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If necessary, measurements of your gums may be recorded to evaluate the presence and severity of any inflammation present.  We measure 6 different locations on each tooth in your mouth!  Inflammatory cells found present in patients with gum disease have been linked to many systemic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.  Quick fact - over 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease, and only 3% of them know about it!

Lastly, after your teeth have been scaled and polished, both Dr. Balaze and Nancy screen for any signs of oral cancer using some of the latest tools available. Then, Dr. Balaze completes his evaluation of the information gathered during the appointment, and examines each tooth in your mouth to make sure that all of your teeth are as healthy as they can be.

All these steps are taken to make sure that we can provide you with the highest level of care possible.  Your regular dental "check-up" is always our highest priority, and is never, ever, "just a cleaning".

How do I know if I have a problem? TMJ disorders can cause symptoms such as headaches, clicking and popping [the sound of your cartilage dislocating], crepitus [crunching cartilage that sounds like crackling paper], and even neck and back pain.  Lock-jaw, ear-aches and dizziness may also be symptoms of a TMJ disorder.

These problems are usually caused by bruxism [clenching and grinding your teeth], but may also be the result of arthritis, trauma, or a dislocated disc of cartilage.  Stress and Sleep Apnea may also play a part in increasing the severity and frequency of TMJ disorders.

How can you help me?  As with any disease, the sooner we catch it, the better your prognosis is.  If you are experiencing or have experienced any symptoms described above, be sure to tell your dentist right away.  Treatment most commonly involves using a custom fabricated splint to relieve muscle activity, correct poor bites, and prevent damage to teeth and joints caused by grinding.  Other treatment options may involve stress reduction, exercises, and medication to reduce inflammation.  Surgical options are available in severe cases.

1) Hard Candy / Cough Drops - Many of these products are not sugar free, and may even boast that they contain enough vitamin C for an army.  Avoid chomping right into them as this can cause a tooth to fracture, but also avoid consuming one right after the other.  The sugar in these products can sit on your teeth, and cause cavities.  Worse, watch out for anything citrus flavored as it likely contains lots of citric acid which will quickly demineralize tooth enamel making it easy for cavities to form.

2) Energy Drinks - Looking to get over that afternoon slump? Stay away from energy drinks! The combination of sugar, citric acid, and carbonic acid make quick work of tooth enamel. And, please, don't run and brush your teeth right away.  You could easily brush away that softened enamel.  Instead, have a glass of water and wait at least thirty minutes.

3) Using Teeth as Tools - Your teeth are designed to be functional when they are chewing food, not opening beer bottles. Nor should they be used to cut tags off of clothing, cut fishing line, or open plastic bags.  Your could break a tooth, or gash open your gums.