Saliva is generated by a series of salivary glands and delivered to the mouth by a vast array of saliva ducts. There are several possible things that can occur to interrupt healthy saliva production. Some of the more common issues are related to salivary stones, calcium deposits in a salivary duct or a salivary gland infection.

Sialadenitis is the technical term for a type of salivary gland infection that interrupts the natural flow of saliva from the gland to the duct. It can be linked to different factors, tobacco users and individuals who frequently consume alcohol can be at increased risk of developing sialadenitis.

Early symptoms of a salivary gland infection might manifest as a rapid swelling, pressure and discomfort in the soft tissues of the lower jaw. It might also be accompanied by acute dry mouth problems.

If you have noticed any of these symptoms starting to develop, you should not delay in seeking professional diagnosis and treatment from a dentist like Dr. Joseph Szymczak.

The treatment plan he presents might vary depending on the severity of the infection in the salivary gland. In a case where the infection is significant our dentist might provide you with a prescription for antibiotics to knock out the bacterial presence.

Salivary massage and sucking on lemon drops or Vitamin C lozenges might further help to stimulate saliva production to help clear the related ducts.

If you are in the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area and you have started to experience signs of sialadenitis, you should call 616-453-0002 to seek timely treatment at MI Roots Family Dental.

The post An Infected Salivary Gland Needs Professional Treatment 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.