Children Suffering from Bad Breath

Generally, bad breath is caused by bacteria build-up in the mouth. But with children, there are a few special circumstances that need consideration, which is why the doctors of Bishop & Bishop Dental are ready to provide a thorough examination and diagnosis.
Children need to be taught to brush their tongues, as well as their teeth, so that bacteria can’t feed on the food particles which get caught in the soft, creviced tissue of their papillae. But there’s no easy way to clean the tonsils, which are also a trap for food debris, as well as nasal drip. Dentists can, however, recommend alcohol-free mouthwash. Children inevitably get more sinus infections than adults, providing bacteria with more fodder in the form of nasal drip, but it may be worthwhile to get them tested for allergies and, if they are very small, check to see if there is a foreign object caught in their nasal passages.
Bacteria also build-up easily when the mouth is chronically dry. Dry mouth is a common side-effect of medications, including those given for anxiety and ADHD. If medications which are contributing to bad breath can’t be swapped out, the child may need to try an artificial moisturizer.
David Bishop, DDS and Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8830 Cameron St, #504, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Pain around Fillings

We provide our patients with high-quality fillings at Bishop & Bishop Dental, ensuring that decay-causing bacteria won’t be able to hide in any cracks in their teeth. But sometimes fillings can cause soreness, in which case we want to help.
It is common for the area around a filling to be sensitive immediately after it has been placed, but the patient should be able to bite down completely. If they can’t, the filling needs to be reshaped. If the soreness does not go away after a few days, it is possible that the decay went deeper than was thought, and a more extensive restoration than a filling is necessary.
Even if a filling was made well and fixed the original problem, it may not last forever. The sealant used to hold a filling in place can crack, providing bacteria with a hiding spot and allowing tooth decay to occur. The filling can also come loose. In these cases, the work would have to be redone.
David Bishop, DDS and Dorienne Taylor-Bishop, DDS, operate Bishop & Bishop Dental at 8830 Cameron St, #504, Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910. To set up an appointment, call 301-608-9270 or visit Bishop Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Bruxism and Night Guards

Many patients at Bishop & Bishop Dental experience some negative effects of bruxism.  Bruxism is the medical term for any regular grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw.  This can be brought on or intensified by stress, but usually stems from having a crooked bite or missing teeth.  Some people grind their teeth consciously, but others only grind their teeth while they sleep at night and may not be aware of it.  Waking up with a stiff or sore jaw could be a sign you are grinding your teeth at night and shouldn’t be ignored.  Contact us for a consultation to see what damage you may be doing.
Whether the teeth grinding is taking place during waking hours or not, chronic teeth grinders often end up needing crowns, bridges, root canals, and in severe cases tooth loss can occur. A custom night guard is the best defense against the dangers of this habit.  We outfit patients with night guards by taking an impression and having a custom fit product made.  A night guard not only protects the grinding surfaces of the teeth but also aligns the jaw and can even help improve sleep!
To learn more about teeth grinding, night guards, and all the services we provide at our practice, visit www.bishopdental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Bishop at Bishop & Bishop Dental here in Silver Spring, Maryland, call 301-608-9270.