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Teeth grinding, also called bruxism, is caused by stress in nearly 70% of people, according to studies reported by the Mayo Health Clinic. The remaining cases of bruxism are closely linked to abnormal bites or crooked or missing teeth. Other factors can also contribute to teeth grinding, such as chronic alcohol consumption, smoking, and the use of recreational drugs.

Before you attribute your bruxism to stress, carefully evaluate your lifestyle and overall health condition. Bruxism can also present itself as a symptom of an underlying disorder such as sleep apnea, which would need to be addressed by our office first and foremost.

If you or your partner has determined that you grind your teeth at night, seek the opinion of Dr. Gregory Weaver and our team at Weaver Dentistry in order to get a proper evaluation of any damage to your teeth that may be occurring, as well as a diagnosis of the primary cause. Simple treatment options, such as a custom-fit night guard, can help prevent damage to your dentition due to teeth grinding. You can also take control of the situation by implementing certain lifestyle changes.

• Reduce or discontinue alcohol use in the evening. Alcohol is a depressant. If you must drink alcohol, try not to indulge in the three or four hours leading up to your bedtime.
• In the hours before you go to sleep, turn down the lights and music or television volume. It is helpful to reduce the amount of stimuli so our bodies wind down at the end of the day.
• Try not to focus on your teeth grinding. The more you worry about it, the more tense you may become, and exacerbate the problem. Instead, as you fall asleep, experiment with visualization techniques that will relax you and make you feel safe and happy. For example, you may conjure up a picture in your mind of yourself on a deserted beach with the wind gently blowing through palm trees. Your happy place will be unique, but once you find it, it will be easier and easier to return to each night.

Teeth grinding is very treatable. Together with Dr. Gregory Weaver and our team, we can help treat your bruxism and have you back to sleeping soundly once again. Contact our Raleigh, NC office today!

Regular visits to the dentist are important for people of all ages. Seeing Dr. Gregory Weaver as recommended provides preventive care for oral diseases. If a disease is already present, early detection can prevent hefty dental bills and further damage to the teeth and gums. Once you have made the decision to visit Weaver Dentistry, you may ask yourself, “What happens during my hygiene appointment?”

Preparation

Arrive at your appointment a few minutes early and bring along any insurance cards or medical information. While it may seem irrelevant, a full medical history can be important, since certain conditions include symptoms that occur inside the mouth.

Initial appointment

In some offices, the first appointment is a screening appointment, during which a dental hygienist will go over your medical and dental history with you, assess the condition of your teeth and gums, then schedule a future appointment to complete the cleaning and any other treatments you may need. In other offices, the screening and cleaning will be done over the same appointment. The dental hygienist may:

• Count your teeth
• Clean your teeth by using a small tool to scrape them in order to remove plaque
• Brush and floss your teeth
• Apply a fluoride treatment using foam that sits on your teeth within a tooth mold, or a gel that can be “painted” on with a small brush
• Inspect your teeth for cavities or signs of decay
• Administer oral X-rays. You will be covered with a special blanket to protect your body and then given a small piece of plastic on which to bite.

Seeing the dentist

After the dental hygienist completes his or her portion of the appointment, the dentist will usually come in and inspect your teeth. After an initial inspection, the dentist may:

• Perform a quick tooth count as well as a more thorough inspection, looking for signs of decay in and around the teeth
• Use a small tool called a “probe” in order to check for signs of gum disease around the base of your teeth
• Visually inspect the skin around your mouth, called the “mucosa”

If you need any further dental work completed, you will usually be required to make an additional appointment. To learn more about hygiene visits, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gregory Weaver, please give us a call at our convenient Raleigh, NC office!

Mouthwashes are commonly used as a part of a daily oral care regimen. Not only do they freshen breath, but some are capable of improving dental health too. Using a mouthwash daily can rinse fine debris away and out of reach while brushing. It can also make the teeth and gums more resilient to decay and disease.

Types of Mouthwashes

There are several types of mouthwashes available today that Dr. Gregory Weaver and our team at Weaver Dentistry want you to be aware of. Some do little more than freshen breath and are known as cosmetic mouthwashes. These are ideal for quickly eliminating odors that linger after eating, drinking, or taking medication. Using a cosmetic mouthwash does not offer any health benefits.

Other mouthwashes offer more comprehensive benefits; they can potentially prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Mouthwashes that contain antimicrobial agents work by preventing the buildup of plaque that can lead to gingivitis and decay of the tooth enamel. However, it should be noted that the use of a mouthwash is never a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

In some cases, prescription mouthwashes are necessary to treat patients with gum disease or who have undergone periodontal surgery. These specialty mouthwashes are designed specifically for the treatment of gum disease and should not be used outside of their intended use. The majority of mouthwashes require no prescription.

Tips for Choosing a Mouthwash

The choice to use a mouthwash and which one to use is between you and your dentist, depending on your individual oral health needs. If you determine that a mouthwash is right for you, look for one that contains fluoride, if possible. Fluoride provides an added layer of protection for your teeth, and helps them become more resistant to decay. As always, if you have any questions or concerns when choosing a mouthwash, please give our team at Weaver Dentistry a call for assistance in selecting the rinse that is best for you. Or, we invite to ask us during your next visit to our Raleigh, NC office!

Labor Day is upon us, and that means the non-official end to summer. Before the kids head back to school and temperatures start to cool down, this is your last chance to barbeque in the beautiful Raleigh, NC community, head to the lake, and wear your favorite pair of white pants.

About Labor Day

Each year, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It is the one day of year Americans celebrate their achievements in work, which the US Department of Labor says has contributed to prosperity and well-being of America as a whole. Americans have been celebrating Labor Day since the 1880s, and today it is an official federal holiday.

Interesting Facts About Labor Day

• Every year, more than 30 million Americans travel over Labor Day weekend.
• Canada was the first to celebrate Labor Day, and the US soon followed.
• President Cleveland made Labor Day and official US holiday in 1894.
• Labor Day marks the beginning of the NFL and NCAA sports seasons for fans.
• Labor Day marks the end of hot dog season, when Americans consume seven billion hot dogs.

Thanks for being a valued patient of our dental office. Our staff would like to wish you a safe and happy Labor Day weekend. Enjoy your time off!