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How to relieve TMJ pain at home

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain can be very uncomfortable and can greatly impact your quality of life. Fortunately, there are several things you can do at home to relieve TMJ pain. Below are some exercises and massages that can help.

Please note that the following massages and exercises should always begin with the jaw in resting position. You can do this by touching the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth, just behind your front teeth.

Your masseter muscles are the muscles you use for chewing and are located directly under your cheekbones. Place two fingers on these muscles. Press down firmly and hold the pressure for 10 seconds, running your fingers downward and backward over the muscle toward the back of the lower jaw. Repeat on different areas of muscle under your cheekbones.

Your temporalis muscles are fan-shaped muscles located on either side of your head. When tight, they can be the cause of headaches. Place two or three fingers in this area and press firmly, holding for 10 seconds. Repeat this process on other tense & tight areas on the sides of your head.

Stand with your shoulders pulled back and your chest up. Pull your chin straight back to create a double chin. Hold for a couple of seconds and then repeat 4-5 times.

Put your thumb under your chin and slowly open your mouth 1-2 cm. While doing this make sure your thumb is pushing back on your chin, resisting the movement. Hold for 3-4 seconds and then slowly close your mouth. Repeat 4-5 times.

Open and close your mouth slowly while touching the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth. Repeat 6-8 times.

Apply heat & ice

Apply a warm compress, such as a hot towel or heating pad, to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Apply a cold compress, such as an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas, to the affected area for 5-10 minutes.

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Post-teeth whitening diet: what to avoid and what’s safe to eat

After teeth whitening, it’s crucial to be mindful of your food and drink choices for the first few days. Certain foods possess the potential to stain teeth or trigger sensitivity, making it prudent to avoid their consumption. This article delves into the specifics of which foods and beverages to exclude from your post-teeth whitening diet and provides insights into the safe alternatives.

Foods and drinks to avoid

1. Coffee and tea: We know it’s hard to resist your morning cup, but coffee and tea can be major culprits for teeth staining. The dark pigments they carry tend to cling to the porous enamel of your teeth, diminishing the impact of your recent teeth whitening.

2. Red wine: As enjoyable as a glass of red wine may be, its rich colour can leave unwanted stains on your newly whitened teeth. The tannins and chromogens present in red wine are notorious for leaving behind unsolicited stains, tarnishing the brilliance of your smile.

3. Berries: While delicious and nutritious, colourful berries like blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries contain pigments that can stain teeth.

4. Dark sauces: Sauces such as tomato sauce, soy sauce, and balsamic vinegar might be culinary essentials, but the chromogens contained in these sauces tend to latch onto enamel.

5. Dark chocolate: A piece of dark chocolate can be a real treat, but be mindful that this indulgence contains tannins that can potentially lead to discolouration.

6. Coloured beverages: It’s best to stay away from brightly coloured soft drinks, sports drinks, and artificially coloured beverages.

7. Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits might be good for you but they present challenges for freshly whitened teeth due to their acidic nature. The acidity can trigger heightened sensitivity, making it prudent to temporarily avoid them.

8. Dark leafy greens: Nutrient-dense dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale offer numerous health benefits, but their intense pigmentation could have a temporary impact on your teeth’s whiteness. While complete exclusion isn’t necessary, exercising caution in their consumption during this sensitive period is advised.

Other Foods to approach with caution:

While the above list outlines the most prominent culprits, it’s worth mentioning a few other foods that might warrant caution after teeth whitening:

1. Acidic Foods: Citrus fruits aren’t the only acidic foods to be cautious of. Pineapple, kiwi, and vinegar-based dishes should also be consumed in moderation to prevent sensitivity.

2. Spices: Vibrant spices like turmeric and curry can potentially stain teeth, so consider minimising their use during this period.

3. Pickled foods: Pickles and pickled vegetables can have strong colours that might impact your teeth’s whiteness temporarily.

4. Beets: While incredibly nutritious, beets can have intense pigmentation that might affect your teeth’s appearance.

Safe foods and beverages

During the critical post-whitening phase, it’s crucial to focus on foods and beverages that are less likely to stain your teeth or trigger sensitivity.

