Properly Made Mouthguards Decrease Chance of Concussions
As the weather turns bright and sunny, those of us who live in the Northwest are more than happy to start our various outdoor activities. All us here at Salmon Creek Family Dental, your Vancouver, WA dentist of choice, want to remind you about an easy way to reduce the risk of dental injury and concussions by using a properly made and fitted mouthguard. A new study from the General Dentistry Journal found that high school football players who wore store-bought mouthguards were twice as likely to have concussions or mild traumatic brain injuries (MTBI), compared to those who were wearing well-fitted, custom mouthguards. More than Twice as Likely The General Dentistry study, which was published in the May/June 2014 issue of the clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry, involved 412 student athletes from the six high school football teams. The study followed six teams, of which three were outfitted with mouthguards that had been custom-fitted and made, while the other had mouthguards that the players chose themselves from over-the-counter models regularly found in sporting good stores. The study made sure that all players wore the same style of helmet during the trial. The results were that 8.3 percent of those with standard store bought mouthguards had a concussion or MTBI, compared to a rate of 3.6 percent among those with custome-fitted and custom-made mouthguards. Thickness Also A Factor Though a mouthguard alone cannot prevent injuries of MTBI or concussion from happening, as their main purpose is to shield the teeth, this most recent report confirmed previous theories that mouthguards were indeed effective in reducing the occurrence of concussions. This is because a mouthguard is very efficient at shock absorption, head stabilization, and ends up effectively constraining any blows taken to the jaw or mouth region. The thickness of the mouthguards used in the study has also been indicated as a reason that leads to better concussion defense. Custom-made and fitted guards in the latest report averaged 3.5 mm whereas the mouthguards bought at store average 1.65 mm. Dentist-Made Guards Mouthguards that have been custom-fitted and made, usually involve the expertise of a dental health professional like Vancouver dentist Dr. Dale Nelson, and tend to also last for a much longer period of time than the kind bought in a sporting goods store. The Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Dr. Eugene Antenucci, was quoted in Science Daily as saying, “Over-the-counter mouthguards are not fitted to the athlete’s mouth, making them less comfortable than custom guards made by a dentist,” reported Dr. Antenucci. “When a mouthguard is not comfortable, the athlete is likely to chew it, reducing its thickness and resulting in less protection.” At Salmon Creek Family Dental, we fully agree with this assessment, and want to remind you that we can help fit your child or teen for a mouthguard, and recommend the proper care for these devices. You should give our office a call if your son or daughter is involved with any contact sport or does any activities that involve falling or jumping. A simple visit to the dentist may save you and your family the pain and hassle of dealing with the effects of concussions, while also making sure your family’s teeth stay healthy for many years to come.
Don’t Underestimate the Affect Stress Has on Your Oral Health
Considering the long hours many people put in at work and the continual demands placed on them by family commitments upon eventually returning home, it’s little wonder why so many people are feeling the effects of stress. While most people are familiar with feeling on edge or frequently experiencing headaches and stomachaches as a result of stress, many people don’t know that stress can also have a negative impact on their oral health, as well. Individuals who deal with high levels of stress at home and at work may develop some common oral health concerns, including: Canker or cold sores Teeth grinding or clenching Poor eating and oral hygiene habits Gum disease If you deal with stress, here are a few tips to help you deal with these oral health problems. Mouth Sores A tiny ulcer with a white base and red border, canker sores form inside the mouth individually or in groups. While the exact cause of canker sores remains unknown, health experts do believe that stress, along with allergies and fatigue, can increase a person’s risk of developing them. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious. Canker sores will heal on their own within a seven to 10 days. If you experience sensitivity and discomfort due to your canker sores, try using an over-the-counter anesthetics you can apply topically to the affected area. To reduce irritation, try to avoid eating highly acidic foods, spicy foods, or foods or drinks that are extremely hot. The cause of cold sores, occasionally referred to as fever blisters, don’t remain a mystery of science, as they are the result of herpes simplex virus, which is contagious. A fluid-filled blister, cold sores develop on and around the lips, but can also spread to the chin area and under the nose. As with canker sores, cold sores will generally heal within a 10-day period. However, in addition to over-the-counter topical remedies, you can also treat cold sores with antiviral drugs prescribed by a doctor. It’s important to begin treating a cold sore as soon as it begins to appear, so don’t delay seeking treatment. Teeth Grinding Clinically referred to a bruxism, teeth grinding is often an unconscious habit that results in excess pressure being placed on your teeth’s enamel. The extra strain causes your enamel to slowly wear down, exposing the delicate interior of your teeth, the dentin, to bacteria that causes decay and cavities. Individuals who already grind or clench their teeth may find the habit becomes worse when experiencing the effects of stress. In addition to damaging the health of your teeth, bruxism can also cause frequent headaches, jaw pain, neck stiffness, and difficulty chewing. