-care plan to help manage difficult times.
2. Keep up with oral hygiene home care.
3. Visit your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings.
4. Get plenty of rest.
5. Eat a healthy, balanced diet and drink plenty of water.

If you have any questions about how stress can be affecting your oral health, please contact Dr. Ali Elyassi and feel free to ask the question. Call us at (301)-982-4555 and visit Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery at Greenbelt MD 20770.

Tips for the New Denture Wearers

Periodontal disease, injury and tooth decay can all cause a loss of your natural permanent teeth. To restore your missing teeth or an injury of teeth Gentle Dental Dentures is the solution. Dentures are prosthetic devices constructed to replace missing teeth and are supported by the surrounding soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. There are two types of Dentures 1. Complete dentures 2. Partial Dentures. 

For the New Denture Wearers there are some Tips and Tricks to take care of the dentures.:

1. Brush your dentures daily.

As Dentures are replaced for the missing tooth, We need to take care of the dentures properly as we take for our natural tooth. Dentures need to be brushed daily. Dentures can also get stained and develop bacteria. So first brush your teeth and denture also properly then rinse them with water to remove food particles. Dental experts say avoid bleaching agents otherwise it will damage the denture.

2. Soak dentures daily in a denture cleanser:

 After cleaning the denture with the brush, soak the denture into cleanser daily to remove plaque, bacteria. Denture cleanser will also help to kill the germs which develop bad breath. In a market different type of denture cleanser is available you can use that and can take care of denture.

3. Give Your Tissues Rest:

We always recommend sleeping without your dentures. This will give you plenty of time to soak them, and it will also give your gums a break and allow them to heal from any soreness or irritation.

4. Adjust Your Diet :

Once you fixed the new dentures, there is certain food that you need to avoid.  it is important to maintain proper nutrition as well, so be sure you are eating well-balanced meals and healthy snacks. Avoid sweet foods, sweet drinks, corns, hard nuts etc, to keep your denture clean and protected.

Book Your appointment with Dr. Ali Elyassi.

Visit our office at  7525 Greenway Center Drive, Suite 109, Greenbelt MD 20770

Reasons Mouth Guards Should Be Mandatory For sport Athletes

Reasons Mouth Guards Should Be Mandatory For sport Athletes

No matter what sport you play, At Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery | Greenbelt MD, 

we recommend wearing a mouthguard. There are numerous reasons for this and many ways that they can help protect your teeth.

Here are six of the most important reasons to always wear mouth guards when playing sports.

1. Protect against displacing teeth.

Imagine being hit in the mouth by a baseball. There’s no question it could break your tooth but it could also displace it. That is, it could loosen it to the point that it moves easily and requires dental treatment. Mouthguards can help to distribute force over all of your teeth, which keeps a single tooth – or several – from bearing the brunt of a blow.

2. Protect against injury to the soft tissues.

While it’s true that teeth can get damaged when playing sports, it’s also true that the teeth can actually damage the soft tissue of the mouth. For example, a basketball player who gets hit in the face with a ball could inadvertently bite into their lip. This can require stitches and even plastic surgery to repair but it can be avoided by simply wearing a mouth guard – which can also help protect the cheeks and tongue.

3. Prevent jaw fractures

Anyone who sustains a blow to the head is likely to have their teeth come into contact with one another. When this happens, there isn’t much room for flexibility. However, if a mouth guard is worn, it acts as padding and can actually prevent the jaw from fracturing. Jaw fractures are serious business and can lead to surgery, so doing something simple like wearing a guard is well worth it.

4. Guards From fracturing teeth

One of the most important things that mouthguards can do is to prevent your teeth from breaking. If you do experience a tooth fracture, it’s likely that you can save it. If it’s fractured on the crown, where you can see it, then we can generally add white filling material to replace the fractured part. If it fractures and the dental pulp is showing, then a root canal will likely be required.