1. Water: Hydration is key. Water not only quenches your thirst but also helps flush away food particles that could contribute to staining.

2. Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are low in pigments and can help neutralise acids in your mouth.

3. Lean proteins: Chicken, turkey, and fish are safe choices that won’t affect the whiteness of your teeth.

4. White grains: Opt for white rice and pasta, as they’re less likely to stain compared to their whole-grain counterparts.

5. Bananas: Bananas are a safe fruit option due to their lower staining potential.

6. Cauliflower: This mild-coloured vegetable is a versatile choice that won’t disrupt your teeth whitening progress.

7. Skinless potatoes: Enjoy potatoes without the skin to minimise potential staining.

8. White sauce: Cream-based sauces with a light colour can be enjoyed in moderation.

9. Clear broths: Clear soups and broths are gentle on teeth and won’t contribute to staining.

10. Clear beverages: Aside from water, clear herbal teas and coconut water can be enjoyed without worry.

By avoiding staining culprits and embracing teeth-friendly options, you’re taking proactive steps to preserve the brilliance of your newly whitened smile. Remember, the first 48 hours are pivotal, and as time passes, you can gradually reintroduce restricted foods while maintaining the sparkle of your smile.

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Four foods that dull your smile

A set of dazzling pearly whites is the best accessory we can have but consuming certain foods and beverages in excess can do more harm than good to our teeth. Products high in sugar or starch, especially when consumed regularly or excessively, can create optimal breeding grounds for plaque build-up. Here are four foods to be mindful.

1. Chips and other snacks that go crunch While they make our taste buds happy, beware of foods that go ‘crunch’. Potato chips are made of starch that tends to hide in between our teeth and carbs that linger are an open invitation for bacterial growth.

2. Fizzy drinks, sports & energy drinks While soft drinks are a somewhat obvious offender, not many people realise that sports and energy drinks also contain sugar. The combination of sugar, carbonation and acids can cause damage to our pearlers.

3. Dried/pickled fruit or veges The longer a sugary or acidic item stays in your mouth the more damage it does. Even though its natural, the sugar content combined with the sticky texture of dried fruit in particular means it clings to our teeth, overstaying its welcome.

4. Citrus fruits and juices While being rich in vitamin C, proceed with caution as fruit that is high in natural sugars and acids, such as lemon or oranges, can erode our tooth enamel over time. Moderation is key!

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Diagnostic Preventive - Porcelain veneers

A great smile can brighten our whole face and boost our confidence. However, small imperfections in our teeth can chip away at our self-esteem. This includes misshapen and worn teeth, gaps, or strong discolouration where whiteners don’t work. 

Porcelain veneers can help. 

What are porcelain veneers and why are they so popular? 

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made out of porcelain material that are placed over and bonded to your natural teeth. They look, feel and function just like regular, healthy teeth.

Porcelain veneers are popular because they are a quick and easy makeover for your smile. Many people with healthy teeth and gums get veneers to help hide imperfections and improve their smiles. 

Porcelain veneers are highly customisable to suit the shape of your face, which makes them look and feel very natural. 

As we age, our teeth often experience wear or become brittle and discoloured. Porcelain veneers can help us look younger by masking the signs of aging in our teeth. They offer the anti-aging benefit of a facelift without the invasive medical procedure. 

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Improving your smile with porcelain veneers: everything you need to know

A great smile can brighten our whole face and boost our confidence. However, small imperfections in our teeth can chip away at our self-esteem. This includes misshapen and worn teeth, gaps, or strong discolouration where whiteners don’t work. 

Porcelain veneers can help. 

What are porcelain veneers and why are they so popular? 

Porcelain veneers are thin shells made out of porcelain material that are placed over and bonded to your natural teeth. They look, feel and function just like regular, healthy teeth.

Porcelain veneers are popular because they are a quick and easy makeover for your smile. Many people with healthy teeth and gums get veneers to help hide imperfections and improve their smiles. 

