Sleep Dentistry

The Purposes of Mouth Guards

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

A mouth guard can protect your oral health, as well as your overall health. It is definitely a versatile appliance to discuss with your dentist.
What Is A Mouth Guard?

There are different types of mouth guards and each has a purpose. The first is a mouth guard used for sports and other activities. Athletes are highly recommended, if not required, to wear one.

This small, comfortable device is worn inside the mouth. It provides protection for the teeth and gums if impact to the mouth occurs. Examples include impact from another player, sports equipment, or falling while playing a sport.

The mouth guard can prevent a wide range of injuries. The wearer will not break or chip his teeth, bite his tongue, or have his teeth loosened from his gums. It even offers protection for the gums and jaw.

The second type of mouth guard is meant to be worn during the night. Individuals who grind their teeth while sleeping have a higher risk of oral health problems. Grinding can loosen teeth, wear down tooth enamel, and may contribute to TMJ disorders. The mouth guard is an effective way to prevent nighttime grinding.
Dental Techniques For Mouth Guards

The simplest way to obtain a mouth guard is to consult with your dentist. As not all mouth guards are alike, he or she can help you choose one that is right for you.

When you start by talking to your dentist, you will have the most comfortable, effective experience. Whether you need a mouth guard for sports or to prevent nighttime grinding, you will have better results than if you simply buy a mouth guard online or from a sporting goods store.

To take an important step in protecting your oral health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dana Walters today.

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Treatments Offered For Teeth Grinding

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, can ruin a person’s smile. It is a habitual condition that is difficult to stop, especially during times of stress. To prevent permanent damage in your mouth, it is important to uncover a dental treatment that may break this habit.

Reasons People Grind Their Teeth

Even though many people grind their teeth to deal with stress or anxiety, a number of individuals do it when they have crooked or missing teeth. Since it often occurs during sleep, a person may not be aware that they are doing it.

Symptoms of Bruxism

  • Flattened Teeth
  • Tooth Sensitivity
  • Neck or Jaw Pain
  • Headaches
  • Sleep Disruption
  • Worn Enamel

Dangers of Bruxism

When a person grinds his or her teeth, it can cause cracks or chips to develop in teeth. It can wear away enamel and lead to tooth loss. Besides visible problems, teeth grinding can lead to jaw pain.

Finding an Effective Dental Treatment

The American Dental Association explains that bruxism can be effectively treated in a number of ways.

  • Dental Corrections - When a misaligned bite is to blame, a dentist can perform a cosmetic procedure that evens teeth.
  • Mouthguards - When a person grinds his or her teeth at night, a dentist may fit a patient’s mouth with a guard that is worn during sleep. This device keeps teeth separated to avoid damage caused by grinding.
  • Stress Management - If stress is the cause of bruxism, a person may practice relaxation techniques that keep the jaw from clenching together.
  • Treating Sleep-Related Disorders - Sleep apnea is a condition that often causes bruxism. When a person seeks medical attention for this type of disorder, the grinding is eliminated.

If you are looking for a solution to bruxism, it is helpful to consult with your dentist. Dr. Dana Walters can help you stop grinding your teeth and will recommend ways to maximize your oral health. For an appointment, call our office today.

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Do You Snore? Your Snoring Solution Right Here

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

You may not realize the connection between sleep and your mouth. If you frequently wake up during the night or never feel refreshed in the morning, you should consider making an appointment with your dentist. With this expert’s help, you may be able to improve your sleep quality and prevent health problems.

Approximately 60 million Americans suffer from dangerous sleeping disorders. Sleep dentistry is an effective way to deal with conditions, including sleep apnea. It may also help you find an effective snoring solution. Besides annoying your sleeping partner each night, these issues can be hazardous to your health. With sleep apnea, the tissues in the back of your throat collapse and cover your airways. This hampers the ability of oxygen to become delivered throughout your body. Snoring and sleep apnea may worsen hypertension. This can lead to stroke and other heart issues.

Dental Remedies-

A drastic option to stop snoring is using a CPAP machine. This unit provides continuous positive airway pressure but involves many hoses and an uncomfortable mask that must be worn through the night. Unfortunately, due to the inconvenience, you are likely to stop using the device.

According to the American Dental Association, one of the best ways to stop snoring and other sleep disorders is by visiting your dentist. This professional will be able to fit you with a custom oral appliance that is worn during sleep. This type of device pulls your jaw forward so that your tongue does not block your airways. When fitted properly, it will not damage your teeth or cause any discomfort during slumber.

The beginning part of the process involves making a mold of your bite. Your dentist will send the impression of your mouth to a lab for creation. After it is ready, you will return to your dentist so that the device can be adjusted for maximum comfort. Depending on your diagnosis, your medical insurance may cover some of its cost.

To uncover more information about sleep dentistry and other useful dental tips, call the office of Dr. Dana Walters. It may be the first step toward a solid night’s rest.

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Sleep Dentistry: Your Snoring Solution

Posted on by Dr. Dana Walters

Have you ever had problems with snoring in your life? Has your spouse or a loved one? If so, you have probably seen a variety of treatments and solutions out there. You probably, however, did not consider consulting your dentist for a possible solution. Sleep dentistry involves the use of oral and dental devices that help in treating snoring problems.

There are a variety of dental devices that can be recommended for treatment, including the mandibular advancement device. It is a very popular appliance that is used to force the lower jaw down and slightly forward. It looks very much like a mouth guard that you might use for sporting events and it is very effective in keeping the airway open and helping prevent breathing issues throughout the night that are most responsible for snoring.

A mandibular advancement device, along with improving all around oral health, can be a very effective treatment for snoring. If you are interested in learning more about sleep dentistry, or know somebody who is suffering from snoring problems, please contact Dr. Dana Walters to find out more information.

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