Mauck & Ricci DDS Blog

Your jaw does a lot of work throughout the day. From talking and laughing to chewing your favorite foods, you probably don’t think much about your jaw until something feels wrong. If your jaw suddenly becomes stiff, painful, or difficult to open and close, it can be uncomfortable—and sometimes alarming.

A locked or stiff jaw can have several possible causes. Understanding why it happens can help you decide what to do next.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most complex joints in the body. This means that there is a lot that can go wrong, and it isn’t always the easiest to address. There are all sorts of TMJ treatments out there that promise relief, but how do you know which one is best? Continue reading to learn more about TMJ disorder and the best way to treat it.

When it comes to restoring damaged or decayed teeth, dental crowns are often a reliable choice. They are sturdy and help you regain your strong bite. That said, since you’ll be getting good daily use out of it, you might wonder how long your results will last. Here’s what you need to know about a crown’s lifespan and what you can do to get the most out of it.

Dentures are the standard method of rebuilding arches after tooth loss, and they remain popular today because of their incredible versatility. Regardless of how many teeth went missing, your dentist can provide a lifelike set of replacements to enhance your smile’s function and appearance.

But you may need to adjust your daily habits and routines to keep your new teeth in good condition. For example, did you know that smoking can be harmful to dentures? Continue reading to learn more about why you might want to consider quitting before pursuing this treatment!

Dentures can be a versatile and cost-effective way to rebuild your smile after tooth loss. Your dentist can provide a lifelike restoration to enhance your smile’s appearance and function regardless of how many teeth went missing.

But if you’ve had your prosthetics for a few years and they’re starting to look dark or dirty, you might wonder whether the artificial teeth can be lightened with topical treatments like natural enamel often can. Continue reading to learn more about why standard teeth whitening isn’t effective on dentures as well as how you can help preserve a brighter shade!

Dentures are a popular way to rebuild after significant tooth loss because this versatile, cost-effective treatment can simultaneously enhance your smile’s appearance and functionality. Whether you’ve lost some or all of your natural teeth, your dentist can provide a customized solution designed to look and feel as lifelike as possible.

But if it’s been a while since your teeth went missing, your jawbone might already have become too weak and frail to support one of these restorations. Continue reading to learn more about how tooth loss affects the structure of your mouth and why you shouldn’t delay getting dentures!

It’s no secret that ignoring sleep apnea for too long can have dire consequences. This sleep disorder has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and various other health issues. But did you know that sleep apnea could also potentially be connected to vision loss or blindness? Below is a brief look at the impact that sleep-disordered breathing could have on the health of your eyes.

Maintaining a healthy smile requires time, patience, and a financial investment. Choosing to enroll in a dental insurance plan means you recognize its value and how it can help you stay on top of your oral healthcare. With many great benefits included in these plans, you may be surprised to learn that some insurance companies have waiting periods. What does this mean, and how can it affect you?

You may enjoy your time scrolling through TikTok after a long day of work or school. It’s easy to zone out and see video after video of different trends going around. One you might’ve come across is a soda alternative of sparkling water with balsamic vinegar. It’s supposed to be healthier, but is it really? Keep reading to learn how it can actually be harmful to your teeth!

Healthy gums are the foundation of a strong, beautiful smile, but many people may not realize how small changes in gum health can signal bigger issues. One common concern is the formation of periodontal pockets, which can harbor harmful bacteria and worsen gum disease if left untreated. Understanding what these pockets are and how to address them is key to maintaining long-term oral health.