Porcelain veneers are highly customisable to suit the shape of your face, which makes them look and feel very natural. 

As we age, our teeth often experience wear or become brittle and discoloured. Porcelain veneers can help us look younger by masking the signs of aging in our teeth. They offer the anti-aging benefit of a facelift without the invasive medical procedure. 

Are porcelain veneers permanent? How long do they last?  

While porcelain veneers themselves are long-lasting, and are designed to be permanent, any restorative material we use in the mouth will wear over time—just like your natural teeth. Although we like to keep the adjustment of your own natural tooth structure absolutely minimal, we do remove a little bit of enamel from your teeth during the procedure, and therefore it is not reversible. Your custom porcelain veneers are then bonded to your teeth using a special type of cement. 

When treated with care, porcelain veneers can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years or more. You will have to continue to practise good oral hygiene to maintain your veneers and to prevent tooth and gum decay. The New Zealand Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, flossing, reducing your sugary foods and drinks intake, and visiting your dentist and hygienist for regular recalls and maintenance.  

To protect your porcelain veneers, dentists also recommend that you avoid any potentially damaging habits such as fingernail biting or chewing on pens or other hard, non-food substances, and obviously bottle caps go without saying!  You may also have to use a night guard if you grind your teeth at night.

How long does it take to get porcelain veneers?

How long treatment takes depends upon your individual circumstance; however, if your mouth is healthy and you are ready to get veneers, it usually takes 4 appointments. Here’s what to expect at Dental Holistix.  

Appointment 1: consultation and scans

First, we use the latest 3D digital imaging software to scan your mouth. The technology helps us capture the shapes and shades of your teeth, down to the tiniest detail. Using the scan and an oral exam, we are able to tell whether you are a good candidate for veneers. If you have gum disease or your mouth is not in the best shape for veneers, we prepare a treatment plan that can get your mouth back to optimal health so that you can reach your goal of getting veneers. If we believe you’re ready for veneers, we use the first appointment to discuss the details with you and to better understand what you are trying to achieve. This consultation is a great time for you to ask us questions about the process or the veneers themselves. 

Appointment 2: trial smile

We have a 3D template of your ideal smile ready for you to look at. We also show you a 2D “Photoshop” visual with your new smile superimposed over your existing teeth. This gives you a good idea of what your new smile will look like, and make any changes we think are necessary.. We then discuss the materials we will be using and the stages and timeframe required to complete your treatment.

Appointment 3: temporary veneers

We selectively trim the enamel on the front of your teeth (that is outside the proposed shape of the finished product) using a custom made template. We then take an impression of your teeth and fit you with temporary veneers—in the exact shape of what was approved in the previous appointment. This is another opportunity to make any  adjustments  necessary. You can now take your smile for a test drive until you get your permanent set of veneers. The 3D scan and impression of your teeth is sent to our laboratory, where our experts handcraft your veneers to perfection. We check up on you once you’ve had some time with your temporary veneers just to ensure you are happy with how they function and look. If there are any further adjustments to be made, we forward these on to the lab. This transition stage usually lasts around two weeks; however, there is some flexibility to shorten  this a little, or take more time to really feel like the new shape and colour are right for you.

Appointment 4: placing your permanent veneers

Your new, custom porcelain veneers are ready and waiting for you. After testing them on your teeth to make sure they fit well, we try them in with a try-in (non-setting) cement to replicate the finished product. This will be at least the 4th opportunity we will have to make any final changes to the shape or colour—just to make sure you are 100% happy with them. We then permanently bond the veneers to the front surface of your teeth using special medical-grade cement. You’re now ready to show your new smile to the world!

How much do porcelain veneers cost? 

Pricing for your porcelain veneers will vary based on your requirements. Please book a consultation with us to learn about payment options and the right veneers for you. 

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Pregnancy: Why oral hygiene matters for you and baby

Congratulations, you’re pregnant! Right from the start, your pregnancy hormones have been hard at work orchestrating your little one’s development. As early as six or seven weeks, your baby will have a beating heart, pair of lungs, a head, and even start growing limbs. The same miracle-working pregnancy hormones—oestrogen and progesterone—that are at play during your baby’s development can also impact your oral health and that of your baby.

