The Importance Of Wearing A Mouthguard While Playing Sports!

 

With winter sports underway, we wanted to remind our patients about the importance of wearing a mouthguard while you’re on the court or the field!  Below is some information on the importance of mouthguards!

In an ADA Press release, Advisor Matthew Messina said, “A properly fitted mouthguard is an important piece of athletic gear that can help protect your mouth, cushion blows that might otherwise cause broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw.”

In a 2007 study, it was determined that overall risk was 1.6 to 1.9 times greater without a proper fitting mouthguard.  This is proof that mouthguards are an effective safety feature in reducing injuries in sports.  “But you don’t have to be on the football field or in a hockey rink to benefit from properly fitted mouthguard.  Findings in sports dentistry show that even in non-contact sports, such as gymnastics, mouthguards will help protect participants, and many experts recommend that everyone – from children to adults- wear a mouthguard during any recreational activity that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth, including practice and training sessions.”, said Messina.

There are three main types of mouthguards:

Custom-fitted.  These mouthguards are custom-fitted for you personally by your dentist.  They are the best option for protecting teeth.

Stock.  Often, these mouthguards are factory formed.  They generally don’t fit your teeth well, but are less expensive.

Boil and form.  These mouthguards can be found in most drug or sporting goods stores.  You boil them in water, and then bite into them to form the mouthguard to your mouth.

If you have any questions regarding mouthguards or custom mouthguards, don’t hesitate to give us a call at (313) 908-5110 or (734) 365-7720.  Remember, if you haven’t done so yet, LIKE our Facebook and FOLLOW our Twitter for more information and updates!

Creative Ways to Help Pull out Your Child’s Loose Tooth!

Any parent will tell you that pulling out your children’s loose tooth can be a physical and emotional struggle.  Losing your baby teeth is a rite of passage for all kids around the ages of 4-7.  Remember, the best part of losing your baby teeth is a visit from the tooth fairy!  Below is a list of fun and creative ways to help pull out your child’s loose tooth to make the experience memorable.

String Method – tie a string around the loose tooth, and give it a yank.  Other fun string trick options include tieing the other end of the string to a door knob, and shut the door.  Also, tie the other end to something with some weight and drop it from the second floor.

Food Method – Another great trick to get a stubborn loose tooth out is to eat items that are either sticky are hard.  This is great for a child who is frightened by the item of pulling a tooth out.  This method allows to tooth to come out naturally and without notice.

Wiggle Method – A great way to continue to loosen the tooth is to have your child rinse with warm water, and push the tooth in all direction with their tongue.  Eventually, the tooth should naturally pop out or become loose enough to easily pull out.

If your child is still anxious about pulling out a loose tooth, come visit All Brite Dental today!  We’ll make your youngster feel comfortable and ready to move on to big people teeth! 

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Teeth Grinding: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments from All Brite Dental!

 

One of the most common dental problems among people is grinding teeth.  This can be due to people who clench and grind their teeth, also known as bruxism.  Constant teeth grinding could lead to damaging teeth and eventually other dental issues.

The biggest contributor to teeth grinding is stress, which may causes people to clench their teeth.  You might not notice that you grind your teeth because in most cases teeth grinding occurs during sleep.  Another cause of teeth grinding can be from physical changes from an abnormal bite or missing teeth.

Teeth grinding will wear and tear down your teeth.  If you consistently grind your teeth, over time you will wear away tooth enamel.  Tooth enamel is important because it is the outer covering material that protects the tooth from eroding and decay.  Chronic teeth grinding can lead to joint and jaw damage, sensitive teeth and tooth decay.

At All Brite Dental we will work with you to help prevent future chronic teeth grinding.  Each patient is different, so we will perform a detailed overall teeth inspection and offer a specific plan.  Most methods include wearing a mouthpiece at night to prevent future grinding.  Other tips to help you eliminate teeth grinding are cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and chewing on items such as pencils and pens.

Please, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with one of our amazing dentists!  For more information and updates please LIKE our Facebook page LINKED HERE!

How to Handle a Dental Emergency!

Dental emergencies can happen at the worst times!  Everyone knows accidents happen, but it’s how you react after they happen which can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth.  Below is the list of different dental emergencies and how to handle them!

Bitten Lip or Tongue

After cleaning the area with a clean cloth, apply cold to reduce swelling.

Broken Tooth

 Rinse your mouth to clean the area.  After rising, use cold to keep the area from swelling.  It’s very important to call your dentist ASAP.

Knocked Out Tooth

Holding the tooth by the crown (avoid the roots), rinse it off in warm water.  Do not try to scrub anything off the tooth.  If possible, try and gently insert the tooth back into the socket.  If not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and call your dentist ASAP.

Toothache

Rinse your mouth with warm water.  Gently floss the area surrounding the tooth, making sure nothing it stuck between it.  Don’t put any aspirin on other medicine on the area.  If the pain doesn’t subside, call your dentist for an appointment.

Visit the American Dental Association’s website, http://www.ada.org/370.aspx, for more dental emergencies and effective treatments.

If you come across an emergency, don’t hesitant to call us at either of our locations (313) 908-5110 or (734) 365-7720.  Remember to LIKE our Facebook page for more dental information and updates!