Tooth wear can be very difficult to prevent. However, with the help of general dentistry, patients can undergo certain treatments or therapies to help reduce the chances that severe wear occurs. A great type of preventive therapy for tooth wear is a mouthguard. Mouthguards are known to be protective and preventive, which goes a long way for patients who have sensitive or weak teeth.
General dentistry practices can administer mouthguards to patients of all ages, children included. Wearing them starting at a young age can prevent serious dental health problems from occurring later on down the line. Ready to learn more?
The following information outlines how a mouthguard can be used to prevent tooth wear. Keep reading to find out more.
Mouthguards in general dentistry are protective oral appliances that cover the teeth and gums. They are custom-created in a dental lab to ensure a perfect fit for each patient. Mouthguards tend to be made of materials that bend and move. They offer patients a flexible fit to ensure comfort and safety while the patient is sleeping or playing sports.
General dentists administer mouthguards to patients who are at especially high risk of grinding their teeth. Bruxism, the other term used to describe teeth grinding, can do significant damage to the tooth’s enamel. Over time, grinding can cause a weakened enamel, which can lead to cracking, chipping and even sensitivity.
When mouthguards are worn on a regular basis, they can prevent the teeth from rubbing up against one another. The friction of one tooth hitting another is what causes significant wear. If the mouthguard is worn, the teeth will not rub up against each other, but rather the materials of the nightguard, which are safe and soft.
A general dentist will take impressions of the entire mouth to ensure that an appropriate mouthguard is created. If the patient’s teeth are extremely susceptible to grinding then the mouthguard may have to be thicker. If there is less of a risk, a thinner less bulky mouthguard may be recommended.
General dentists recommend patients wear their mouthguards during exercise, sporting events or under high-stress situations. In some instances, the patient may be required to have a separate guard for the night time. Nightguards are designed for sleeping purposes and have some slight differences from a traditional mouthguard.
It is recommended that patients clean their mouthguards each day to ensure that bacteria do not build up. A dental cleaning solution can be used to soak the mouthguard in for a couple of hours. Additionally, it is important to be extra gentle and careful with the oral appliance. Because they help prevent tooth wear, it is important to maintain them so that they last for as long as possible.
Any questions or concerns about mouthguards should be addressed by a general dentistry office. Reach out to our office today to get started with a mouthguard.
Request an appointment here: https://www.yanasedds.com or call Yanase Dental Group at (310) 736-1063 for an appointment in our Torrance office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
For tooth loss, going to a prosthodontist is a good choice for finding the right solution. Living with missing teeth can have negative effects. One may struggle with oral health issues and cosmetic concerns. The good news is there are effective treatments to restore your smile and the function of your mouth. Prosthodontists have the…
Considering undergoing professional teeth whitening treatment services? Even though there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products to choose from nowadays, these generic options are often hit and miss. It is often very difficult for someone to know which generic whitening option might work for them, making it both easier and safer to choose in-office treatment. Choosing…
Dental implants are one of the most popular forms of tooth restoration due to the range of benefits they can offer. By learning more about why so many are choosing dental implants to replace one or more missing teeth, patients can determine if they are the best option for them. Every patient has a different experience…
Disorder of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a condition that can cause difficulty with jaw functions. The disorder can cause jaw pain that restricts how you open and close your mouth. You might notice clicking sounds or jaw locking when eating, talking or yawning. Continue reading to learn more about the symptoms, diagnosis and…
Prosthodontists have the knowledge and training to recommend a procedure that makes sense for your…
Considering undergoing professional teeth whitening treatment services? Even though there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening…
Dental implants are a great restoration option for someone with missing teeth or teeth that…
Disorder of the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is a condition that can cause difficulty with…
Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that causes swelling where the gums meet the…
Restorative dentistry focuses mainly on restoring the function of teeth that have been damaged. Doing…