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk with your dentist about possible treatment options that can help you deal with the condition. Your dentist may recommend that you begin wearing a mouth guard at night to protect your teeth from grinding that occurs during sleep, or suggest other treatment options Practicing Poor Oral Hygiene Individuals dealing with extreme levels of stress may find their mood affected, causing them to forego practicing daily oral hygiene habits such rinsing, flossing, and brushing. Failing to take care of your oral health will cause your teeth and gums to suffer. If you already deal with gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease, skipping brushing and flossing daily will allow the disease to progress into periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease and the leading cause of tooth loss in adults. Individuals under stress also have a tendency to eat less healthy foods. Diets high in sugar, coupled with failing to brush and floss, can cause even more damage to a person’s oral health. If you deal with stress, try to remind yourself of the important role healthy eating and practicing quality oral hygiene plays in maintaining strong teeth and gums. Contact the best emergency dentist Salmon creek has, Salmon Creek Family Dentistry.
Best Candy Options for Halloween Trick or Treating
Halloween is almost upon us, and soon all those little goblins, ghouls, and witches will be lining up at your door with hands outstretched. Most candy, especially those that are chewy and sticky, and those that take long to dissolve in the mouth like hard candies, are very bad for the teeth. They either can get stuck between teeth and coat the teeth with sugar, which harmful bacteria love to feed on, or continually bathe the teeth in acid and sugar, which is equally as damaging. For trick or treating time this All Hallows Eve, we have come up with some examples of better candy choices to give out. Here at Salmon Creek Family Dental, your Vancouver WA dental office of choice, we know that Halloween wouldn’t be the same without treats, so here’s our list of recommendations: Chocolate Since chocolate melts fairly quickly in your mouth, and because it contains calcium which can be good for teeth, it is an excellent choice to hand out. It is best as plain chocolate, without the gooey or chewy centers, which could get lodged in teeth. The smaller bars and boxes that Halloween chocolates often come as also limit the serving size of these treats, which means less in a child’s mouths at a time. Sugar-free Options Sugar-free treats, such as gum or lollipops, can actually stimulate saliva in the little mouths. Saliva is beneficial to the teeth because it can cut down on germs and help prevent tooth decay. Sugar-free gum comes in many flavors and best of all, it usually only contains less than 5 calories per stick. Even the American Dental Association recommends sugar-free gum as good choice for Halloween treats. Powder Based Treats Options like Pixy Stix or Sweet Tarts are full of sugar, that’s true, but they also do dissolve rapidly in the mouth. Sometimes these types are applied directly on the tongue. This means since they don’t stick around, their impact is less then choices like hard candies or those sticky, taffy types. Juice Boxes All natural juice in boxes is great for teeth and may help keep the little ones hydrated on their trick or treat trek. Try to find options that are 100% juice and have no sugar added, as these will be better for teeth. Often children are very thirsty from all that walking around, so some refreshing liquid might be just what they are craving. Non-Candy Treats Though no one wants to be known as the house without candy, there are some pretty cool non-candy treats that you can hand out. Think about supplying mini cans of play dough, bouncy balls, bottles of bubbles, glow sticks, vampire teeth, or temporary tattoos instead of candy this year. Other Tips Another trick for parents is to feed children before they go out trick or treating. That way they will have a full stomach and are less likely to start binging on their haul before they get home. It also best to limit the amount of candy your child consumes at once too. Coming up with plan to only partake in their sweets after a meal, and making sure that they are brushing twice a day, is also recommended. As your dentist in Vancouver, WA, we want you and your children’s teeth to be as healthy as they can. If you have any questions about teeth or oral care, please contact us today!