Westgate Dental Care Blog

Have you noticed lately that your jaw seems to pop and click when you open and close your mouth? Perhaps you have tried to ignore the issue, but you may wonder if something is wrong with your jaw joint (also called the TMJ). Should you be worried about popping or clicking in your jaw? Well, maybe. This blog post explains what the sound might mean and what you should do.

Whether you are chatting with family members or making presentations in the workplace, your speech is important! Unfortunately, millions of people struggle with a condition that can negatively impact their ability to communicate: TMJ disorder. Just how exactly can TMJ disorder affect your speech? This blog post provides an explanation, and it gives tips on what you can do to reclaim your ability to speak clearly.

 Many people tend to get their wisdom teeth removed as young adults, typically around ages 17 and 25. In doing so, they’re able to avoid a variety of oral health issues that tend to arise from impacted final molars. However, if you’re around your 30s or older, you might be wondering if you still have time to undergo an extraction procedure. Read on to learn why there’s no age limit for removing your wisdom teeth.

Whether you’ve had your wisdom teeth for a few months or several years now, you might be wondering what you should do with them. Some people decide to take them out early on while others choose to keep them for various reasons. However, if you have final molars that are improperly erupted, you might risk experiencing a wide range of oral health issues that you’ll need to address later on. Keep reading to learn five potential problems that can arise from impacted wisdom teeth.

Dentures are an excellent solution for people seeking to restore their smile and regain oral functionality. However, it’s important to note that while dentures offer aesthetic benefits, they may not provide the same chewing power as natural teeth. As such, you may need to follow certain dietary restrictions to ensure the longevity and functionality of your new prosthetics. In this blog post, you will learn which foods to avoid when wearing dentures and what you should opt for instead.

Are you experiencing discomfort or sores on your gums due to your dentures? You’re not alone. Denture sores are a common issue faced by many denture wearers. Read on to learn about the most common causes of denture sores, some helpful home remedies to alleviate discomfort, and signs that indicate it’s time to seek professional help from your dentist.

Living with an incomplete smile can be defeating and cause you to feel frustrated. However, once your new teeth are in place, you’ll find that you have a new lease on life. Eating, speaking, and smiling will be easier than ever before. But making sure your improved smile lasts as long as possible requires making some lifestyle changes, so read on to discover four bad habits to avoid while wearing dentures. 

Every day, it seems as if new trends are popping up all over social media, making it harder for dental professionals to protect patients from damaging their smiles. The latest one that is causing a stir is the notion of DIY replacement teeth. Because many individuals believe dental care is a luxury and is unattainable to some, they are turning to other solutions to repair and replace missing or damaged teeth. Before you attempt to do the same, here are 3 reasons why you shouldn’t try DIY replacement teeth and instead, leave it to the professionals. 

Exercising regularly comes with a multitude of benefits, from improved sleep quality and boosted self-esteem to a reduced risk of having a stroke. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a newbie in the world of working out, it’s important to be aware of how exercise can damage your teeth. That way, you can protect your smile while enjoying all of the benefits of being active; you’ll have the best of both worlds!

The American Cancer Society recently shared that a little more than 54,000 cases of oral cancer are expected to be diagnosed in 2023. Despite its prevalence, many people continue to be unaware of the risk factors, the symptoms to look out for, and the important role their dentist plays in early detection. Fortunately, you can read on to learn about each of these!