Bruxism: What You Need To Know

By Arthur Kezian

Are you suffering from TMJ pain with each and every bite?  Do you have frequent headaches?  Are you having trouble sleeping or feeling excessive stress in your life?  All of these symptoms may the result of strain on your TMJ joint.   Bruxism, which is a medical term for excess teeth clenching and grinding, is a relatively common condition that can cause these symptoms.  Although this is not a dangerous disorder, it can make life significantly uncomfortable and may lead to permanent tooth damage.

If you are experiencing TMJ pain, Dr. Kezian can evaluate you to identify if there is an underlying dental problem affecting your joint.  Dr. Kezian and staff can create a treatment plan for you that alleviate your symptoms. 

What Is TMJ Pain?

If you open your mouth all the way and then shut it again, you have used your temporo-mandibular joint or TMJ joint.  It consists of a disc of cartilage that sits between the temporal bone of the skull and the lower jaw bone or mandible.  If the cartilaginous disc is displaced, this can place pressure on the joint or nearby sensory nerves.  This may cause pain.  In addition, if the surrounding muscles spasm, this can also cause discomfort.  Symptoms that suggest TMJ related pain include temple, cheek or ear pain, sore jaw muscles, locking of your jaw or sharp pain when you chew or swallow. 

What Causes TMJ Pain?

There are many ways to damage the TMJ joint.  Trauma or excess gum chewing can do this.  One of the most common causes is teeth clenching or bruxism.  Bruxism is often related to stress and can be exacerbated by an abnormal bite or missing teeth.  Patients often don’t realize they are clenching or holding their teeth tightly together.  Also, teeth grinding or sliding of the teeth against each other, often occurs while the patient is sleeping and unaware.  Long term grinding may permanently damage your teeth.

How Do You Treat TMJ Pain?

TMJ Pain can be treated initially by lifestyle changes such as eliminating gum chewing, eating soft foods and applying heat to the surrounding muscles two times a day.  If TMJ pain is due to bruxism, reducing stress can relieve some symptoms.  Importantly, because bruxism can lead to teeth damage, seeking a consultation with a dentist is imperative.  Treatment options include a mouth guard or splint to be worn at night to prevent grinding and ultimately damage to the teeth.  There are different types of mouth guards available. If you suffer from TMJ pain, you can schedule a consultation with Dr. Kezian.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Dental Hygiene: A Brief History

By Arthur Kezian

Every day we use modern dental products such as an electric toothbrush and nylon floss to maintain proper dental hygiene. Thankfully, the dental techniques used in modern day dentistry have come a long way. 

Dentistry is a field that has changed quite a bit throughout history.  Dr. Kezian uses the latest dental techniques to provide excellent dental care.  Let’s examine the history of dental hygiene to see how far we have come.

Origin Of The Toothbrush

Many people want to know the origin of the toothbrush.  The first evidence of a toothbrush was from 3000 BC.  A stick with a frayed end was found among the Egyptian pyramids.  A more widespread early toothbrush was from the Chinese.  Instead of a plastic handle, they used bamboo, a tough plant ubiquitous to China.  They used bristles from the hair of wild boars, especially the tough ones from the back of the neck.  Due to the toughness of boar hair, some people switched to softer horse hair which caused less irritation to the gums.  Nylon, created by DuPont Laboratories, was introduced in 1938.  Shortly thereafter, plastic handles were invented and the modern toothbrush was born.

The Beginnings Of the Toothpaste

Toothpaste goes hand in hand with toothbrushes as a key component of dental hygiene.  Again, the Egyptians were the first to create toothpaste like powder that when combined with saliva cleaned and whitened the teeth.  There was evidence that dental toothpaste was in use since 500 B.C in India and China.  Believe it or not but in the 19^th century, charcoal was popular as a tooth cleaner!  As we moved into the 20^th century, manufacturers replaced powders with pastes like we use today.  Modern toothpaste often contains fluoride and there are varieties specifically designed for sensitive teeth.

Dental Floss

Flossing has been around since the mid 1800s.  In fact, early types of floss were made from silk.  In the 1940s, floss material was switched to nylon because it was smoother and more durable.  Silk often splayed or shredded.  

