Sadly, no one knows exactly what causes this rare syndrome. However, you are at greater risk if you are a woman, are postmenopausal, or older than fifty. Sadly, due to discomfort, individuals with burning mouth syndrome may experience difficulty falling asleep, depression, anxiety, difficulty eating, and trouble socializing.

But if you have to cope with burning tongue syndrome, what can you do? One of the most important things you can do is visit us as soon as possible.  Dr. Joseph Szymczak can diagnose your problem and give you specific advice. In severe circumstances, you may need to visit a specialist. We will be happy to recommend one.

However, there are also things you can try at home to avoid discomfort. For instance, try drinking more—though we recommend avoiding carbonated beverages and alcohol. You should also avoid using tobacco products, spicy foods, and acidic foods and drinks. You should also avoid mint and cinnamon—even mint and cinnamon in toothpaste. Exercising, having a hobby, and staying active can also help.

Fortunately, if you follow these steps you’ll be able to combat the negative effects of burning mouth syndrome. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us soon at 616-453-0002. We look forward to hearing from you.

The post Are You Dealing With Burning Mouth Syndrome? first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Did you know that when you brush you only clean approximately 25% of your mouth? This is one of the reasons mouthwash is so useful. Aside from fighting bad breath, mouthwash can reach different areas of your mouth, and provide a variety of benefits.

For example, some mouthwashes contain alcohol that that kills bacteria faster and more thoroughly than some mouthwashes, though it can cause a burning sensation. Other mouthwashes have fluoride to fight against cavities, and some are designed specifically for children.

Similarly, a tongue scraper is mostly useful for removing bacteria that can cause bad breath. While some people may clean their tongue with a toothbrush, many others find it uncomfortable. Tongue scrapers also come in different sizes because wide tongue scrapers may trigger gag reflex.

But please remember, if you have chronic bad breath, you may be dealing with gum disease and you may need help from a dentist.

Would you like to learn more about what you can do to care for your smile? Are you interested in learning more about how you can hold off gum disease? Would you like to schedule an appointment with our team? If so, please feel free to contact us today. We are excited to hear from you.

The post Mouthwash, Tongue Scrapers, and Your Smile first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Wear is often caused by teeth grinding or clenching. In fact, this can cause small cracks in your enamel, making your smile more prone to tooth decay. Grinding can also lead to headaches, damage to your jaw, and other pains. Typically, this problem is worse in people who grind hard or who grind often. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do if you suffer from these problems. One option is finding a way to relieve stress or to avoid stressful situations. However, if these don’t work, your dentist can give you’re a mouth guard or a splint, which can stop grinding and clenching.

A second reason for wear is acid, which erodes enamel. As strong as your teeth may be, acid will erode your enamel and consequently weaken them. This problem is especially common in individuals who enjoy many carbonated drink, fruit juices, or alcohol. Similarly, individuals with some health problems (such as acid reflux) can bring acid in your stomach to your mouth. Women who are pregnant also tend to have issues with acid on their teeth. To counteract this problem, we recommend cutting down on acidic drinks. Using mouthwash after finishing your beverages can also help. If you are pregnant, we recommend going to your dentist for a checkup.

Finally, you may wear down your tooth through abrasion. This is typically caused by brushing your teeth incorrectly. If you brush too hard, you may damage your enamel. When you brush, please use gentle, circular motions. If you are concerned about this type of wear, we recommend using a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles or finding non-abrasive toothpaste.

If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us soon. We are excited to hear from you soon.

The post How to Protect Your Teeth from Wear first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.