More Help With Dental Issues

By Sally DiCesare, RDH, CWC, CST

Your Blissful Journey

More Dental Health Articles

More Help With Dental Issues

Over the last few months you've heard simple tips that support relaxation, lift your mood and help your body heal. Tips you can use at home for free. Ready for the last three?

Do you have jaw pain but don't know how serious it is? Put up your fingers like you are taking the boy scout's pledge or making the number three. Open your mouth. Turn your wrist so your index finger is closest to your nose and your ring finger is on the bottom closer to your chin. Can all three of your fingers fit in your mouth? Is it restricted? After you massage it, or “practice” opening, can you get your fingers in?

Chances are that you just have muscle tension, perhaps severe, but the jaw joint (TMJ) is probably still in place. You would probably benefit from a professionally made night guard. If you can only open less than three fingers, go to your nearest TMJ specialist. They will suggest you get an MRI to evaluate the articular disk of the TMJ. The dentist will probably suggest TMJ orthotics or even surgery. You and your dental professional will decide together. Many times TMJ treatment is reimbursed by medical insurance check with your provider.

Periodontal disease. For gums, you can try to dry brush and/or use the Keyes technique. Both could be of benefit depending on the severity of your periodontal or gum condition. Dry brushing is just like it sounds. About three times a week, brush without toothpaste for as long as your teeth feel “fuzzy.” Stop brushing when they feel clean as they do after a dental cleaning.

The Keyes technique involves brushing with baking soda. A search on the internet for the Keyes technique will find many sites with free information on how to perform this home treatment.

Got cavities? Oil pulling with coconut or sesame oil and adding high quality cod liver oil to your diet have been claimed to work, however there is a lack of scientific data to support those claims. Check out “oil pulling” on your favorite search to see if it's something you want to try. Keep it up for at least four months, but please continue to see your dental professional as recommended. These are home care suggestions that might work. They can save you a lot of money. Prove that they work for you by going in for regular checkups.

Bonus Tip 10

Feeling overwhelmed. With the first holiday of the season, Halloween, behind us, and the big three looming ahead, how can it be easy?

Put your feet on the floor and imagine you are growing roots into the soil.

Take a deep breath in through your nose to the count of three, hold for three and breathe out for a count of three. Repeat three times.

Now ask “How can this be easy?”

No need to wait for an answer. Whenever things start to ramp up or just as you begin to feel frazzled ask “How can this be easy?” Watch and see how easy it can be.