A mouthguard also known as sports guards or athletic mouth protectors is a protective device for the mouth that covers the teeth and gums and, regardless of type, help prevent and reduce injury to the mouth, teeth, arches, lips, gums, cheeks and tongue. They, also, help minimize the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is especially important for younger children.
One of the purposes of a night guard is to decrease the forces of grinding and clenching. Because teeth grinding while sleeping is unintentional, the most safe and effective way to ensure teeth are protected is to wear a mouth guard that separates teeth. Persistent teeth grinding can cause jaw pain and discomfort and wear down your teeth. It can also cause headaches and earache. This requires an exactly accurate, custom made guard with specific properties.
The American Dental Association projects that one third of all dental injuries are sports related. If your child participates in most any sport, a mouth guard could be a lifesaver, though mouth guards are primarily designed to protect the teeth, they can also vastly reduce the degree of force transmitted from a trauma impact point (jaw) to the central nervous system (base of the brain). Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector, according to the American Dental Association. Mouth guards worn by players with braces may even prevent injury to another player caused by contact with the braces. They also cushion blows that might cause jaw fractures.
Ask your pediatric dentist about mouth protectors for your kid. Your child dentist will recommend the type of mouth guard that will best protect his or her smile.
As children become teenagers, their attitude towards dental care may change. Their appearance and self-image are very important to them; decayed teeth or poorly positioned teeth or jaws make them very self-conscious.
According to the American Dental Hygienists Association (ADHA), teenagers face unique challenges that younger children do not. Teenagers commonly struggle with orthodontics, contact sports and diets loaded with sugar and carbohydrates. Less common issues include eating disorders, smoking and mouth piercings. They also exhibit higher rates of tooth decay as a result of these challenges. While some of these conditions are obvious, some can be hidden from the parents or guardians and can seriously compromise healthy teeth.
Pediatric dentists in West Palm Beach are taught techniques to manage the special problems of teens. Techniques to deal with behavior, to restore and guide teeth, and to teach preventive dental health care are designed with the teen in mind. When your kid’s pediatric dentist has followed your child from early youth into the teen years, he/she can subtly change the approach to the child’s own special needs in a sensitive, caring, and professional manner.
Teenagers who take care of their mouth will enjoy healthy teeth as an adult. Parents play a key role in prevention by setting good examples, discussing how teens can avoid dental problems and making sure their child gets regular dental care. Proper oral hygiene, appropriate diet and good habits will help your teen attain a lifetime of healthy smiles.
There are several types of dental fillings, but the most popular one for kids today are tooth-colored fillings. These fillings are made from durable plastics called composite resins. Similar in color and texture to natural teeth, the fillings are less noticeable and much more attractive than other types of fillings, plus they’re strong enough to restore the form and function of a chipped or decayed tooth.
Tooth-colored fillings are not for every tooth. They work best in small restorations and low-stress areas. For example, your pediatric dentist near me may not recommend a tooth-colored filling for a large cavity or for the chewing surface of a back tooth.
How to take care of a tooth-colored filling? Brush, floss and visit your kid’s dentist. Any filling will last longer with good oral hygiene. Your children’s dentist will regularly check the fillings for color change, leakage or unusual wear, and inform you of the need for repair or replacement.
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