Kristin Morris, DDS of Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Good oral health is critical to your well being. Taking preventative measures to protect your dental health is probably one of the most important things you can do for yourself. People are more aware than ever before of the critical link between oral health and the overall health of the body.

Periodontal Disease

Tooth decay and gum disease all begin with plaque. Periodontal disease (gum disease) is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Recent studies have even linked gum disease to heart disease.

Gum disease such as gingivitis can be a very serious issue. The disease causes the gums to pull away from the teeth and, if left untreated, can progress to periodontitis, an advanced stage of gingivitis that destroys bone and gum tissue and eventually causes teeth to fall out. As gingivitis is most often caused by poor oral hygiene, we encourage our patients to take good preventative measures now by making a dental appointment.

If these factors don’t convince you of the importance of good dental health, consider this: An oral examination can often aid in the diagnosis of serious health issues such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, and heart disease. You should visit your dentist every six months. Contact us today for an initial evaluation.

Tips for Maintaining Good Dental Health

Brush twice daily (remember to brush bacteria from your tongue)
Floss daily
Change your toothbrush every three to four months
Schedule routine cleanings and exams with the dentist every six months

TMJ

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder, effects a significant portion of our society. The joint is located in front of each ear and attaches the lower jaw to the skull. Sufferers of TMJ often experience ear pain, difficulty opening and closing the mouth, headaches, and jaw popping. Although much is still not known about this disorder, TMJ can be caused by significant trauma to the jaw due to a variety of factors including injury, excessive tooth grinding, and even gum chewing.

TMJ appliances, when carefully adjusted by an experienced doctor, have proven to be particularly useful in relieving a lot of the discomfort associated with the disorder. The TMJ appliances offered at our practice can be used in a variety of ways. Some appliances can be used to prevent teeth grinding and others can be used to move the jaw into a more appropriate position, subsequently relieving jaw tension.

A highly experienced professional is needed to effectively treat this disorder. Dr. Morris’ expertise in this area is unsurpassed. Dr. Morris will work with you to determine which method will work best for your individual case.