Crossroads Family Dentistry Blog

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ disorder or TMD) affects the hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull. This small joint plays a big role in daily activities like speaking, chewing, and even yawning. When the joint is not functioning properly, it can cause pain, clicking, or difficulty moving your jaw. Many people ignore TMJ symptoms, hoping they will go away on their own, but untreated TMJ disorder can lead to serious complications that impact your comfort, oral health, and overall well-being.

On a hot day, nothing feels quite as satisfying as chewing on a few ice cubes straight from your drink. It’s cold, crunchy, and calorie-free—what’s not to love? Unfortunately, while it might feel harmless, chewing on ice can actually do serious damage to your teeth and gums.

Let’s break down why this habit is more harmful than it seems, and how you can protect your smile from unnecessary wear and tear.

Dental bridges are a popular and effective way to replace missing teeth. When well cared for, they can restore your smile, improve chewing function, and last up to 15 years—or even longer. But like any dental restoration, a bridge isn’t invincible.

Knowing what can cause a dental bridge to fail can help you take the right steps to protect your investment and maintain a strong, healthy smile for years to come.

When it’s finally time to finish your Invisalign treatment, you may be excited to be done! You’ll have the straighter smile you worked so hard to get and be ready to show it off. But what happens once you’re done? You may not be thrilled to hear, but you’ll have to wear a retainer. Thankfully, it’s no different and may be easier than wearing your clear aligners! Read on to learn why you need a retainer after treatment and how long you’ll wear it for.

Invisalign has become a popular alternative to traditional metal braces, offering a discreet and convenient way to straighten teeth using clear, removable aligners. While Invisalign is generally safe and effective, it’s important to understand that, like any dental treatment, it can come with potential complications. Knowing these in advance can help you manage expectations and avoid issues during your orthodontic journey.

To work properly, your dentures need to have a secure fit. But in some cases, with time, the shape of your mouth or your prosthetics changes, making them more prone to slipping out when you chew or speak.

Thankfully, temporary solutions like denture adhesives were designed to remedy this problem. While you should never rely on them in the long-term, they can be very helpful until you can see your dentist to either repair or replace your false teeth.

Here’s some detailed information about how to use denture adhesive, and what you should do if your dentures stop fitting correctly.

Like your natural teeth, your dentures won’t stay in pristine condition if you don’t care for them properly. That’s why patients are encouraged to commit to good habits, like brushing their teeth and cleaning their dentures regularly. What often isn’t as talked about, however, are the things you shouldn’t do. With this in mind, keep reading to learn four habits you should avoid with dentures.

Dentures may seem like a modern marvel. After all, they not only replace lost teeth, but they fit securely to allow you to eat a wide variety of foods, speak clearly, and even showcase your megawatt smile. But believe it or not, they’re not exactly a new invention. In fact, dentures have been around in some shape or form for centuries. Here’s a brief look at how these powerful prosthetics have changed over the years!

It’s normal to feel somewhat anxious if you’ve suddenly developed facial aches or swelling. If you’re unsure of the cause, you might not know what kind of help you need or who to contact. For instance, if your cheeks, jaw, or mouth are sore or distended, you might feel tempted to contact your primary care physician rather than your dentist.

There are several potential reasons for a puffy face that are best handled by an oral healthcare provider, though that’s not always the case. Continue reading to learn about 3 possible reasons for your symptoms and how your emergency dentist can help!

Your emergency dentist will do everything possible to see you quickly in the event of a severe toothache. This symptom could mean that you have a serious cavity, gum disease, or an infection, and your dentist knows it’s best to treat these conditions sooner than later!

However, you might have to wait a bit before you can go to your emergency appointment. No one wants you to be in pain during that time, so here are some home remedies you can make swiftly and easily – besides taking pain relievers or applying a cold compress.