In the past, poor dental hygiene caused tooth decay and tooth loss for many people.  Many people have called Dr. Charles Bass the “Father of Preventive Dentistry.”  He recognized that good oral hygiene resulting in clean teeth and gums lead to a drop in tooth loss.    The combination of modern toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss and dental treatments give everyone the tools they need for adequate oral and dental health.

As you can see, dentistry has come a long way from bamboo toothbrushes.  Dr. Kezian keeps up with the newest advances and developments in the field so that you the patient receive excellent care.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

A Guide to Mouth Anatomy

By Arthur Kezian

Most people know that taking good care of your teeth and gums are an important aspect of maintaining ones dental health.  Without proper oral hygiene, tooth erosion and gum disease can become a major problem.  Although your teeth and gums are a major part of your mouth there are other structures equally as important.  Dr. Kezian knows that a solid understanding of your mouth anatomy is an important part of your dental education.

Mouth Anatomy:  The Basics

Grossly, the oral cavity is essentially oval shaped.  The boundaries include the lips anteriorly, oropharynx posteriorly, cheeks laterally, floor of mouth inferiorly and the hard palate superiorly.  Considered part of the oral cavity are the lips, gingiva or gums, teeth, hard palate, inner cheek surface or mucosa, tongue and floor of the mouth.  Some of these parts can affect the health of your teeth.  In addition, part of a dentist’s job during routine check-ups is to evaluate these other areas to look for other diseases such as oral cancer.

The Beginning of Digestion

As everyone knows, the oral cavity is the first part of the digestive tube and the process of digestion is initiated here with chewing of food into smaller pieces and the softening of food with salivation.  Other functions include respiratory conduit, speech modification and sensory functions.  The bones of the jaw, maxillary and mandibular bones specifically, form the bony structures of the oral cavity.

Your teeth give your mouth its overall shape and contribute to the aesthetic features of your face.  Different teeth have different functions in the process of mastication, the grinding and crushing of food into smaller pieces for easier digestion.  Your gums are necessary in that they protect the roots of the teeth on the jaw bone.  Gum disease or gingivitis can cause tooth decay and loss and needs to be treated.

Salivary glands produce saliva that contains enzymes for digestion and water for moisture.  There are three major salivary glands that connect into the mouth.  Disease of the salivary glands can disrupt this process leading to the symptoms of dry mouth.  Without the moisture and food breakdown functions, bacteria can overgrow leading to increased plaque formation and resulting in tooth decay. 

The tongue is a muscular organ that functions in speech and chewing.  It is covered in taste buds that contain pain and chemosensors that let you experience the sensation of taste. 

Understanding your overall mouth anatomy is essential to your overall dental health.  During your visit to the dentist, your teeth get polished and cleaned.  Any signs of tooth decay are identified and treated as necessary.   Gum disease can be seen and treatment plans to reverse the process will be discussed.  Remember, that although your teeth and gums are important, the other parts of your mouth need to be examined for signs of infection, oral cancer or other disease symptoms.

Dr. Kezian is dedicated to providing excellent care to patients by completing an extensive examination of the mouth to prevent and treat dental and oral cavity disease.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

How to Ensure Your Bedtime Hygiene Is Okay

By Arthur Kezian

Dental health is very important. Many people have a fear for dentists because of the discomfort that they associate with their tooth pain. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian and his staff have very important dental advice that everyone should use to maintain their oral hygiene and bedtime hygiene is a big part of that.

Brushing the teeth

Brushing your teeth before hitting the sack is an important habit to maintain. You can avoid waking up with awful bad breath in the morning by brushing your teeth at night. Tooth brushing removes harmful bacteria that stay on them overnight and eventually lead to the build-up of plague which in turn leads to tooth decay. In order to have long lasting results, you should brush your teeth for about two minutes.

Flossing is also an important part of a person’s oral hygiene. You should floss at least once every day, preferably after every meal. While tooth brushing is critical and helps remove the food particles in the teeth, it doesn’t remove all the food particles that are stuck in between the teeth like floss does. Tarter build up can easily be prevented by flossing before going to bed at night.

Gargling Mouthwash

Many people gargle with mouthwash before stepping out of the house. Mouthwash has fluoride and other ingredients that are helpful for the mouth. After doing all the necessary brushing and flossing you should gargle with mouthwash so you wake up with great smelling breath.

