Did you get too much candy last night trick or treating?  We would love to have your extra candy!  We are buying back candy today from kids from 3-6 pm.  Bring in your unwanted candy and we will pay you a dollar a pound up to 10 pounds.  The candy collected with be sent to our troops overseas.   Hope to see you today.  

Teeth sensitivity can mean significant pain and it often impacts daily activities, such as eating, drinking, and brushing your teeth.

In healthy teeth, porous tissue called dentin is protected by your gums and by the hard outer layer, called enamel. However, dentin can become exposed due to receding gums, fractured or chipped teeth or erosion. Microscopic holes in the dentin, called tubules, connect to the nerve, triggering pain when irritated by certain foods and beverages.   

The two leading causes of sensitivity are enamel loss and gingival recession. The following are some examples.

• Brushing too hard: Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can cause gum recession and root exposure over time
• Your age: You may experience increased sensitivity at different ages throughout your life
• Acidic foods: Eating acidic foods and beverages on a regular basis can cause enamel to erode

To reduce sensitivity and enamel loss, your dental professional may recommend you use a soft-bristle toothbrush or an electronic toothbrush, paired with desensitizing toothpaste.    

There are many reasons why a dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment. It is used to correct a malocclusion, otherwise called a bad bite. Malocclusion is a condition caused by crowded, crooked or protruding teeth; teeth that are out of alignment, or jaws that do not meet properly. Malocclusion may be inherited; it may also be the result of thumb sucking, or the premature loss of teeth.  

Correcting the problem can result in better oral health because crooked and crowded teeth can make daily oral hygiene difficult. Over time, this may lead to caries (tooth decay), gum disease and possibly tooth loss. An improper bite can interfere with chewing and speaking, cause abnormal wear to tooth enamel and lead to problems with the jaws.

Two types of braces are available. There is fixed, which are worn all of the time and can be removed only by the dentist. The second is removable, which the patient can take in and out of his or her mouth. The dentist ultimately selects the type based on the patient’s treatment needs and how well he or she will follow instructions regarding care and oral hygiene.

Orthodontic treatment time generally is an estimate that varies from patient to patient. The dentist has specific treatment goals in mind, and treatment typically continues until the goals are achieved. The result will be worth the wait.  

Bruxism is when you clench, or grind your teeth. People can clench and grind without being aware of it during both the day and night, although sleep-related bruxism is often the bigger problem because it is harder to control.The cause of bruxism is not completely agreed upon, but daily stress may be the trigger in many people.

Symptoms of this may include:

• Earaches (because the structures of the temporomandibular joint are very close to the ear canal)
• Headaches
• Hot, cold, or sweet sensitivity in the teeth
• Sore or painful jaw

To prevent damage to the teeth, mouth guards or appliances can be used to treat teeth grinding, clenching, and TMJ disorders. These appliances may help protect the teeth from the pressure of clenching. If your experiencing any of these symptoms, your dentist can help you find the perfect solution. 

Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. This includes a wide range of sports like football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball.

Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well.

Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A mouth protector can help cushion a blow to the face that otherwise might result in an injury to the mouth. A misdirected elbow in a one-on-one basketball game or a spill off a bicycle can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss. A mouth protector can limit the risk of such injuries as well as protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.

A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.