Tuesday, November 14, 2017

A Brief Overview of TMJ Disorder


A dentist based in Boston, Massachusetts, Julia Faigel, DMD, has functioned as owner and clinical director at Dr. Dental since 2004. There, Julia Faigel, DMD, oversees all operations and programs, including patient services such as Invisalign therapy and temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) disorder treatment.

TMJ disorder is a condition that occurs when a patient’s teeth become misaligned, typically because the jaw has been subjected to considerable trauma or muscle tension. Overnight teeth grinding and clenching is a common example of the tension that results in TMJ disorder.

Symptoms of the disorder include persistent headaches and earaches, soreness when chewing or speaking, pain throughout the jaw and surrounding muscles, and clicking or popping sounds made by the jaw. A trusted dental professional may suggest a number of treatment options when it comes to addressing TMJ, such as bite adjustment support or the introduction of a mouth guard. In some cases, individuals may need to have teeth relocated or removed altogether.

Sunday, September 10, 2017

Floss Properly, Regularly to Prevent Tooth Stains and Bad Breath


A licensed dentist, Julia Faigel serves as owner and clinical director of Dr. Dental in Boston, Massachusetts. Providing dental care for both children and adults as a dentist, Julia Faigel recommends regular flossing for good oral health. 

Flossing removes plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, prevents the buildup of tartar and cavity formation, eliminates bad breath, and is linked to good overall health. If your gums bleed from professional cleaning during a dental checkup or if you have severely stained teeth because of plaque and tartar buildup, you’re probably not flossing as often as you should. 

Dentists recommend flossing be performed daily and properly for effectiveness. That means that simply passing a strand of string in between your teeth isn’t adequate. Flossing should be done correctly; use a 12-inch piece of floss wrapped round one finger on each hand, slide the floss between teeth, and gently move it forward repetitively to remove plaque and food particles. Be sure to repeat this process for all your teeth, including the back teeth.

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Three Tips for Planning a Winter Hike


As the owner and clinical director of Dr. Dental, dentist Julia Faigel, DMD, is responsible for developing, maintaining, and implementing her clinic’s formal policies and procedures. Outside of her work as a dentist, Dr. Julia Faigel enjoys hiking. 

With its cold, icy, and snowy conditions, hiking in winter can provide its own set of challenges and dangers. When planning your next winter hike, keep these three tips in mind to help ensure your safety. 

1. Weather - Before your hike, be sure to check the area’s weather. While the forecast may seem fine before you start, conditions can change drastically between then and when you actually go hiking. Pay close attention to any weather warnings, and consider postponing your trip if need be. 

2. Navigation - With snow on the ground, it can become difficult to see the trail or trail markers. Before you hike, obtain a compass and topographical map of the area and learn how to properly read both. Relying on GPS is risky since electronics may fail, making your map and compass more reliable.

3. Location - If you are relatively new to winter hiking, consider sticking with areas you already know well to minimize your chances of getting lost. Start with short hikes, and expect them to be more difficult than they are in other seasons.