Pediatric Dentistry by Family Dentists at Reedley Family Dental Office

Custom Mouth Guards in Reedley, CA

Grinding your teeth can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause tooth sensitivity and jaw pain. Studies have shown that grinding can be associated with sleep apnea – a serious medical condition. The noise from teeth grinding and snoring can also disturb your spouse’s sleep if loud enough. Always consult with a dental professional if there are any questions or concerns.

If you clench or grind your teeth you should consider a night guard. This device, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom fitted for comfort and to allow proper breathing. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years.

There are also some things that you can do to try to consciously stop teeth grinding. Awareness of the problem can help to identify the times and situations that cause you to grind. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. Studies show that you should also avoid drinks with caffeine, as these can increase the likelihood of you grinding your teeth. If you suspect you might be grinding your teeth at night, set up an appointment with us today.

If you are looking for custom mouth guards in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental offers mouth guard options designed for different dental protection needs. A properly fitted sports mouth guard can help protect the teeth and mouth during athletic activities, while a custom night guard may be recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth while sleeping.

Children and adults who participate in contact or high-impact sports may benefit from discussing a custom sports mouth guard with their dentist. For patients experiencing nighttime teeth grinding, our night guards page provides more information about protecting teeth from the effects of clenching and grinding.

Regular dental hygiene appointments are also important for monitoring tooth wear, enamel changes, and overall oral health. If grinding or an injury has damaged a tooth, dental crowns may be one restorative option depending on the condition of the tooth.

During an evaluation, your dentist can examine your teeth, bite, and oral health and help determine which type of mouth guard may be appropriate for your individual needs.

Many people are afflicted with bruxism, or teeth grinding. Some people may do this consciously during the day, but it is a larger problem at night while you are asleep.

Mouth Guards for Sports

A mouth guard should be a top priority in your child’s list of sport equipment. A vacuum-formed custom-fitted mouth guard from our office is your child’s most comfortable and best protection against sports-related injuries.

We’d be happy to prepare a custom sports guard to protect your child.

Dental Sealants in Reedley, CA

Dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating painted on the chewing surfaces of teeth — usually the back teeth (the premolars and molars) — to prevent tooth decay. The sealant quickly bonds into the depressions and grooves of the teeth, forming a protective shield over the enamel of each tooth.

Although thorough brushing and flossing can remove food particles and plaque from smooth surfaces of teeth, they cannot always get into all the nooks and crannies of the back teeth to remove the food and plaque. Sealants protect these vulnerable areas from tooth decay by “sealing out” plaque and food.

Who Should Get Sealants?

Because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the premolars and molars, children and teenagers are candidates for sealants. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

Typically, children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth come in. In this way, the sealants can protect the teeth through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14.

If you are looking for dental sealants in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental can evaluate your teeth and determine whether sealants may be appropriate for preventing decay in the deep grooves of your back teeth. Sealants are particularly useful for protecting areas that can be difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing and flossing.

Sealants are one part of a comprehensive preventive dental care routine. Regular dental hygiene and cleanings can help remove plaque and tartar while allowing your dental team to monitor your teeth and gums for signs of developing problems. Children and teenagers may also benefit from other preventive dental care based on their individual oral health needs.

If tooth decay has already developed, a composite filling may be considered to restore the affected tooth. Your dentist can examine your teeth and recommend the appropriate preventive or restorative treatment based on your individual needs.

Regular dental visits can help identify areas that may benefit from sealants and support healthy teeth as children grow.