When you are pregnant, your gums can get more sensitive and become prone to inflammation. If your gums were already inflamed, this can worsen, leading to bone loss around the teeth. For these reasons, cleaning your teeth thoroughly, paying attention to what you eat, and ensuring regular dental checkups and professional hygiene treatment, can help your mouth to remain healthy, and give your baby a headstart when it comes to their oral health.

Poor oral hygiene during pregnancy may lead to infections, tooth decay, and more. In some cases, it may even lead to premature delivery and affect a child’s early development and oral health. If you take care of your teeth and gums before and during pregnancy, you are less likely to experience the oral health issues associated with pregnancy.

Here are some of the common pregnancy-related oral health conditions to be aware of.

Gum inflammation or gingivitis

Your gums may become more sensitive to bacterial infections during your pregnancy when higher levels of the pregnancy hormones, oestrogen and progesterone, affect your immune system. Ever wondered about the sticky film you feel when you run your tongue over your teeth? It’s called ‘bacterial plaque’ and is quite normal. It develops when bacteria in your mouth interact with sugars and starches. Problems arise when plaque builds up, hardens and forms tartar (also known as calculus). This can cause gum inflammation or gingivitis. In pregnant women, this issue may intensify, particularly during the second to eighth months of pregnancy, leading to swelling and bleeding of the gums.

Women with healthy gums before pregnancy can prevent pregnancy gingivitis with continued good oral care. However, with poor oral hygiene, pregnancy gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more severe gum disease.

The best way to avoid pregnancy-related gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene at home with regular brushing and flossing and to visit your dental professional for hygiene care.

Loss of enamel or dental erosion

During pregnancy, you may experience greater nausea and vomiting due to morning sickness or increased stomach acid reflux, and this can frequently impact teeth. Our teeth are covered by a hard, protective layer called enamel, and when stomach acids present in vomiting or reflux, it can dissolve or soften tooth enamel.

Reducing or eliminating acidic drinks from your diet like fruit juices or carbonated beverages can help minimize enamel erosion. Rinsing your mouth with water immediately after vomiting can also help, and avoid brushing your teeth, wait 40mins. Additionally Alkaline mouthwashes can help to neutralise acids in the mouth.

Pregnancy granuloma

Sometimes during pregnancy, you may notice a small red growth on your gums. It is often located between your teeth. This is known as a pregnancy granuloma. These nodules are not cancerous and can be painless; however, sometimes they may bleed or turn into an ulcer. They are mainly caused due to gum inflammation and poor oral hygiene, and pregnancy hormones can aggravate the condition.

Most of the time, these nodules go away on their own after delivery; however if they do remain, you may need to get them professionally removed, along with the surrounding plaque and calculus, and pay greater attention to oral hygiene at home.

Is it safe to visit the dentist when pregnant?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to visit your dentist when pregnant. In fact, it’s necessary.

Scheduling a dental exam before you plan to get pregnant can help detect any potential issues early and prevent them from progressing into more severe conditions. Even after you are pregnant, it is advisable to visit your dentist to ensure your oral health is on track.

The New Zealand Dental Association and the Australian Dental Association, among others, affirm that it is safe to get dental X-rays during pregnancy. The radiation dose is extremely minimal and concentrated near your mouth. The rest of your body can additionally be covered with a protective lead shield designed to keep X-rays out as an added protection. Local anaesthesia for routine dental procedures like fillings, tooth extraction, or root canal is also absolutely safe.

However, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid taking any medications that act systemically like sedatives, certain antibiotics, and certain pain medications. This emphasises the need to treat any dental issues while they are small before they progress into something more serious. If you have a dental emergency, do not wait to get help. Removing severely infected or broken teeth is better for you and your baby than leaving them in your mouth.

As an aside, some pregnant women generally opt to defer longer elective dental procedures until after the baby arrives because it may be too uncomfortable to lie back on the chair for long periods.

