General Tooth Information FAQ'S Q: What are the signs and symptoms of teeth grinding? A: Stress is the most common cause of teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. Most cases of bruxism take place while you sleep. If you're waking up with a headache, toothache, or earache, as well as experiencing tenderness to the face, jaw muscles, and/or teeth and gums, you may be grinding your teeth. Q: What is the suggested treatment for teeth grinding? A: If stress is the cause of teeth grinding, then self-relaxation techniques, such as applying a warm, wet washcloth to the side of the face may relax muscles. For more severe cases of bruxism, a device most commonly known as a nightguard can be made by a dentist to alleviate signs and symptoms of teeth grinding. Q: How and why does fluoride help teeth? A: Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter and, along with proper home care, is one of the most effective ways of preventing tooth decay and improving oral health for people of all ages. For children, fluoride works by making tooth enamel harder and more resistant to the acid that causes tooth decay Q: Why do I need so many X-rays? A: X-rays enable your dentist to identify problems that cannot be seen otherwise, such as those between teeth and in underlying bone. New diagnostic technologies—such as computer-generated radiographs and high-speed film—limit radiation exposure, and make taking X-rays safer than ever. Q: What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?   A: If a permanent tooth is injured, time is of the essence. Replace the tooth in its socket, and get to your dentist’s office immediately, holding the tooth firmly in place. If you are uncomfortable replacing the tooth in its socket, clean it and store the tooth in a glass of milk.. If the tooth is a baby tooth, don’t replace it in its socket.. Q: What is a root canal? A: A root canal usually is performed to save your tooth when the pulp in the tooth’s root is damaged. The procedure involves cleaning out, shaping, and filling the root canal to prevent recontamination of the tooth. The tooth then is permanently restored using a filling or a crown. Q: How are dental instruments sterilized? A: Dentists generally use steam or hot air to sterilize instruments in an autoclave at high temperatures and pressures, which kills any infectious agents. Dentists may also use disposable instruments. Q: Why do wisdom teeth cause problems? The main reason why wisdom teeth cause problems is because they are the last teeth to emerge and there may not be enough space available in the mouth for normal eruption. However, when there is sufficient space available, wisdom teeth can erupt normally and function as well as any other molar and as a result, do not need to be removed. Q: Can thumbsucking damage my child's teeth? A: Thumbsucking is a normal, soothing reflex for babies and young children. However, as permanent teeth come in, continued thumbsucking may cause improper tooth alignment. Different factors determine if dental problems will occur resulting from thumbsucking, including how often your child sucks his or her thumb, how long they've been sucking their thumb, and how much force the child uses. Q: Can putting my child to bed at night with a bottle cause dental problems? A: Yes. It's called baby bottle tooth decay and it's very important for caregivers to understand what it is and how to prevent it. A baby's teeth are susceptible to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Q: Should my child wear a mouthguard when playing sports? A: Yes. The MDA strongly recommends that children (and adults) wear mouthguards when playing contact sports in which injury to the mouth is possible. Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer damage to the mouth when not wearing a protective mouthguard.