Achieving and maintaining good dental health seems daunting. When taking steps to incorporate them in your daily routine, you eventually get used to them and the results are often very rewarding.

For those who experience bruxism, a mouth guard is a great option. They come in handy by preventing the enamel from wearing and keep you from developing TJM problems. Bedtime oral health is an important part in the maintaining of dental hygiene and definitely something everyone should take seriously as Dr. Kezian and staff advise.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Why It’s Important to Understand How Tooth Decay Forms

By Arthur Kezian

Tooth decay is a very crucial topic; many people don’t even realize that their teeth have decay until it is too late. Before discussing ways to repair tooth decay, you should understand how and why it starts in the first place.

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is basically a cavity that is starting to form. It is caused by a process called demineralization – dissolving of the enamel. Your enamel is made up of many minerals, one of which is calcium. Acids in your mouth dissolve these minerals and start to soften your enamel. This allows bacteria in the mouth to penetrate deeper into your teeth and cause cavities over time. 

How to detect tooth decay:

Many people would expect to have clear forewarning signs when their teeth are deteriorating, but that is not always the case. When your teeth are just starting to form decay, you don’t feel much. It is when further deterioration occurs where you feel some symptoms. These symptoms can be sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, discoloration of your teeth, or in more dramatic cases, throbbing pain. Feeling pain is a sign that the decay has enlarged and must be treated as soon as possible.

Treatment and Prevention Methods:

To treat tooth decay, your dentist will take an X-Ray of the area, and upon taking an X-Ray can decide how far the tooth has deteriorated. If it is possible to save the tooth with a filling, as in the decay has not yet reached the nerve, then a composite filling that matches the shade of your tooth can be put in. The decay is drilled out, the tooth is desensitized, and the filling is placed to stop further decay. Visiting your dentist on a regular basis (at least once every six months) can help prevent big cavities. Your dentist will find and keep an eye on beginning cavities and take action when they start to decay more. This way, you don’t have to worry about the decay reaching the nerve and having to get a root canal instead of a filling.

Another way to prevent cavities is simply by brushing and flossing faithfully. Make it a night-time routine to brush your teeth, floss in between all of them, and even use antibacterial mouthwash that has enamel protection. Now, some people are prone to getting cavities and say that brushing and flossing doesn’t make a difference, that’s wrong; without brushing and flossing you would get twice the amount of cavities. 

Take action against preventing tooth decay and visit your dentist today. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian and his staff are ready to help you do exactly that. Keep your oral hygiene in good hands. Call the office for more information or for a free consultation. It’s a small step that will benefit you immensely.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Bad Breath - Don’t Feel Insecure

By Arthur Kezian

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can make people feel very insecure. Apart from the discomfort associated with bad breath, it can also make socializing very difficult. Given the effects of bad breath on one’s life and social circumstances, Dr Kezian has outlined the causes, treatments, and best dental and lifestyle habits that can help one entirely eliminate bad breath from their lives.

Halitosis is basically caused by bacteria which cling onto the teeth, tongue, and gums causing a foul smell as they multiply and thrive. Further, bad breath varies in intensity with the mouth being particularly smelly in the morning or right after a meal. This is because at night the mouth doesn’t get the oxygen that it requires which gives the bacteria a chance to multiply and produce awful odors, especially if one fails to brush their teeth before sleeping.

Bad breath can either be transient, which goes away after brushing, or it can be chronic, which means brushing will not necessarily stop the smell. One of the most common causes of transient bad breath is diet. Eating food with strong odors such as garlic, cheese, onions, and meat usually leaves a persistent bad odor in the mouth unless one brushes their teeth or uses mouthwash. On the other hand, chronic bad breath is usually caused by dental health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth. Other causes of bad breath include diabetes, lesions caused by viral diseases such as herpes or HIV, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, tobacco chewing, and alcohol consumption.

According to Dr Kezian, the simplest way of effectively combating bad breath is through a regular thorough mouth cleansing. One should faithfully brush their teeth twice a day taking special care to brush hidden parts like the back of the tongue. This is a notorious area for bacteria to hide. If this fails one can book an appointment with Dr Kezian who is highly qualified for halitosis treatments. Alternatively, if the culprit is not one of the major dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay, Dr Kezian can refer you to a specialist or a general practitioner who is better placed to make the appropriate diagnosis.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.