As a new mum-to-be, we know that your priority is to take good care of your health and that of your baby. Scheduling ultrasounds and consultations with your doctor or midwife is a standard practice when you are pregnant; however, remember to check with a dentist to ensure your oral health is on track as well.

Book in with Dental Holistix today.

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Some of the Treatments at Dental Holistix

We'll talk about a few of the treatments Dental Holistix offers in this article.

Maintenance of Implants

Regular professional cleaning around dental implants is critical to avoid gum inflammation and bone loss. Our oral health therapist Kara use the EMS Airflow machine to ensure complete biofilm removal surrounding implants. This helps ensure your implants looks great and function perfectly for life.

Periodontal Disinfection

We treat periodontitis using a combination of localised cleaning measures, topical antibiotics and systemic antibiotics to effectively control this disease. Our meticulous program incorporates all of these treatment modalities and provides the ideal environment for restoring good gum health.

Gingivitis & Periodontitis

Gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), if left untreated, often progresses to irreversible bone loss (periodontitis). Kara, our resident oral health therapist uses the most effective and gentle techniques available today to get your gums back to health.

Composite Restorations

Bonding tooth-coloured material in the form of dental composite to repair, strengthen, or re-shape a tooth is a fine art form that we take great pride in—not just filling a gap, but striving to recreate the tooth in its ideal natural form.

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Holistic dental care to Improve your mouth-body-mind connection

Oral health is often a window into the overall health of our body. If our oral health is disrupted, there is a high chance that there may be something wrong elsewhere in the body. For example, people with diabetes often have gum (periodontal) disease. And people with gum disease have trouble controlling their blood sugar.

‘Bad’ bacteria from gum disease can also travel to various organs through the blood. They can enter the brain and cause inflammation that can destroy nerve cells. This can lead to memory issues, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Oral bacteria can also journey to the heart through the bloodstream, add to plaque build-up in our arteries, and play a role in clot formation.

To begin your journey to a healthy life, schedule an appointment with our hygienist Kara Williams at Dental Holistix!

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A healthy mouth is the key to a healthy body and mind. Here’s why

Improve your mouth-body-mind connection with holistic dental care

Poor oral health can lead to tooth or gum decay, which is linked to many health conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, digestive issues, memory loss, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

The good news is, taking care of our mouth can protect us from a host of infections, chronic illnesses, and mental health conditions. Brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist helps ensure the health of our mouth is always optimal.

How does oral health affect our body and mind? 

Research shows that our mouth, body, and mind have a close connection. If one is unhealthy, the others can be affected. The mouth-body-mind connection is based on the billions of bacteria in our mouth. Don’t worry—that’s a good thing. Having a diverse range of bacteria thriving in our mouth is what keeps us healthy. 

Every time we eat or drink, bacteria from the mouth make their way into our digestive system, also known as the gut. When we are healthy, this does not matter; however, an imbalance in our oral bacteria from tooth or gum decay can lead to a host of problems. Harmful bacteria can travel from our mouth to our gut and irritate it, causing inflammation. 

Our gut does more than digest our food. It has trillions of bacteria that regulate our immune system, produce essential vitamins and hormones, help us sleep, manage our stress, and much more. Any imbalance in the bacterial colonies in the gut can cause inflammation. Gut inflammation lowers our immunity and is an underlying factor in many chronic illnesses like arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health conditions. An inflamed gut can affect our mood and increase our risk of anxiety and depression. Gut inflammation can even cause us to lose focus or experience memory loss. 

Oral health is often a window into the overall health of our body. If our oral health is disrupted, there is a high chance that there may be something wrong elsewhere in the body. For example, people with diabetes often have gum (periodontal) disease. And people with gum disease have trouble controlling their blood sugar.

‘Bad’ bacteria from gum disease can also travel to various organs through the blood. They can enter the brain and cause inflammation that can destroy nerve cells. This can lead to memory issues, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Oral bacteria can also journey to the heart through the bloodstream, add to plaque build-up in our arteries, and play a role in clot formation.