Occlusal Adjustment

If you feel like your jaw is lopsided whenever you bite or close your mouth, then you might need an occlusal adjustment. Occlusal adjustments correct the alignment of the bite, correcting any and all issues you may be experiencing. Dr. Martin Urban, D.D.S. of Martin Urban DDS LLC, located in Waltham, MA., is available for a consultation. Together, you will create a treatment plan that best works for you.

 

A misalignment of the jaw can be caused by loose, shifting, crowded, or missing teeth. This keeps your mouth from closing and meeting correctly. Patients that clench or grind their teeth can find relief through occlusal adjustment too. The result of misalignment is an unevenly distributed bite that creates irregular pressure distribution in the mouth.

 

At your appointment with Dr. Urban, she will use x-ray and imaging technology to identify what areas in your mouth need adjustments. A scan of your mouth takes hundreds of pictures of your bite. It marks any irregularities, that are then made known to Dr. Urban. The adjustment procedure can then follow. The process is relatively painless with minimal discomfort. A fine filing stone is attached to a dental drill. Dr. Urban uses this upon the indicated areas. Removable mouthpieces are also used, meant to protect the teeth and relax the jaw muscles once completed.

 

If you are concerned that you have a misalignment of the jaw or need an occlusal adjustment, contact Martin Urban DDS LLC today. Dr. Martin Urban is available by appointment by visiting our website or by calling 508-425-9640.

 

 

Preventing Gum Disease

At Martin Urban, DDS we advise our patients to practice good oral health care to prevent gum disease from forming. Gum disease begins when bacteria grows in your mouth and causes you to lose teeth if not treated properly. When bacteria in plaque build up on your teeth, your gums turn red or inflamed when brushing and flossing. Inflammation of your gums is likely a sign of gingivitis which is an early stage of gum disease.

Some symptoms of gum disease include swollen or bleeding in your gums, loose or shifting teeth, and persistent bad breath. Our doctors can diagnose the early stages of gum disease by examining your gums and the sensitivity of your teeth.

When possible, we encourage our patients to quit smoking or using tobacco of any kind as it increases your chance of developing gum disease. A proper diet of vitamins and nutrients goes a long way in repairing damaged tissue in your mouth.

Remember, the best way to fight gum disease is to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day and flossing will help to remove bacteria and plaque from your teeth and gums.

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.

Choosing a Toothbrush

At Martin Urban, DDS we advise our patients to change their toothbrush every 3 months or when their bristle’s become too hard. A toothbrush that is worn down doesn’t effectively clean every area of your teeth as it should to remove plaque. You should also change your toothbrush after you overcome an illness to prevent being re-exposed to the virus.

When choosing a toothbrush, we encourage our patients to use a soft-bristled toothbrush because they are the most effective in removing bacteria and debris from your teeth and gums.

Don’t forget, toothbrushes come in different shapes and sizes so choosing a toothbrush that fits your mouth and is the most comfortable to brush with is important. In most cases, smaller toothbrushes work better for patients because they can reach every part of your mouth.

When possible, we encourage our patients to use an electric toothbrush if they have trouble cleaning for a full two minutes with a traditional toothbrush.

Regardless of the type of toothbrush you use, don’t’ forget to brush twice a day and floss. Practicing good oral hygiene will give you your best smile!

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.

Children's Oral Care

At Martin Urban, DDS we advise parents to start brushing their children’s teeth when they first develop. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, which is when we raise awareness of children's oral health concerns. The most common chronic disease in children is tooth decay which is preventable with good cleaning habits.

Although baby teeth are temporary, they act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. Brushing and flossing twice a day will help to prevent tooth decay and allow their permanent teeth to be healthy. When brushing your children’s teeth, you should use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste to clean all the surfaces of their teeth.

As much as possible, we encourage our younger patients to avoid sugary and acidic food that can increase their chances of cavities and breaking down tooth enamel. Remember, the healthier you eat, the healthier your teeth and body will be.

Regardless of how well your children clean their teeth, they should come to see us at Martin Urban, DDS twice a year to ensure healthy teeth and a better smile!

If you have any questions or concerns, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.

Wisdom Teeth Removal

At Dr. Martin Urban, DDS we often extract wisdom teeth when they begin to protrude through your gums. In rare cases, wisdom teeth will grow in naturally and are properly aligned.

For most patients, wisdom teeth are misaligned and grow in on an angle, which can cause dental crowding or damage to the jawbone or nerves. If your wisdom teeth only partially erupt through your gums, more bacteria can develop on them. We encourage our patients to have their wisdom teeth removed when this happens otherwise you are at a greater risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.

Any wisdom teeth that are causing pain or infections need to be removed immediately to prevent your teeth from being damaged. After your wisdom teeth are removed, you will be limited to soft foods for a couple of days until the swelling goes down.

If you have any questions or concerns about your wisdom teeth, please give us a call. To learn more about the treatment provided at the dental practice of Dr. Martin Urban, DDS, visit www.martinurbandds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, DDS in Boston, MA, call 508-425-9640.

Soda And Your Teeth

Soda is becoming increasingly harmful to teeth and to enamel. With the average person drinking around 16 ounces a day, the chances of acids and sugar becoming damaging to teeth is high. With high numbers of acid and sugar in soda and sports drinks, keeping your teeth clean becomes extremely difficult.

Water is always the best thing to drink for your oral health. It not only helps to keep your body healthy, but cleans your teeth and gums with every sip! Avoiding acidic drinks has proven positive effects that go beyond teeth and help your body be as healthy as possible. Many people look for caffiene at some point in the day, whether it’s from sodas or an energy drink, but finding an alternative such as tea, water, or juice will go a long way for your oral hygiene.

At Martin Urban DDS we recommend patients limit their soda consumption as much as possible and rinse their mouth out with water while brushing your teeth. It is also recommended you stop in to get a cleaning and help preserve those pearly whites.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

As specialists in implants, we at the dental office of Dr. Marin Urban are particularly concerned about anything that could exacerbate gum disease. When gingivitis turns into periodontal disease, the integrity of the tooth roots or implant posts can be imperiled. But we also know that oral health is closely tied to overall wellness, and we wanted to share an exciting new study that found treating gum disease can also reduce the harmful effects of liver inflammation.

Cirrhosis is the term doctors use to describe the development of scar tissue on the liver. When the liver has been inflamed long enough to develop scar tissue, it is no longer an effective filter for toxins from the bloodstream. As a result, the patient’s immune system triggers the inflammation response elsewhere in the body, including the brain. Cognitive fog and mood swings are common results. Gum disease exists at particularly high rates in people with cirrhosis. This is partly explained by both resulting from smoking and alcohol, but it was less clear why gum disease would be disproportionately common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Bacteria that cause gum disease have been found in the livers of cirrhosis patients. Recently, researchers conducted an experiment in which patients with both diseases were given gum cleanings at different times. The results were that cirrhosis symptoms such as cognitive fog and suppressed anti-inflammatory bacteria count improved following dental treatment. While we’re still learning more about the effect of oral bacteria on the rest of the body, we hope our patients will understand why dentistry is so important.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.