Diet for TMJ/TMD

When TMJ flares up, many people will find relief in a night guard, but may also find relief from changing diet. Food choices will depend on the amount of pain you experience and your ability to open your mouth. For those who suffer from minimal pain, a soft or easy chew diet will reduce symptoms. Our doctors at Evans Dental Care suggest incorporating these foods into your diet if you suffer from TMJ.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers, and cheesecake are good things to choose from. Avoid foods that are crunchy, as they will aggravate the temporomandibular joint.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dental care or TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.evansdentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Evans Dental Care in Williamsburg, VA, call 757-349-8877.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

The temporomandibular joint acts as a sliding hinge, connecting our jawbone to the skull. This joint allows us to move our jaw up and down, side to side, and lets us talk, chew, and yawn. Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) are a complex and poorly understood set of conditions characterized by pain in the jaw joint and surrounding tissues and limitation in jaw movements. Fortunately, relief is available. Here at Evans Dental Care, we can alleviate this condition. 

Symptoms associated with the temporomandibular joint disorder, include pain in the facial muscles and jaw joints, ringing in the ears, facial swelling, and/or muscle spasms and lockjaw. If the pain is severe and doesn’t go away, our doctors may suggest a night guard to alleviate pressure on the jaw during sleep. They may also suggest applying a warm compress to the face to reduce inflammation, as well as stress reduction techniques to prevent teeth from grinding together.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dental care or TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.evansdentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Evans Dental Care in Williamsburg, VA, call 757-349-8877.

How to Beat Bad Breath

Most of us are no stranger to bad breath. In fact, studies show that 50 percent of adults have had bad breath or halitosis, at some point in their lives. It’s one thing to have a foul odor protruding from the mouth after eating a cup of coffee, smoking a cigarette, or eating a meal that is heavy in garlic or onions. Regardless of what is causing your bad breath, our doctors at Evans Dental Care can help you get the situation or stink, under control.

Bad breath can happen at any time of the day due to the large quantities of bacteria that are always present in the mouth. When we eat, the foods left in the mouth feed on these bacteria and result in a foul-smelling odor. Dry mouth, periodontal disease, and lifestyle factors such as smoking will also contribute to bad breath. You can combat these odors by brushing at least twice a day and cleaning between the teeth with floss after every meal. Regular dental checkups will help you prevent periodontal disease and dry mouth and stop these conditions before they become serious.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dental care or bad breath, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.evansdentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Evans Dental Care in Williamsburg, VA, call 757-349-8877.

Sjogren's Syndrome

People with conditions that affect their oral health will be treated with understanding at Evans Dental Care in Williamsburg. As a holistic practice, we pay close attention to how the mouth relates to the rest of the body. Sjögren’s Syndrome is one disorder which has repercussions for which patients will depend on an informed dentist’s help to manage.

Sjögren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that usually occurs in older women. It describes what happens when the immune system attacks the tear and saliva glands, along with the joints and skin. Besides being painful, it prevents the body from producing enough saliva, resulting in dry mouth. Without saliva, patients will also have more difficulty removing food debris from their mouths, increasing their risk of dental or gum infection.

It is unknown what causes Sjögren’s Syndrome. However, it is possible to manage dry mouth. Patients are advised to chew sugar-free gum and to use throat moisturizers. Diagnosing Sjögren’s Syndrome will require a sampling of the patient’s saliva glands. If the tests come back positive, we may be able to help patients obtain stronger medications for stimulating saliva production.

Dr. Peter Evans operates Evans Dental Care at 103 Bulifants Blvd., Suite B, Williamsburg, Virginia, 23188. To schedule an appointment, visit Evans Dental Care or call 757-349-8877.