Cedric C. Chenet DDS Blog

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the complex hinge joint that attaches the jaw to the skull and gives it the wide range of movement necessary for effective and comfortable speech and chewing. However, it can become quite uncomfortable if it is forced out of alignment, and this can lead to frustrating pain or difficulty with daily tasks in severe cases. Here’s a quick look at a few factors that can lead to TMJ disorder and how your dentist can treat the problem.

Living with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder can make something as simple as enjoying a meal uncomfortable. Jaw pain, stiffness, and difficulty chewing can take the fun out of your favorite foods. Fortunately, making a few adjustments to your diet may help reduce strain on your jaw and make mealtimes more comfortable. If you’re experiencing TMJ disorder symptoms, here’s a look at which foods to enjoy and which ones to avoid.

Have you been avoiding going to the dentist for your preventive checkup and cleaning because your teeth and gums look and feel fine? While it’s great that you’re not aware of any oral health problems, the truth is that sometimes dangerous dental issues can be hard to detect on your own. Here’s what can happen if you skip your regular dental visits, and why it’s so important to go every six months, even if everything seems okay on the surface!

Your appearance can also reveal a lot about you, whether you’re aware of it or not. From your sense of style to the way you wear your hair, the attention to detail and effort you put into how you look can be revealing. But what about your smile? Believe it or not, the condition of your teeth can also be very telling. Here’s a closer look at four traits your mouth may have, and what they tell others about you and your life!

Taking care of your oral health involves more than brushing your teeth every morning and night. While good at-home habits are essential, your mouth can still develop problems that require professional attention. In fact, the World Health Organization identifies dental caries, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and oral cancer among the most common oral health conditions worldwide.

The good news? Many oral health problems are preventable or easier to treat when they’re caught early.

Back-to-school season means new classrooms, busy schedules, sports practices, playground adventures, and plenty of excitement. While parents are checking off school supplies and making sure their children are ready for the first day, dental safety can easily get overlooked.

A dental emergency can happen when you least expect it, but a few simple precautions can reduce your child’s risk of a painful tooth injury. From sports protection to everyday habits, these back-to-school safety tips can help keep your child’s smile healthy throughout the school year.

Have you ever brushed your teeth, eaten breakfast, and still felt like you couldn’t get rid of a bitter taste in your mouth? An occasional unpleasant taste may not be cause for concern, but a persistent bitter or bad taste can sometimes signal an underlying problem. Paying attention to changes in your mouth can help you recognize when it’s time to schedule a dental appointment.

Having a tooth knocked out can be a genuinely alarming experience. Whether it happens during a sports game, an accident, or an unexpected fall, knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make a big difference. In some cases, a knocked-out permanent tooth can be saved—but should you put it back into its socket yourself?

The short answer is yes, if you’re able to do so safely. However, there are some important precautions to follow.

Historically, dentists relied on amalgam, or silver, fillings to treat tooth decay. These repairs are made from powdered metals, such as siler, tin, and copper, combined with about 50% liquid mercury as a bonding agent. These resilient materials can withstand the daily pressure of biting and chewing, but unfortunately, they can also pose various problems.

Thankfully, most providers today offer lifelike tooth-colored fillings made from composite resin instead. Continue reading to learn more about 3 excellent reasons to treat cavities with these realistic restorations rather than their metallic counterparts!

For decades, metal (amalgam) fillings were a common solution for repairing cavities. These fillings are durable and have helped millions of people preserve their natural teeth. However, if you have older metal fillings, you may be wondering whether it’s time to replace them.

The answer depends on the condition of the filling and your individual oral health. While not every metal filling needs to be replaced, there are several reasons your dentist may recommend upgrading to a modern tooth-colored restoration.