Aug 2006
Protecting Those Back To School Smiles
24/Aug/2006 03:11 PM
Just a
reminder for students and parents that part of any
back to school supply list should be a mouthguard for
any child playing contact sports such as football,
basketball, wrestling, soccer or any sport that poses
a risk of injury to a child's smile.
A mouthguard is as essential as a helmet or padding for school sports. Bruises and bones can heal, but teeth cannot be replaced without a lot of cost and pain to the patient and the parents. Mouthguards are also helpful in preventing concussion as they absorb about 50% of the force from jaw related impacts, thus reducing the amount of trauma to the brain.
There are three types of mouth guards: the regular store bought mouth guard, the boil and bite mouthguard, and custom made mouthguards fitted by your dentist. A custom fitted mouthguard will provide the most comfortable fit and a dentist can make any alterations if needed. A mouthguard fitted by your dentist can also be customized to the demands of the sport or athlete.
To ensure the mouthguard continues to do its job it is recommended the child bring it to any dental checkups to make sure it is still fitting properly and is in good condition. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist about a mouthguard for the following sports: Acrobatics, Basketball, Boxing, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Racquetball, Rugby, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling.
A mouthguard is as essential as a helmet or padding for school sports. Bruises and bones can heal, but teeth cannot be replaced without a lot of cost and pain to the patient and the parents. Mouthguards are also helpful in preventing concussion as they absorb about 50% of the force from jaw related impacts, thus reducing the amount of trauma to the brain.
There are three types of mouth guards: the regular store bought mouth guard, the boil and bite mouthguard, and custom made mouthguards fitted by your dentist. A custom fitted mouthguard will provide the most comfortable fit and a dentist can make any alterations if needed. A mouthguard fitted by your dentist can also be customized to the demands of the sport or athlete.
To ensure the mouthguard continues to do its job it is recommended the child bring it to any dental checkups to make sure it is still fitting properly and is in good condition. The American Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist about a mouthguard for the following sports: Acrobatics, Basketball, Boxing, Field Hockey, Football, Gymnastics, Martial Arts, Racquetball, Rugby, Softball, Volleyball and Wrestling.
|
How Do I Know If I Have Gum Disease?
13/Aug/2006 09:10 AM
How do
you know if you have gum disease?
80 % of the people in United States have some form of periodontal disease, and most of them don’t even know that they have it. Gum disease is usually painless in the early stages, often called gingivitis. It is a very slow, progressive disease that begins with plaque attaching to the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria produces toxins that cause inflammation of the gums, and over time cause destruction of the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly can help to keep the plaque under control, but regular dental cleanings are needed to remove the calcified plaque, called tarter, from underneath the gums.
Besides poor oral hygiene, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to Periodontal disease including: Smoking or chewing tobacco, medications that cause decreased saliva, pregnancy, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and genetics.
Signs of gum disease can include: Red, puffy gums, gums that bleed, persistent bad breath, increased spaces between teeth, loose teeth, receding gums, and tender or discomfort in the gums when brushing.
By seeing your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis, early detection of gum disease can result in arresting its development into potential loss of teeth.
For more information or to answer your questions, contact me at The Beverly Hills Smile Doctor
80 % of the people in United States have some form of periodontal disease, and most of them don’t even know that they have it. Gum disease is usually painless in the early stages, often called gingivitis. It is a very slow, progressive disease that begins with plaque attaching to the teeth. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, food and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums. The bacteria produces toxins that cause inflammation of the gums, and over time cause destruction of the bone. Brushing and flossing regularly can help to keep the plaque under control, but regular dental cleanings are needed to remove the calcified plaque, called tarter, from underneath the gums.
Besides poor oral hygiene, there are a number of other factors that can contribute to Periodontal disease including: Smoking or chewing tobacco, medications that cause decreased saliva, pregnancy, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, and genetics.
Signs of gum disease can include: Red, puffy gums, gums that bleed, persistent bad breath, increased spaces between teeth, loose teeth, receding gums, and tender or discomfort in the gums when brushing.
By seeing your dentist and dental hygienist on a regular basis, early detection of gum disease can result in arresting its development into potential loss of teeth.
For more information or to answer your questions, contact me at The Beverly Hills Smile Doctor