The worst-case scenario is one in which the root of the tooth fractures. At Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery | Greenbelt MD we will do everything we can, but it’s possible in these situations that the tooth can’t be saved.

5. Mouthguards can keep you from knocking out your teeth.

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who wants to get their teeth knocked out, yet many people don’t wear a mouth guard for their teeth when playing sports. Adults who have an adult tooth knocked out may be able to save it. Bring it to Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery | Greenbelt MD and let us take a look. If a child gets a baby tooth knocked out, then a spacer may be required until the adult tooth grows in.

6. Mouthguards may help prevent concussions.

While there is disagreement on this issue, some say that since mouth guards add padding between the upper and lower rows of teeth, that padding could lessen the force of the jaw as it pushes on the skull near the brain. As a result, the chance of concussion could be lessened.

5 Ways To Have A Perfect Smile

1. Choose the right toothbrush

Always use a soft-bristled brush that bears the seal of the American Dental Association (ADA). ...
Make sure the toothbrush has a head size that fits comfortably in your mouth. ...
Change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, before the bristles start to splay, and any time after you've been sick.

2. Brush your teeth several times a day

Brushing your teeth regularly is a key way to improve oral health. Aim to gently brush at least twice each day, for two minutes each time. Experts also recommend regular professional cleanings, both to keep your teeth clean and to catch early signs of tooth or gum issues requiring treatment.Apr

3. Floss between your teeth

Flossing your teeth every day removes food particles, plaque, and debris that brushing can’t reach. This helps you keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Additionally, flossing can help you avoid bad breath.[1] Although flossing can be tricky at first, it gets easier with practice. Start by learning how to hold the floss, then work on cleaning your teeth. Finally, adopt healthy flossing habits to help you maintain healthy teeth.

4. Be aware of any changes

When you see your dentist—which you should at regular intervals, preferably every 6 months—be sure to mention any changes you’ve noticed since your last visit, such as:

.changes in the color of your teeth or teeth that have moved;
.increased sensitivity to hot or cold;
.changes to the gums (color, sensitivity, bleeding);
.appearance of sores in the mouth or on the lips;
.tension in the neck or jaw;
.clenching or grinding of teeth;
.appearance of bumps on the neck.

5. Adopt a healthy lifestyle

Balance your diet! Eating healthy contributes to dental health as well as overall health. Foods that can compromise your dental health include candy, sweet drinks and fruit juices. Also, quit smoking as it affects the health of your teeth and mouth. Finally, drink alcohol with moderation. If you’re having trouble changing some of your habits, ask your pharmacist for help.

Habits That Ruin Your Teeth

1.   Smoking

Smoking leads to dental problems, including: Bad breath. Tooth discoloration. Inflammation of the salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth. Increased build up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. Increased loss of bone within the jaw. Increased risk of leukoplakia, white patches inside the mouth.

2.   Drinking alcohol

Discover the facts about how drinking alcohol affects your oral health. ... Not only does this problemcause bad breath, it also boosts your chance of cavities.

3.   Grinding Teeth

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. ... Grinding of the baby teethrarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult your dentist if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.

4.   Gummy Candy

 Ever wondered what the worst and best candies are for your teeth? ... Gummy worms, because they're the most acidic. .... The body can not fully digest it and it causes big problems in the digestive tract along with damage to 

5.   Soda

Sugar in soda combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid, which attacks theteeth. Diet or “sugar-free” soda contains its own acid, which also can damage teeth. ... These ongoing acid attacks weaken tooth enamel. Kids and teens are most susceptible to tooth decay because their tooth enamel is not fully developed.

6.   Opening Stuff With Your Teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

7.   Constant Snacking

Besides brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing and visiting a dentistregularly, try to avoid or limit the foods below. Sour Candies. It's not surprising that candy is bad for your mouth. Bread. Alcohol. Carbonated Drinks. Ice. Citrus. Potato Chips. Dried Fruits.

