That is why our dentist, Dr. Joseph Szymczak with MI Roots Family Dental in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is happy to give you advice on the proper way to brush your teeth.

Here are some tips and tricks for brushing your teeth correctly:

-Are you using a toothbrush that has been contaminated or left on its side? It may be covered in germs and bacteria, so get rid of it.

-If your toothbrush has worn down and the bristles are no longer long enough to efficiently clean, replace your toothbrush.

-Clean your teeth twice every day. Avoid cleaning your teeth after eating.

-To keep your mouth safe from dental abrasion, avoid pressing too hard with your toothbrush.

-Generally, a good toothbrush to use is one that can reach all areas of your mouth with soft, gentle brushes and bristles.

-For additional care keeping your mouth clean, visit your dentist for biannual cleaning treatments.

Brushing your teeth will fight against cavities, halitosis, and gum disease. If you are in need of a dental checkup, or if you have questions about your oral health, please call us today at 616-453-0002 to make an appointment. Our friendly dental team is always ready to help keep your teeth healthy.

The post Brush Your Teeth Correctly first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

There can be many different causes of bruxism. For example TMJD can be the cause of bruxism, because the TMJ controls your mouth’s ability to open and shut your jaw. If something is wrong with your TMJ, your teeth could grind. Other causes can include acid reflux, sleep disorders, misaligned teeth, and anxiety and stress.

While it may be difficult to assess exactly what causes bruxism, there are a few treatment options available. For instance, a common treatment from bruxism is a custom made mouthguard. However, if your bruxism is mild, treatment won’t usually be necessary. However, a dentist may also correct misaligned teeth or help you address your other issues.

While bruxism may not seem like a serious issue, it can lead to significant trouble—and can be difficult to recognize. To help you avoid these problems, we encourage you to schedule frequent checkups with our team.

If you think you may have bruxism, or are simply interested in scheduling a checkup, please don’t hesitate to contact MI Roots Family Dental at 616-453-0002. Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team will gladly answer any questions you may have. We’re excited to hear from you!

The post What to do About Teeth Grinding 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.