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 and digital images 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://dentistryforthestars.com or call Vick Kargodorian, DDS at (323) 962-1998 for an appointment in our Hollywood office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
Do you think that you need emergency dentistry and the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease and subsequent lockdown is making you wait? While emergency dentistry services are still available, it is important for those who are in need of dental services to understand which dental procedures are available right now and which ones can wait to be treated…
Finding quality family dental care services is definitely recommended if you have a family who is in need of a new dentist. A dentist who treats the entire family offers general oral care services for their patients. They can treat any age group, during any stage of life, making a family dentist someone who can…
If you are reading this article, you are already considering getting Invisalign treatments. This article will cover everything you need to know about these clear aligners and what treatment entails.Invisalign is a brand of clear aligners that give patients a less conspicuous way to deal with their teeth alignment problems. It consists of using clear…
Dentures seem to be the ultimate solution when you lose one or more teeth as an outcome of gum diseases, trauma, or decay. Losing natural teeth is nothing less than an unpleasant experience.Although you have an option to opt for dentures, in this case, the idea makes people hesitant of appearance and functioning alike. No…
Do you think that you need emergency dentistry and the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease and subsequent…
Finding quality family dental care services is definitely recommended if you have a family who…
If you are reading this article, you are already considering getting Invisalign treatments. This article…
Dentures seem to be the ultimate solution when you lose one or more teeth as…
Also known as a full mouth rehabilitation, a full mouth reconstruction is a combination of…
Learning the importance of oral exams is essential when it comes to preventing a gum…