8.   Drinking Coffee

Despite the health benefits drinking coffee might have, too much consumption may not be good for the teeth. One cup of coffee a day increases the chances of cavities. Additionally, coffee can contribute to halitosis or bad breath because of its thick scent and the way it increases oral bacteria in the mouth.

9.   Chewing on Ice

Dangers of Chewing Ice, munching won't destroy your health like other addictions will. But the dentaldamage that comes from chewing on ice often include cracked and chipped teeth, damage to tooth enamel, problems with existing dental work such as fillings and crowns, and sore jaw muscles.

10.   Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

The role of the mouthguard in the prevention of sports-related dental injuries: a review. ... implications for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment and behavioural aspects of mouthguard wear. ... a number of sports does carry a considerable risk of sustaining dental injury, notonly in the so-called

Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia. If you fear to go to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Indeed, it is a universal phenomenon.Few people look forward to a spell in the dentist's chair. Below are the Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia. But serious anxiety prevents millions of Americans from seeking proper preventative care. The consequences of this problem may go far beyond dental pain or lost teeth. Gum disease is a serious infection that can affect other parts of the body. Studies now link it to illnesses including. heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Top 5 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

Fear #1 Needles phobia

The level of fear varies from person to person, and some people are afraid of dental injections in particular, while others are phobic about any sort of needle. Between 1 and 3% of the US, the population has some kind of phobia about needles(aichmophobia) or, subtly different, injections (arachnophobia). So you are not the only one but you can Overcome it with Our care of  Greenbeltsurgery.

Fear #2 The Drill

Some people may fear pain from a drill. This fear can be triggered by the sound of the drill.
However, patients are numbed before using the drill. When sufficiently numbed, you won’t feel any pain at all. You’ll just be aware of light pressure and vibration.
If the sound troubles you, pop in earphones and listen to some music. This can help to calm and/or distract you. It can be a calming classic or a pumping dance track – whichever you prefer!

                                          Fear #3 – Pain

If you’ve had a bad experience with dental pain before, you may be afraid of a repeat experience. However, many factors come into play with dental pain.
Anesthetics and numbing gels are now available for most treatments. This means it’s not likely to be the painful experience you’ve had in the past.
Also, when you’re more fearful, you tend to tense up. This may make you more sensitive to pain.

 Fear #4 – Embarrassment About Bad Teeth 

Embarrassment is perhaps THE most common concern voiced by people who haven’t been to a dentist in a very long time. It may come as a surprise to some that the days when “the lecture” was part-and-parcel of a visit to the dentist are gone. Dentistry has evolved into an industry which supplies a service to the potential customer – you!

    

                                       Fear #5 – Sedation Fears

Sedation effects differ from person to person. The most common feelings are drowsiness and relaxation. Once the sedative takes effect, negative emotions, stress, or anxiety may also gradually disappear. You may feel a tingling sensation throughout your body, especially in your arms, legs, hands, and feet.

Fears about being sedated fall into two categories.

Some people fear they will be too awake and aware of the pain. They worry their teeth and gums won’t be numb enough and they’ll be in pain.

Others fear to be numb as they feel they will be out of control. This can lead to fears that they will suffocate, choke or be unable to swallow.

It’s important to realize that for top teeth, only an individual tooth will be numbed. For bottom teeth, sometimes your tongue or cheek may feel swollen when numbed, but they won’t be. You lose sensation in these areas but not function.

So, be reassured – you will not choke or be unable to swallow.

Overcoming Dental Fears and Anxieties

Here are some tips to help overcome your dental fears and anxieties:

1. Identify your fear. Once you know exactly what you’re fearful about, you can start working towards a solution.
2. Choose a great dentist who listens and cares. Your fears will only increase if you’ve chosen a dentist who isn’t right for you. Consider a pediatric dentist for your children.
3. Take someone with you. Some patients find it comforting to take a friend along.
4. Ask for the perception of pain. You may find emotional relief from knowing what to expect with treatment. Ask your dentist to pre-warn you about the sensations you might experience. For instance, will it be a tingle or feel like a mosquito bite?
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for sedation if you think it may help.
6. Learn about mindfulness, meditation and breathing techniques. They are great ways to reduce your anxiety.
7. Seek professional help. The best course of action is to deal with the root cause of your fear. Unless you do this, you will always fear trips to the dentist. Do you really want to continue having to psych yourself up for every visit?

