What is TMJ syndrome?

 

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth and chew your food. This joint controls many jaw functions and if you have facial pain or headaches, the chewing and other surrounding muscles or the joint itself could cause discomfort. At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders can be alleviated with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments. 

Some of the symptoms of TMJ syndrome are pain when opening or closing the mouth, pain in the front of the ears, trouble chewing, clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, and teeth grinding. The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder if often difficult to determine, but for proper diagnosis Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD will perform a dental examination that includes checking the joints for muscle tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the individual case, he can then proceed to provide oral appliances and/or orthodontic therapy.  

If you are experiencing pain or clicking in your jaw, give us a call. To learn more about TMJ as well as the services we provide, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

The temporomandibular joints, called TMJ are the joints and jaw muscles that make it possible to open and close your mouth and chew your food. This joint controls many jaw functions and if you have facial pain or headaches, the chewing and other surrounding muscles or the joint itself could cause discomfort. At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ disorders can be alleviated with self-managed care or nonsurgical treatments.

Some of the symptoms of TMJ syndrome are pain when opening or closing the mouth, pain in the front of the ears, trouble chewing, clicking or popping sounds when you open your mouth, and teeth grinding. The exact cause of a person’s TMJ disorder if often difficult to determine, but for proper diagnosis Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD will perform a dental examination that includes checking the joints for muscle tenderness, clicking, popping or difficulty moving. Depending on the individual case, he can then proceed to provide, Laser Pain and muscle therapy, Botox, medication, oral appliances and/or orthodontic therapy.  

If you are experiencing pain or clicking in your jaw, give us a call. To learn more about TMJ as well as the services we provide, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

 

The Proper Flossing Technique

At Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. we’ve heard every excuse for why patients aren’t flossing. However, what these non-flossers don’t realize is that flossing is the key preventer of gum disease and tooth decay. If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, you should familiarize yourself with the proper flossing technique and utilize it in-between professional cleanings.  

• Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.


• Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.


• Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.


• When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a “C” shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.


• Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up-and-down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth and don’t forget the back ones!


• Remeber to ask us about our special water flosser sytems and how they can benefit you.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, give us a call. To learn more about flossing techniques as well as the services we provide, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888. 

Are You Brushing Correctly?

When you brush your teeth are you rushing to get the job done? If you answered yes, then you aren’t effectively brushing your teeth. Brushing is the most effective method for removing harmful plaque from your teeth and gums, and effective brushing usually takes about two to three minutes. If you spend less than one minute at the sink, our staff at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. is here to share a few brushing tips so that you could maintain an effective oral hygiene routine.  

• Use a circular motion to brush only two or three teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth.


• Place your toothbrush next to your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in a circular motion – not up and down.


• Brush the outer and inside surfaces and the chewing surfaces of all teeth, rocking the brush back and forth gently to remove any plaque growing under the gum.


• Don’t forget the other surfaces of your mouth that are covered in bacteria – including the gums, the roof and floor of your mouth and most importantly, your tongue.


• Remember to replace your toothbrush when the bristles begin to spread, because a worn out toothbrush will not properly clean your teeth.


• Rmember to ask us about stepping up your game with a highly effectiveProfessional care Oral B electric tooth brush system.

If you have questions about oral hygiene, give us a call. To learn more about brushing techniques as well as the services we provide, visit www.phfamilydentalpc.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Richter, DMD, FAGD at Patchogue and Hampton Family Dental, P.C. call our Patchogue, NY office at 631-475-1191 or our Hampton, NY office at 631-653-5888.