Dr. Robert Day, DDS, FAGD

04/06/2023

https://www.smilebrilliant.com/articles/how-to-care-for-dental-appliances/

Good oral hygiene is associated with a healthier mouth and body. Find out how to take care of dental appliances to minimize microbes & maximize health.

12/17/2021

What do bananas and X-rays have in common?

https://bit.ly/3scgOJ2

10/31/2021

We all need to smile more !

Do you notice teeth grinding?

Head and neck pain are some of the most debilitating conditions, they aren't just normal.

After seeing many patients suffering from teeth grinding, I noticed a pattern in how they were using the muscles of the face.

Nearly all teeth grinders tend to use their chewing muscles (pictured) to posture the mouth at rest, INSTEAD of their inner tongue muscles.

It's a problem because these two big muscles are very strong, that's because they are designed for chewing. But you shouldn't be using them too much.

Teeth grinders often have jaw pain, or temporomandibuler dysfunction (TMD).

Symptoms of TMD can include:
• Jaw pain
• Muscle spasms
• Headaches
• Ear aches
• Difficulty opening the mouth

The masseter is the primary facial muscle used for chewing solids food, which attaches to the lower jawbone and cheekbone. If you clench your teeth and feel along your jaw, you will feel a bump raise itself from the side of your face.

If you use your masseter muscle and ‘clench’ the jaw at resting posture it may leave you more vulnerable to clenching.

The problem is using the wrong muscles for jaw posture. The masseter and temporalis muscle are controlled by the trigeminal nerve or (V).

The muscles you should use are from your XII cranial nerve or hypoglossal nerve. These control the tongue.

So, is your clenching issues to do with low tongue posture:

Constant pressure on the teeth can cause teeth to shift, become crooked, create a bad bite, and even result in habitual teeth grinding (which can create a whole host of problems on its own).

Those who rest their tongues on the bottom of the mouth may suffer from more neck pain, jaw pain, and bad body posture overall.

How to start using correct tongue posture?

• Smile – Here's a way you can find your ideal tongue position is to smile really wide (we’re talking about really cheesy smile), raise your eyebrows, and try to swallow without unclenching your teeth. You should feel your tongue rise to the roof of your mouth into its ideal resting position.

It's your goal to bring the tongue up to this rest position, and you will find the jaw muscles relax.

Do you suffer from jaw pain or headaches?

11/13/2020

We never doubted it, but Dentistry is proving to be very safe for you and your families 😁

We appreciate your confidence in us as we continue working hard to provide the highest level of safety !

Drs. Stuart and Scott Froum conducted studies within three dental practices during a six-month period. The results indicate that with proper infection control, dental offices have been and continue to be safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

08/07/2019

Our oral health is vital to our overall health!

Using DNA evidence, scientists have shown that brain clot samples from people who have had ischemic stroke often contain mouth bacteria.

07/27/2019

The first trip to the dentist can be a daunting experience – for kids and parents. Between the bright lights, loud tools, and unfamiliar doctor, there's a lot for a young child to handle. Meanwhile, you're simultaneously assuaging fears while…

07/04/2019

Have a safe and happy 4th of July!!

06/21/2019

06/14/2019

Happy Flag Day!

06/11/2019

Do you have a cold sore but have a dental appointment coming up?
Important info below! 👇👇

👨‍🔬 Do you struggle with them often?
Ask your primary care doctor or dentist about a treatment that can help shorten the duration or possibly stop one from erupting if used when you feel the first tingle!

Did you just catch your yearly cold sore and need have a dentist appointment? You should read why cancelling your appointment might not be the best idea! Learn more!