Are you struggling to wear your night guard? You’re not alone. If you have a night guard, then there is a reason you have it. Sounds simple enough! Right? Knowing that you need a night guard is one thing, getting used to using it is another.

Perhaps seeing the benefits once again will help:

• Night guards protect teeth from grinding and clenching
• Alleviate jaw pain
• Prevent tooth damage
• Improve sleep quality
• Avoid costly dental treatment in the future
• Custom-fitted to your mouth and bite

If you are still not convinced, ask your dentist for images of teeth grinding and clenching. Seeing examples of damaged teeth or hearing another explanation of the potential for TMJ disorders can be a powerful motivator to wear your night guard.

Maybe you are having difficulty adjusting to the sensation in your mouth or may find it inconvenient to wear while traveling. Your dentist can offer solutions to help overcome these obstacles and keep you on track.

Call your dentist for a follow-up appointment if you have any concerns that are keeping you from wearing your night guard regularly. While it may take a short adjustment period, the long-term benefits far outweigh any initial discomfort. It takes a commitment on your part.

You take your car for an annual maintenance check then you also want to schedule an oral health check with your dentist as well.

Preventative maintenance for teeth includes regular brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and cleanings, and a healthy diet.

Brushing and flossing should be done at least twice a day to remove plaque and prevent tooth decay. Brush and floss after breakfast in the morning and again before you go to bed at night. Use an extra-soft toothbrush or e-brush.

Regular dental check-ups/dental examinations and cleanings help to identify and treat any issues before they become serious.

A healthy diet, low in sugar and high in calcium, can also help to keep teeth strong and healthy. Additionally, avoiding habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help to maintain oral health. The excessive use of alcohol inhibits the absorption of nutrients such as thiamin (vitamin B1), vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc.

Just like your car needs a regular oil change and air in the tires, your teeth need a defensive tactic in the form of regular check-ups, daily brushing and flossing and a healthy way of living.

Schedule your preventative maintenance today with a dental check-up/dental examination.

Eating is one of the most fundamental activities we as humans engage in every day. We depend on our teeth to help us break down food so that we can extract the nutrients we need to stay healthy and to help us in the digestion of the food. They serve not least of all, to be a supporting structure for our faces. A question though!  Have you ever stopped to consider the different types of teeth we have and the roles they play in the process of digesting your food?

Humans have four different types of teeth: incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth serves a unique function in helping us cut, tear, and grind our food.

Incisors

Incisors are the four front teeth in our mouths and are the first to come into contact with our food. They are thin, sharp, and designed for cutting and slicing food. Incisors are especially helpful for biting into apples, carrots, and other crunchy fruits and vegetables. They are also essential for ripping and tearing meat and other tough foods.

Canines

Canines are the long, pointy teeth located next to our incisors, of which we have one on either side. They are the sharpest teeth in our mouths and are designed for ripping and tearing meat. The canine teeth are especially helpful for hunting and eating raw meat, which was a common part of our ancestors’ diets.

Premolars

Premolars are the teeth located between the canines and molars. They are larger and broader than the front teeth and have a flatter surface with ridges. Premolars are designed for crushing and grinding food. They are especially helpful for breaking down tough foods like nuts, seeds, and fibrous vegetables. There are two premolars one either side of the mouth.

Molars

Molars are the largest teeth in our mouths and are located at the back of our jaws. They have a broad surface with several ridges, which are designed for crushing and grinding food. Molars are especially helpful for breaking down tough meats, roots, and other hard-to-chew foods. There are three molars on either side of the mouth, but that also includes the wisdom teeth.

Humans have four different types of teeth, each serving a specific function in the food-digestion process. Understanding the roles of each type of tooth can help us appreciate the complexity of the human body and how it is designed to process the foods we eat.

Because teeth play such a vital role in the digestion of food and supporting our facial structure, it is important that they are well maintained. That means periodic trips to your dentist for a dental check-up/dental examination and a teeth cleaning. It also means brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing. Schedule a dental appointment today!

Be prepared: Know the outcome you are looking for and find out what is possible for the treatment you desire. Bring a panoramic x-ray /OPG if you have one. Write your questions down and bring them on the day of your appointment. Most of us think we will remember all we want to ask and after we have left the appointment, we suddenly remember something we forgot to ask.

Ask questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the dentist questions about their qualifications, experience, and if you have any special needs, that is the time to address them.

Observe: Look and listen to see how the staff interact, this can help you recognise the level of professionalism and comfort they provide.

Be honest: Provide accurate information about your dental health, including any allergies you have, medications you take and any past treatments you have had. Bring a list of medication and their uses if need be.

Note office hours & location: Make sure the clinic is open during hours that work for you and that it is conveniently located for you.

Make your dental appointments a regular occurrence. Schedule a dental check-up / dental examination today.

Dental check-ups are essential for maintaining good oral health, preventing any dental problems you may have and helping to prevent future problems.

During a check-up, a dentist or dental hygienist will check for any signs of decay, cavities, or gum disease. They will also check the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to see how it functions and if you grind or clench your teeth or suffer from bruxism. They may also take x-rays to check for problems not evident during a visual examination. If any issues are found, the dentist can provide treatment or make recommendations to prevent further damage.

Regular check-ups can also detect oral cancer at an early stage, which increases the chances of a successful outcome.

Additionally, check-ups allow dentists to monitor overall health, as oral health is linked to general health and well-being. It is important to schedule a dental check-up / dental examination at least once a year.