How Can Cleaning Prevent Gum Disease?

You’ve heard the saying before, “A healthy mouth is a happy mouth.” But, what exactly does that mean? After all, brushing our teeth is a daily habit that we all do. Still, you can’t help but wonder if the recommended bi-annual dental cleaning is really necessary and if it’s worth the cost to get it done? What is the big deal with a professional dental cleaning, anyway? Professional dental cleanings do so much more than simply give you a cleaner smile. The plaque and debris that build up on your teeth over time can cause more damaging and costly dental […]

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Missing Teeth And The Only Option | Stellar Dental

Summer is approaching and brings with it a plethora of outdoor activities. Whether you play sports or work in the yard, dental accidents can happen. But, accidents aren’t the only cause of missing teeth. Dental decay and gum disease can lead to tooth loss as well. Regardless […]

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Why Can’t I Smoke After A Tooth Extraction?

Having a tooth extracted always prompts a multitude of questions concerning the aftercare of the extraction site. But, one of the most common concerns involves smoking or using a straw. Both these activities require a sucking motion, which is best avoided during the first 24 to 48 hours following tooth extraction.
Continuing tobacco use immediately after a tooth extraction puts you at risk for a condition called “dry socket” as well as other concerns. The healing process is a critical ...

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5 Tips for Protecting Your Teeth This Summer

Summer! It might be your favorite time of the year for indulging in fun and sun, but it is also a time where dentists see an increase in dental problems. Seasonal foods and activities can damage your teeth if you are not careful. At ICC...

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Got Enough Calcium for Healthy Teeth?

Calcium is an essential mineral for healthy bones and strong teeth. In fact, teeth and bones store 99% of the body’s calcium reserves, where it promotes structural support. The mineral is also found in blood, muscle, and even the liquid between cells. In these other areas, calcium […]

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The Smile Institute

Can I Still Play Sports While Wearing Dental Braces?

Summer is approaching and with it comes a plethora of outdoor activities, including sports. If you wear dental braces, there are certain precautions you should take. Conventional dental braces can poke and scratch at the inside of your mouth. They can also sustain damage during sports or direct contact activities. But that doesn’t mean you need to limit your activities or avoid doing the things that you love and enjoy. With the right plan in place and the right protective mouthguard, you can continue to play sports while wearing your dental braces
.

How Can a Mouthguard Help Me When I Play Sports?

A mouthguard can help prevent injury to the inside of your mouth while you engage in the activities you love. There are different kinds of mouthguards to choose from. Finding the right one is vital to provide the comfort and protection you deserve.

What Kind of Mouthguard Should I Use?

There are several different types of mouthguards available and each type has its advantages and disadvantages. Retail ready-to-wear models are often the most cost conservative, but there is a trade-off. Since they are not customized to fit your mouth, they may fit too loosely or too snugly. A one-size-fits-all device, whether for youth or adults, is not always the best choice to protect your precious smile.

Aside from retail mouthguards, there are also the boil and bite variety. This type of mouthguard offers some type of customization, but it’s usually limited. The mouthguard requires that you boil it in water for several minutes and then bite down and hold for a few minutes. This creates your bite impression on the mouthguard while it’s still hot and moldable. The problem is that if you place it in your mouth while it is too hot, you could end up burning your mouth.

One of the best types of mouthguards is the professional orthodontic mouthguard. It generally costs more than the other two types, but is of a higher quality and provides you with the best fit and comfort for the price.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Orthodontic Mouthguards?

Much like any other type of insurance, every dental insurance policy differs from the next. To determine if your dental insurance policy will cover an orthodontic mouthguard, contact them directly for clarification.

Do you have more questions about orthodontic mouthguards? Give The Smile Institute a call today at (617) 860-6333 to schedule a consultation. Your dentist and our friendly staff will be happy to answer your questions and help you make the best decision for your situation.

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Boones Ferry Dental

Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism You Can’t Afford to Miss

You might not be familiar with the term, but bruxism is a common problem and you are probably familiar with the behavior. It is the persistent grinding, clenching, or gnashing of teeth. It often occurs in patients with anxiety issues or sleep disorders, like apnea. It has a wide range in severity, and can wax and wane over the course of a lifetime. But if you have it, you should talk to Dr. Morrissey for a proper diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Why is Bruxism a Concern?

The masseter (cheek muscle used to chew) is one of the strongest in the human body. It can exert up to 600 pounds of force per square inch. Imagine what that kind of constant pressure could do. It could easily wear down the structure of teeth causing fractures of flattening, reducing teeth to nubs. It could also cause joint and muscle problems, or more severe temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders).

Causes of Bruxism in Adults

One of the leading triggers for teeth grinding is anxiety. And if you already grind your teeth day and night, stress can make the condition worse. Also, there are those who grind their teeth regardless of anxiety. Some do it because of dental problems or poor alignment of teeth. Another contributor could also be sleep apnea. New research shows that those with partial breathing obstruction during sleep often have bruxism. The action of clenching the jaw and grinding teeth works to open the collapsed airway. So before you can seek treatment, the dentist needs to figure out the underlying cause of your grinding.

How do I Know If I Have It?

Most people do not even realize they are grinding their teeth, even when it is an ongoing habit. This is because the majority who suffer from bruxism often grind their teeth at night while they sleep. So, for proper diagnosis, Dr. Morrissey will ask some detailed questions and look for several signs and symptoms of the condition.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Bruxism

These might include:

• Exhaustion from lack of restful sleep
• Recurring headaches
• Consistent neck or jaw pain
• Ear pain, not from an ear infection
• Receding gums
• Teeth sensitivity
• Teeth that are flat or fractured
• Loosening teeth
• Beginnings of jaw joint disorders
• Locked jaw that doesn’t fully close or open

People who occasionally grind their teeth don’t have anything to worry about. However, those who suffer from constant teeth grinding should seek professional help from Boones Ferry Dental. Call our office today at (503) 683-7484 or visit us at 5775 Willow Ln., Lake Oswego, OR, 97035 to speak about your case.

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