Escape the Daily Grind with Bruxism Treatment from Dr. Carmen in Norman, OK

February 28, 2014

Filed under: Bruxism,General Dentistry — Tags: bruxism, Central Oklahoma, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, norman dentistry, Oklahoma, oklahoma dentist, the University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma dentistry — admin @ 9:27 pm

The unconscious act of clenching the jaw and grinding the teeth is called bruxism and it can have a number of detrimental effects on your mouth and in your daily life. At the Norman, OK office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen, we offer customized oral appliances that help keep your teeth and jaw muscles safe from bruxism so you can sleep comfortably and get the rest you deserve.

Causes and Treatment

Though most people with bruxism clench their jaws and grind their teeth at night while they’re asleep, some tend to find themselves engaging in this subconscious behavior during the day as well. The cause of this behavior is generally stress, anxiety or frustration. At night, the constant movements and pressure applied to the teeth and muscles can lead to unnecessary wear and tear, often leading to temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ.

Fortunately, treatment for bruxism is typically relatively simple and affordable for the majority of patients. First, Dr. Carmen will assess your teeth, your bite and the muscles of your jaw. A mouthguard will be custom-fitted to your mouth and you’ll be instructed to wear it at night to prevent further damage to your teeth. The mouthguard serves as a buffer while you sleep, preventing the grinding of tooth surfaces against one another. Patients who start wearing a mouthguard regularly tend to find that they feel noticeably better in the mornings after just a few days of using the device.

Rest Easy with a Mouthguard for Bruxism

If you think that you may be suffering from bruxism and you’re tired of all of its side effects, contact our Norman, OK office today to find out how simple it can be to rid yourself of nighttime teeth grinding. We happily serve patients throughout the surrounding areas of Moore, Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma and beyond.

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Hidden Dangers of Periodontal Disease: What You Need to Know

February 8, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry,Uncategorized — Tags: Central Oklahoma, dr. bobby carmen, dr. bobby j. carmen, dr. carmen, general dentistry, gum disease, Moore, Norman, Norman dentist, norman dentistry, periodontal disease, the University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma, University of Oklahoma dentistry — admin @ 8:55 pm

You may already know that periodontal disease can cause a number of undesirable conditions in your mouth – red, swollen gums and bleeding, to name a few – but did you know that it can also affect other areas of your body as well? At the office of Dr. Bobby J. Carmen in Norman, OK, we treat all stages of gum disease to help you avoid the potentially dangerous consequences associated with this common oral health condition.

The Unexpected Connection

While the detrimental effects of periodontal disease are bad enough, the complications that can arise when the condition is left untreated are far worse. Aside leading to oral inflammation, pain and an increased risk of tooth loss, the bacteria that causes advanced gum disease can spread throughout your body and wreak havoc on vital organs and tissues. Some of the most common complications associated with untreated periodontal disease are:

Pulmonary hypertension
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoporosis
Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Diabetes
Stroke
Low birth weight and preterm delivery (in mothers with periodontitis)

Fortunately, proper treatment of the infection can significantly reduce your risk of developing these often life-threatening conditions. Dr. Carmen’s preventative periodontal therapy can restore the health of your gums and teeth, protecting you from these and other diseases. Following treatment, you simply continue to brush and floss twice per day and visit the office every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.

If you or a loved one suffers from untreated periodontal disease and you’re ready to take the first step toward a healthier you, contact us at our Norman, OK office today to find out how Dr. Carmen can help you. We also serve patients throughout the surrounding areas of Moore, Central Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma and beyond.

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