TMD Can Literally Be A Pain In The Neck

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

jawpainwomansweaterDealing with consistent discomfort can wreak havoc with your daily ability to enjoy life and move comfortably through your schedule. When you suffer from jaw discomfort, for example, you might start to recognize additional symptoms that don’t necessarily add up. This is because pain or irritation does not always remain in one place. The longer you ignore your discomfort, the greater your chances of suffering from physical damage. Fortunately, there is an answer to reducing your jaw tension: TMJ treatment. This dental service offers you the preventive solution you need to regain daily comfort, while protecting your smile.

What’s Happening With TMJ Disorder

You have probably heard of TMJ disorder (TMD) and may recognize that the problem refers to your jaw. However, becoming familiar with the details will give you a clearer understanding of what is really going on. Everyone has two TMJs. These are your jaw joints located on either side of your head. They connect your lower jaw to the rest of your cranium, allowing you to open your mouth and move your jaw from side to side. Sometimes, one or both TMJs stop functioning at their best. Dentists are still a bit fuzzy on the exact reason this occurs. However, they can identify symptoms and offer effective treatment.

Your Neck And Other Affected Areas

TMD affects your jaw joints, commonly resulting in tension, discomfort, pain, tenderness, and symptoms like popping, clicking, and temporary locking when opening or closing your mouth. What you may not realize is that your jaw is supported by a wide variety of surrounding tissues and nerves. When your jaw is tired and sore, you may find your neck and shoulders feel sore, too. You may also experience ringing in your ears, earaches, and headaches.

How To Solve Your Problem
Dealing with discomfort that radiates from your jaw may feel frustrating. Fortunately, Dr. Richards offers effective, noninvasive TMJ treatment so you can quickly return to comfort. TMJ treatment will include oral appliance therapy. You will wear a comfortable mouthguard at night while you sleep, which will gently reposition your jaw or cushion your bite. This method takes pressure and stress off of your jaw joints, so you can enjoy relaxed TMJs and an improved daily quality of life.

About Your Conroe Dentist
At The Dental Centre of Conroe: John M Richards DDS, we believe in providing the latest amenities and advanced technology to ensure every patient enjoys a comfortable experience. Whether you require cosmetic dentistry for an improved smile or dental prosthetics to replace lost teeth, we can help you and your family achieve beautiful, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. To schedule an appointment, call (936) 441-4600. We proudly service residents of Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, The Woodlands, Huntsville, and surrounding communities in the greater Houston area.

Should Mouthwash Remain a Part of your Dental Care?

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

Mouthwash GirlThe basics of oral hygiene have stood the test of recent time. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day is the minimum recommendation. Add in an antibacterial mouthrinse, a healthy low-sugar diet, and biannual checkups and cleanings and you’re on your way to the best possible dental health you can have. Regarding mouthwash as a supplement to dental self-care, Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards has some interesting facts to share.

Mouthwash Basics

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A Mother’s Influence on her Child’s Dental Health

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

Smiling Mother and KidsMost mothers obviously play a central role in the well-being of their children. They selflessly provide love and care. When it comes to dental care, moms of children play an influential part in determining their child’s oral health for the rest of their lives. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards, reviews what is already known about this influence.

A Mother’s Many Roles

Several factors shape the role that a maternal figure plays in guiding and reinforcing good dental care (more…)

When is the Best Time to Brush your Teeth?

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

Brush Teeth Close UpYou probably know that you should brush your teeth twice a day. Dentists are backed up on this advice by the American Dental Association (ADA). While the general oral hygiene challenges people face revolve around not brushing and flossing enough, there are some people who take brushing their teeth to the extreme. In fact, you can brush your teeth too much, and wear tooth enamel down, especially if your timing is off. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards will explain more about timing your brushing for optimal dental health. (more…)

Can Molecular Manipulation Stop Severe Gum Disease?

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

ResearchersPeriodontitis is the clinical term for severe gum disease which affects almost 50% of the adult population in America. This gum tissue inflammation, combined with periodontal pockets, can lead to tooth and jawbone density loss. There are many studies that point to periodontitis having a systemic impact on overall health, as well. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards explains a study focused on halting the development of periodontitis even after it has already begun.

Gingival Inflammation

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Lower Cavity Risk with a Halloween Candy Buy Back

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

Candy in PumpkinsIf your children indulge in too much sugar, they (and you) might pay the hefty price in terms of dental health. We’d like to reverse that equation. How about if a local dentist were to pay your child to give you their excess candy? We are referring Halloween candy buy backs which occur all over the country. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards, will explain how encouraging children to take control of their dental health by making the choice to earn money for their Halloween candy isn’t just about getting something for themselves – they’ll also be giving something to military troops overseas. (more…)

Understanding Full-Mouth Rehabilitation

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

Pretty Smile LadyA smile makeover is the solution when a patient is in need of multiple cosmetic dental procedures. If you add in the need for restorative treatments so that you have a healthy foundation upon which to implement cosmetic dental work, this is called full-mouth rehabilitation. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards, will tell you more about full-mouth rehabilitation.

The Dental Hand We’re Dealt

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One Dentist for the Entire Family

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

Smiling FamilySetting your young child up for a lifetime of regular preventive dental care will likely be the equivalent of them holding onto their healthy, natural teeth for all of their years. Kids need to feel comfortable about going to the dentist, so it’s important that you seek out a practice that dedicates itself to meeting the dental needs of children. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards, can provide comprehensive dentistry to your entire family, young and old.

An Atmosphere that Makes Kids Comfortable

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How Can Dental Implants Improve your Life?

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

Smiling Older CoupleIf you are missing teeth, you may find yourself perusing a pro and con list to decide between traditional bridges and dentures, or the more innovative dental implant technology. The process of discerning the features and benefits versus the financial commitment can be overwhelming. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards would like to explain to you the details of what a dental implant procedure can offer you.

Dental Implants

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Guard yourself from Grinding your Teeth

Posted by Dental Centre of Conroe

BruxismStress plays a big part in our lives. Good stress comes in the form of anticipating positive things. Someone might be planning a wedding and feel stressed to the max from all of the details of arranging the ultimate happy occasion. Another person may have a horrible work situation with a boss who seems determined to make their lives miserable. Money, family, relationshiop – there are so many reasons to carry around stress. When you have an overwhelming amount of tension, your nervous system is out of balance and creates physical responses. Conroe dentist, Dr. John M. Richards will speak more on a major dental health issue often caused by stress: bruxism, better known as teeth grinding. (more…)