Grind, grind, grind...

If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

Dr. Andrew Weil says "there are a number of healthy ways to relieve tension or rage," and has the following four tips for those who constantly grind their teeth:

*Biofeedback training specifically aimed at reducing jaw muscle tension.

*Breathing exercises are another effective stress-reliever.

*Daily physical activity, such as a brisk 20-minute walk or practicing tai chi or yoga can also make a big difference.

*Avoid consuming alcohol late at night. Alcohol has been shown to promote bruxism.

For more information on malocclusion or teeth grinding, please call our office. Have a great weekend!

Patient question: What's the deal with Xylitol?

At Advanced Dental Concepts, we have known for some time that certain types of chewing gum, cough drops, toothpaste, mouthwash and candy have been found to help prevent tooth decay. Believe it or not, the sugar substitute “Xylitol” was found to be the culprit, helping to prevent bacteria growth that often contributes to cavities. This research was focused on permanent teeth.

But what about baby teeth? A 2009 study concluded xylitol can prevent cavities in toddlers.

This study was conducted in the Republic of the Marshall Islands, where, as the article suggests, tooth decay among children is a major problem. Our staff at Advanced Dental Concepts are excited to see the progress in this study and the promise of Xylitol, but before using Xylitol products you should ALWAYS consult us first! We sell Xylitol mints and have gum samples and a few other products at our convenient Pace office - please consult us so we can help you find a product that is right for you!

Ask Advanced Dental Concepts: How do I prevent cold sores?

Lets’ face it, cold sores are always painful and always unwanted. These lesions, also known as herpes simplex virus (HSV), can be caused by, according to Dr. Andrew Weil, “stress, such as the onset of a cold or other illness, menstruation, sunburn, fatigue, even emotional trauma.”

Typically, cold sores come and go within 10 days, but here are a few tips to avoid them in the first place. Dr. Weil suggests the following six ways you can help prevent cold sores:

1. Avoid foods as chocolate, cola, beer, grain cereals, chicken soup, gelatin, seeds, nuts and peas. These foods contain rich in the amino acid arginine, which can activate the virus.

2. Get a new toothbrush after an outbreak subsides. The virus can live in your toothbrush and re-infect you.

3. Always use SPF 15 sunscreen before going out in the sun. Be sure to use a lip moisturizer as well.

4. Since HSV is highly contagious, don't kiss or shake hands with anyone who has a cold sore.

5. Wash your hands constantly.

6. Avoid sharing towels and utensils with anyone who has a cold sore.

For more on cold sores, check out this helpful article from our friends at WebMD.

The Advanced Dental Concepts team, answering some common questions

This week, we thought we’d answer a couple common questions patients have for our staff at Advanced Dental Concepts. Take a look at this clip our staff made! If you have a question you didn’t see answered in the video, we encourage you to give us a call at (850) 304-0027.