How to Clean a Night Guard

Night time teeth grinding can seriously damage a person’s enamel and cause them a lot of jaw pain. We at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs are pleased to see patients with bruxism using night guards to protect themselves, but night guards need to be cleaned properly. Otherwise, they could become a source of halitosis and covered in bacterial build-up.

In the morning, a wearer should brush the night guard after removing it. As with anything dental-related, only a soft-bristled toothbrush should be used. Although soaking a night guard in soap and water or a cleaning solution will eliminate some bacteria, most manufacturers still recommend daily brushings. But fluoridated toothpaste is unnecessary and should be avoided; the minerals in it could scratch the night guard’s plastic, giving bacteria a hiding place.

While dentures should be kept wet at all times, night guards need to be patted dry and put in a clean, ventilated case. (Washing the case every day is also a good idea.) The case should not be left anywhere hot enough to put the night guard at risk for warping, and the wearer should not attempt to adjust it themselves. It is expected that the wearer’s teeth will migrate slightly, but a night guard can usually be refitted professionally.

Drs. Navid and Faranak Rahimpour operate Southern Cross Dental at 1855 S Nevada Ave, Colorado Springs, Colorado, 80905-2516. To schedule an appointment, call 719-471-1717 or visit Southern Cross Family Dentistry and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity can happen to anyone, whether it occurs in one tooth or more. Tooth sensitivity is a common dental problem that involves pain and discomfort in the teeth. Do you wince while eating an ice cream cone or cringe while drinking hot coffee? If so, our doctors at Southern Cross Dental can perform an oral exam, and get to the root of what’s causing your sensitive teeth.

Poor oral care habits are usually the cause of tooth sensitivity but sensitive teeth can also be the result of bruxism, a condition in which the patient grinds his or her teeth. Tooth sensitivity can also arise from periodontal disease. When gums are inflamed, they can cause enamel on the teeth as well as the dentin below to become hypersensitive. Treatment for sensitive teeth may include improving oral care habits, fluoride application, or dental fillings.

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth sensitivity, please give us a call. To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.scdsmile.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Bruxism Basics

Do you ever wake up from a night’s sleep with sore teeth and jaws? You could be grinding your teeth. The medical term for occasional teeth grinding is called bruxism and although this condition does not usually cause harm, when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. At Southern Cross Dental, we can develop an individualized treatment plan to help alleviate this condition.

Stress, anxiety, smoking, heavy alcohol, caffeine, depression and sleep disorders are all possible causes of teeth grinding. Treatment for teeth grinding depends on the cause. In some cases, chronic teeth grinding can result in fracturing, loosening or loss of teeth. Patients may benefit from a mouth guard to stabilize the jaw and prevent tooth damage that is caused by grinding.

To learn about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.southerncrossfamilydentistry.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at Southern Cross Dental in Colorado Springs, CO, call 719-471-1717.

Night Guards

If you or your sleep partner is suffering from teeth grinding, you know how it can interfere with getting a good night’s rest. At Southern Cross Dental, we offer solutions for teeth grinding using custom-made mouth guards.

 

Teeth grinding involves clenching the jaw and gnashing the teeth unconsciously during sleep. The exact cause of teeth grinding is not known, but it is very common and occurs in both children and adults. It some instances, grinding the teeth can lead to damaged teeth, jaw pain and headaches. We offer custom fit night guards in order to treat teeth grinding. The night guard acts as a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, which prevents grinding and gnashing of your teeth.

 

The process of making a night guard is easy. We start by taking an impression of your teeth, and the guard is then made in a dental lab. Since your night guard is made specifically for you, it fits comfortably and allows you to breathe normally. In addition to night guards, we offer a variety of services including periodontal treatment, bonding, extractions and other services.