Protect Your Teeth With A Mouthguard for Bruxism

Bruxism is also known as grinding. When someone bites down and moves the surface of their upper teeth across the surface of their lower teeth it is called Bruxism, or grinding and it can be very damaging to your smile. While you may be inclined to run to the store and find the cheapest mouthguard you can, getting one from the dentist that is a proper fit is a better and safer idea.

Having a proper fitting mouthguard can ensure that your airway stays open properly when you are sleeping. Having a mouthguard that is too big can cause problems breathing and one that is too small may not prevent you from grinding your teeth.

A proper fitting mouthguard can also ensure that it is giving you the right protection. If you have a mouthguard that doesn’t fit your smile, you may still be grinding different surfaces causing damage that breaks or cracks one of your teeth. It can seem like a great idea to get a cheaper one from any store, but having a proper fitting mouthguard will better in the long run.

For more information on Bruxism and mouthguards, contact Dr. Strutz and her fantastic dental team.

5 Habits That Can Cause Your Smile To Bite The Dust

Your teeth are made of the hardest substance in the body. When they are taken care of with proper dental care, they can last a lifetime. Brushing, flossing, regular check-ups and routine dental procedures can keep you away from major dental repairs and keep you living with a smile that, “Wows” your family every day. Here are 5 habits you may not have heard about that can keep your smile on the up and up.

 

1.     Prevent your mouth from getting dry. Drinking water infused with fruits or vegetables can keep your saliva going and keep your smile in great shape.

2.     Grinding leaves your teeth vulnerable to cracks and other damage.  

3.     Eating foods high in acid. The acid can cause your teeth to be susceptible to decay and other dental problems.

4.     Playing sports without a mouth guard. It is easy to knock out a tooth or chip a tooth when playing high contact sports without a proper mouth guard. Getting one that is picked out and created just for you is the best way to keep your smile amazing.

5.     Chewing on pen and pencils. Chewing on things other than food can crack or chip a tooth.

Your smile is critical to keep your life balanced and healthy. Don’t waste time with habits that can damage your smile. For more information on improving your smile, contact Dr. Judy Strutz and her team.

Bruxism-What Is That?

Your jaw is designed to fit comfortably together. However over time you may find that you grind your teeth. As the surface of your teeth begin to wear down and you clench or grind, you run the risk of breaking teeth and broken teeth can make it painful to eat or drink certain items.

Grinding can be caused by multiple problems. While most people believe that grinding is only linked to stress, research suggests that if your jaw is not properly aligned or does not close correctly, it can also cause grinding. Each tooth in the upper jaw is designed to comfortably fit into the surface area of the lower jaw. If every time you close your mouth you grind, then you may begin to flatten the surface of your teeth.

If you grind your teeth at night, it may be recommended by the dentist that you wear a night guard. A night guard is a hard plastic device that fits directly into your mouth. The process is a simple one. You will visit Dr. Judith Strutz once for the molde to be made - she will take an impression of your smile in order to get the right fit, after a through exam has been conducted in order to make sure that this is truly the problem. Once the impression is complete, it will be sent to a lab in order to get the final custom appliance made.

You’ll visit a second time in order for the actual mouthpiece to be fit and then you are on your way to protecting your teeth. Don't wait any longer if you are experiencing jaw pain, or if you find yourself choking on the foods you enjoy, be assessed and see if you could benefit from some help.