Pembroke Pines FL Adults and Children Benefit from Mouthguards
Grinding your teeth while sleeping is a common cause of headaches, TMJ, and damaged teeth. For many, it is a behavior we are unaware of until a dentist points it out, and suddenly all the symptoms start to make sense. Patients in Pembroke Pines, FL, are in luck. Dr. Milton Ruiz at Pines Dental Associates is an experienced dentist specially trained in diagnosing the variety of problems associated with grinding.
Regardless of whether you are a child or an adult, the solution is simple. A comfortable dental mouthguard, custom-designed to fit your mouth will eradicate the symptoms of night grinding, restoring your personal comfort, and protecting you or your child’s teeth for a lifetime.
Mouthguards come in various styles, and Dr. Ruiz can help you decide which is right for you. There are one-size-fits-all, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted mouth protectors designed to fit your mouth specifically. The custom-fit offers the comfort of your natural mouthfeel, protecting each tooth and forming seamlessly to your natural teeth. Whichever mouthguard is right for you, they will protect teeth from grinding and hold teeth in place to keep them from wandering after orthodontic correction.
Mouthguards Are not Just for Sleeping
Patients with active lifestyles will benefit from an added layer of protection as well. Common outdoor activities are a leading cause of oral trauma, resulting in damage to your teeth or the surrounding tissues. Whether you are playing soccer, boxing, or cycling, an unprotected fall or blow to your mouth will result in the need for costly treatments. However, the right mouthguard will reduce the impact of a blow or a fall and can protect your teeth for life, taking the edge off and allowing you to focus on the game.
Protect your teeth from grinding and other potential trauma by calling Pines Dental Associates today and talking to Dr. Ruiz about the variety of mouthguard options available to you. He will help you determine which is right for you or your child, and together you will come up with a plan to preserve your family’s natural teeth for as long as possible. Make an appointment today by calling (954) 715-4660.
FAQs
What is the purpose of a mouthguard?
Mouthguards are designed differently to treat different conditions, such as sleep apnea, bruxism, and temporomandibular joint disorders. Some mouthguards consist of pads that separate the upper and lower teeth. Others absorb the pressure created when people clench their jaws. All are designed to relax the jaws and be comfortable and effective.
Should I wear my mouthguard only at night?
You can wear it any time. Most people wear mouthguards at night, when jaw-clenching and grinding are worst, and take them off during the daytime. However, if you clench and grind under stress, it makes sense to wear the appliance during the day too, to prevent tooth damage. Modern mouthguards don’t impede clear speech so you can wear yours as necessary.
Can I eat with my mouthguard on?
No, don’t eat or drink anything except water while wearing your mouthguard. Brush and floss your teeth properly before replacing it to prevent food and bacteria from becoming trapped between your teeth and the appliance, increasing your risk of decay and staining the guard.
How do I clean my mouthguard?
A mouthguard should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria growth. Remove it from your mouth and rinse it in warm water to get rid of plaque and debris. Clean the appliance when you brush your teeth at night. Let it dry completely before reusing or storing it in its case, which should also be cleaned regularly. Deep clean your mouthguard once a week. Speak to Dr. Ruiz if you like to know about special mouthguard cleaning products.
When should I replace my mouthguard?
Every six months is a good time to replace them to ensure they offer full and sufficient protection.
Dr. Milton Ruiz
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A respected general dentist with over 25 years of experience, Dr. Milton Ruiz earned his dental degree from Tufts Dental School in Boston. He has completed over 500 hours of continuing education to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry and is highly skilled in various areas, including cosmetic dentistry, root canals, sleep apnea treatments, orthodontics, and restorative care. Certified in Invisalign and experienced in oral conscious sedation, he ensures a broad spectrum of patient care with a focus on comfort and modern techniques.
