Dealing with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD)

Jaw-Pain

“Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are disorders of the jaw muscles, temporomandibular joints, and the nerves associated with chronic facial pain. Any problem that prevents the complex system of muscles, bones, and joints from working together in harmony may result in temporomandibular disorder.” (Johns Hopkins) TMD’s usually occur between the ages of 30 and 50, but can … Read more

How Does Marijuana Use Impact Your Oral Health?

Marijuana

Now that recreational cannabis (marijuana) has been legal in Washington State since 2012, we are better able to see the effects it has on your oral health. As health professionals, we understand the benefits of cannabis use. It can be used to treat a variety of ailments, but we also want to educate you, as … Read more

Autoimmune Series: How Sjogren’s Syndrome Affects Your Oral Health 

Lady-Drinking-water

You may be asking what exactly is Sjogren’s Syndrome? Sjogren’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which the body begins attacking its own moisture producing glands. This can be your saliva glands, tear ducts or other organs. The main issue for oral health occurs when the saliva glands are affected and flow of saliva is … Read more

Autoimmune Series Part 3: How Inflammatory Bowel Diseases can affect Your Oral Health

Autoimmune Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases, also known as IBD, represent a group of autoimmune diseases that lead to chronic inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The two main diseases associated with this group are Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Chronic inflammation ultimately damages the GI tract, resulting in symptoms that are often painful. IBD can affect any … Read more

Autoimmune Series: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Oral Health

Arthritis pain-on-palm-x-ray

We’re kicking off a new blog series here at Dental Care of Sumner! For the rest of 2019, we will be highlighting different autoimmune diseases bimonthly and discussing their impacts on oral health, and vice versa. Autoimmune diseases are wide-ranging diseases that affect many systems of the body but commonly, the diseases cause the body … Read more

The Truth about Methamphetamines and Oral Health

Cigarette

This month we’re focusing on a difficult subject; drug addiction. It’s heartbreaking to hear about the rising rates of drug addiction in our country and even worse to hear about a loved one struggling with addiction. As dental professionals, we are trained to look for oral signs of drug abuse. While it may be a … Read more

Mouth to Heart Relationship

Jaw-Pain

Many people think of hearts and Valentine’s Day when you mention February. In the medical/dental world, we think about American Heart awareness month. You’ve heard us say time and again that oral health is linked to overall health. Most individuals treat their mouths separately from the rest of their bodies without realizing that what goes … Read more