At Home Whitening | Teeth Whitening - Home Remedies

How to Whiten Your Teeth At Home

These days, where you see celebrities plastered all over magazine covers smiling with perfectly white, straight teeth, it is understandable that many of our patients have been very interested in whitening their own teeth. Our in-office KOR whitening, as well as the take-home whitening kits, are both phenomenal systems, however, sometimes finances come into play and these systems are not affordable. We want to give our patients other alternatives, especially those who have invested a lot of energy and effort in sustaining a healthy mouth!


Steps to take for cleaner, whiter teeth:


1. Avoid sodas and dark colored beverages (i.e. red wine, tea, coffee, etc.) as much as possible. If you cannot give them up, make sure to drink through a straw in order to minimize the amount of liquid touching the teeth.


2. After having your morning cup of coffee, swish with water and spit it out in the sink so the leftover particles of coffee do not sit on your teeth for the rest of the day and cause stains.


3. Some foods to avoid are blueberries, blackberries, ketchup, and hard candies (anything that turns your tongue a neon color is affecting your teeth too!).


Recipes for at home whitening treatments:


1. Mix about two tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide with baking soda until it is the same consistency as regular toothpaste. Brush your teeth with that mixture and rinse afterwards. This paste can be used twice a week.


2. Another good whitening agent that most of us have at home is apple cider vinegar. Simply dip your toothbrush into the vinegar and brush your teeth. Rinse afterwards, since apple cider vinegar does contain acids.


3. A final tip for whitening is banana peels! Although we have not tried this one out, many experts say that if you peel a banana and rub the inside of the peel around on your teeth, leave it sit for two minutes and then brush your teeth you will see whitening effects. If you've tried this one, let us know about your experience!


**Always keep in mind that with any whitening treatment (whether it is at home or something stronger from your dental office) abrasive materials are in the ingredients and can cause some tooth sensitivity**


We hope these tips and recipes are helpful to you in your whitening journey! :)


Visit our website: www.greenbeltsurgery.com

How Can Dental Implants Help My Smile?

Dental implants are a permanent solution for treating your tooth loss. In fact, they are actually the next best thing to real teeth. While dentures and dental bridges aren't designed to last your whole life, implants potentially could.
These small metal posts or screws are surgically placed into the jawbone where, over time, the bone will heal around the implant making it a permanent structure within the jawbone. This fusion ensures that the implant won't go anywhere and it certainly won't move or shift around like full dentures often can.

Dental implants can replace your teeth and restore your Dental Implants smile to what it once was. But how do these revolutionary, state-of-the-art dental restorations work? How can they benefit you? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Dr.Elyassi at Cosmetic & Family Dentistry in Potomac, MD.


They preserve the health of your jawbone
Tooth loss also leads to jawbone loss. By placing the implant into the jawbone it takes over the role of your missing tooth' s roots and also offers stimulation that the jawbone needs to remain healthy. The sooner you get implants from our Greenbelt dentist the less bone loss you' ll experience.


Enjoy a durable, long-term tooth replacement
With the proper care, your new tooth could last you the rest of your life. Only implants naturally meld together with your bone and tissue, meaning that you won't find another tooth replacement that' s as realistic and resilient as implants.


Dental Implants Greenbelt, MD
Dental implants require a two-phase process and several dental appointments. Those undergoing this procedure should have realistic expectations for their results and be committed to completing the process.

Don' t lose the battle against tooth loss. Your smile can be transformed thanks to a little help from our dental implants. Call Dr. Elyassi at Greenbelt Oral and Facial Surgery in Greenbelt, MD today.