Summer is the season of sunshine, vacations, and time spent with family and friends. With the change in routine, however, it can be easy to let good oral health habits slip. At River’s Bend Family Dentistry, we want to make sure your smile stays as bright as your summer days! Here are some easy and effective ways to maintain healthy smiles in summer : 1. Stay Hydrated—For Your Smile, Too! Richmond summers can get hot, and staying hydrated is essential for your overall health and your mouth. Water helps wash away food particles, keeps saliva flowing, and prevents dry mouth—which can increase your risk for cavities. Skip the sugary sports drinks and sodas, and opt for water whenever possible. 2. Keep Up with Brushing and Flossing Vacation mode shouldn’t mean vacation from your dental routine. Whether you're traveling or just spending more time outside, make sure to brush twice a day and floss daily. Tip: Keep a travel-sized toothbrush and floss in your bag for on-the-go freshness. 3. Watch the Summer Snacks Ice cream, popsicles, and sticky treats are summer staples—but they’re also high in sugar. Try to balance them with smile-friendly snacks like fresh fruits, crunchy veggies, and cheese, which help protect your teeth and support strong enamel. 4. Protect Your Smile During Summer Sports Outdoor activities like biking, basketball, or swimming can sometimes lead to accidents. If your child plays contact sports—or if you do—consider a custom-fit mouthguard to help prevent dental injuries. 5. Don’t Skip Your Dental Check-Up Summer break is the perfect time to schedule a cleaning or get that cavity filled before the school year ramps up. Routine dental visits are key to catching issues early and keeping your smile healthy year-round. Keep Your Smile Bright All Summer Long At River’s Bend Family Dentistry, we love helping families enjoy healthy smiles in summer and beyond. If it’s been a while since your last visit, give us a call—we’re here to help you and your loved ones smile with confidence all season long. Call us today to schedule your summer check-up!

If it’s been a while since your child’s last dental visit, or if you’re looking for a new dental home that makes family care simple and convenient, we’d love to welcome you to River’s Bend Dentistry. Your child’s healthy smile starts here!

At River’s Bend Dentistry in Chester, we specialize in creating natural-looking, beautiful results through high-quality dental veneers.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s the perfect time to highlight something we do at every routine visit—screen for oral cancer.

Let's talk about Food, Nutrition & Your Oral Health...

Scheduling a professional cleaning every six months is a simple yet powerful way to protect your smile and overall well-being. If it’s been more than six months since your last cleaning, now is the perfect time to book an appointment.

At River’s Bend Dentistry, we offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments tailored to your unique needs and goals. Whether you’re looking to brighten your smile, fix minor imperfections, or achieve a complete smile makeover, we have the expertise and tools to make it happen.

As winter approaches, it's essential to adjust your oral care routine to protect your smile from seasonal challenges. Cold weather, holiday treats, and changes in routine can all impact your oral health, but with a little planning, you can keep your smile bright and healthy throughout the season.

Teeth grinding, also known as **bruxism**, is a condition where a person grinds, clenches, or gnashes their teeth, often unconsciously. It can happen during the day (awake bruxism) or at night (sleep bruxism), and while it might seem like a harmless habit, it can have serious consequences for your dental health and overall well-being if left untreated. What Causes Teeth Grinding? Teeth grinding can be triggered by a variety of factors, both physical and psychological. Stress and anxiety are leading causes, particularly when it occurs during sleep. People often grind their teeth as a way to cope with tension, though they may not be aware of it. Other causes include: Sleep disorders, like sleep apnea Misaligned teeth or an abnormal bite Lifestyle factors, such as excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption Medications, especially those used to treat depression or anxiety Genetics, as it can run in families Some people may only grind their teeth occasionally, while others experience chronic bruxism, leading to dental damage, headaches, jaw pain, and even temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). Can Teeth Grinding Be Cured? The big question: Can teeth grinding be cured? The answer depends on what's causing it. In many cases, bruxism can be managed or significantly reduced, but completely curing it can be challenging, especially when it's related to stress or sleep disorders. However, with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, most people can find relief and prevent further damage to their teeth and jaw. Here’s a closer look at some common approaches to managing bruxism: Stress Management Since stress and anxiety are major contributors to teeth grinding, addressing these underlying issues is key. Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or deep-breathing exercises can significantly help reduce tension and lower the likelihood of grinding. If emotional stress is a significant factor, working with a therapist to develop coping strategies may be beneficial. Custom Night Guard Protection For people who grind their teeth while sleeping, a custom-made night guard is one of the most effective solutions in terms of protecting your enamel and maintaining the strength of your teeth. These guards are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth, providing a barrier that prevents the teeth from coming into contact with each other. While it won’t stop the grinding itself, it protects the teeth from wear and helps reduce jaw pain. Dental Corrections If bruxism is caused by misaligned teeth or an improper bite, dental corrections like orthodontics or restorative procedures may be an option to discuss with your dentist. Adjusting the way the teeth fit together can alleviate the pressure that leads to grinding, and the subsequent issues such as headaches or jaw pain. It's vital to talk to your dentist and get a thorough evaluation as each patient's condition and treatment plan is highly individual. Lifestyle Adjustments Certain lifestyle changes can reduce the severity of teeth grinding. Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake, especially in the evening, can help, as both are known to interfere with sleep and exacerbate bruxism. Practicing good sleep hygiene—like maintaining a consistent bedtime, creating a relaxing nighttime routine, and ensuring your sleep environment is comfortable and peaceful—can go a very long way. Medication and Therapy In some cases, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants or medications to address bruxism. Botox injections have also been used to relax the jaw muscles, reducing the intensity of grinding. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) may also be helpful for individuals who desire to become aware of their habits and develop strategies to prevent grinding. The Bottom Line While there is no one-size-fits-all "cure" for teeth grinding, it can be effectively managed. Whether it's through lifestyle changes, stress reduction, or wearing a night guard, most people can find ways to protect their teeth and alleviate the discomfort caused by bruxism. However, if left untreated, chronic teeth grinding can lead to long-term damage like cracked teeth, jaw disorders, and headaches, so it’s important to seek help early. Working with your dentist or healthcare professional will help you determine the best course of action based on the cause of your bruxism. At River's Bend Dentistry, we provide a full evaluation of the mouth and provide custom mouthguards to effectively protect your teeth. Feel free to call our office with any questions or schedule an appointment should you have any concerns about teeth grinding.