Tongue-Tied

Though you usually hear this as a metaphorical expression, there is an actual medical condition known as Tongue-Tied. The official name is Ankyloglossia and is a birth defect. Dr. Martin Urban of Martin Urban, DDS encourages parents to reach out if something seems amiss with their newborn. It’s very easy to spot right away. Your child will struggle to breastfeed, swallow, and eat. Contact our office in Waltham, MA, right away!

 

What exactly is Tongue-Tied? The frenulum is a small strand of tissue that connects the tip of the tongue to the floor of the mouth. For a tongue-tied baby, their frenulum is either too short or thick. It’s an issue that needs early intervention. Without the means to properly eat, your newborn can’t gain weight.

 

As mentioned, breastfeeding is highly difficult. Your child can’t suck out the milk or swallow it. This requires a functional tongue. Your baby will fail to thrive, refuse to eat, or bond with you. There are physical side effects too. You’ll notice issues with sleeping and digestion.

 

The nursing mother suffers negative effects too. It’s incredibly painful to breastfeed a tongue-tied infant. The nipples receive major damage, becoming severely chapped. They often experience bleeding too. In severe cases, the nipples are distorted or the ducts are blocked.

 

Your Waltham, MA, dentist recommends removing the abnormal tissue from the mouth. It is a quick procedure done with a surgical laser. Dr. Urban or a recommended surgeon can perform this. Resources are available online and in our office.

 

Martin Urban, DDS is located in Waltham, MA. If you notice your newborn struggling to thrive, contact us right away. Visit our website or call 508-425-9640.

Post-Extraction Care

It’s scary to get a tooth removed, but in reality, it’s a very straightforward process. Complications are exceedingly rare. This is because Dr. Martin Urban of Martin Urban, DDS provides you with quality post-operative care! Following these instructions guarantees a healthy and successful recovery. If you require extraction or want to learn more, contact our office in Waltham, MA.

 

You put your entire health and procedure in danger when you neglect your recovery care. It’s possible to develop a dry socket or infection. When a tooth is removed, a blood clot forms in its place. This stops the bleeding and starts the healing process. A dry socket happens when the blood clot dissolves or dislodges. This means that it’s knocked out-of-place. Follow your post-operative care and this small guide to prevent this.

 

Your body has numerous responses to an injury. One of the most common is swelling. This isn’t any different when it comes to teeth extraction. To minimize the pain, utilize ice packs. Apply these to your face in 20-25 minute intervals. Continue doing this for two whole days or until the swelling goes down. Your Waltham, MA, assures that this is a great way to combat pain. If your tooth was infected before removal, a warm compress is better suited.

 

Don’t fret at the amount of bleeding after. Your head holds a large amount of your body’s blood. Keep pressure on the removal site for a minimum of 30 minutes. Holding the gauze in place will do the trick. Some patients prefer using tea bags to gauze. This is because tea contains tannic acid, a natural clotting agent. It restricts the blood vessels to lighten the bleeding.

 

It’s important not to eat or drink for at least two hours after your surgery. You also need to rest to avoid popping your stitches. Be very gentle when engaging in any physical activity. When you do eat, make sure these are soft foods. A few common examples are pudding, ice cream, jello, and mashed potatoes. Avoid acidic drinks like soda, along with harder foods like popcorn or peanuts.

 

Following these guidelines is the best way to recover. If you have any questions or concerns before or after an extraction, contact Martin Urban, DDS. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, visit his website or call 508-425-9640.

Fluorosis

All patients are welcome at Martin Urban, DDS. Located in Waltham, MA, Dr. Martin Urban treats pediatric dental conditions. This includes the problem known as Fluorosis. This happens when a child is exposed to large amounts of fluoride. Though it isn’t harmful, it stains the teeth with white, thin streaks. With all health concerns, prevention is the key! Learn how you can stop Fluorosis in its tracks.

 

Children are the only ones who have fluorosis. This is due to it only affecting the developing teeth. Once they erupt from the gum line, children are no longer at risk. Fluoride naturally occurs in our water supply and is not a dangerous mineral. Your child requires a dental examination because it possibly indicates that they are ingesting too much fluoride.

 

The best way to deter fluorosis in children under the age of three is through breastfeeding. It provides all the nutritional sustenance that a child needs. As mentioned, we ingest the majority of our fluoride through drinking water. Most baby formulas require you add in water. This is what puts them at risk for fluorosis. There are other ways a small child develops this condition. Pay attention to how much toothpaste they are using. Your Waltham, MA, dentist recommends brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they start emerging. Yet children under the age of three shouldn’t use more than a grain of rice worth of toothpaste. Following these suggestions keep your child’s teeth healthy and happy!

 

Your child must start brushing twice daily once they reach three years old. Again, it’s important to monitor how much toothpaste they are using. It should never be more than a pea-sized amount each time. Double-check that they are spitting out the toothpaste and not swallowing it. This is also the reason that other dental products, like mouthwash, aren’t recommended for children under the age of six.

 

If you have any questions or are worried that your child has fluorosis, contact Martin Urban, DDS. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, visit his website or call 508-425-9640.

Senior Dental Care

At Martin Urban, DDS, we treat patients of all ages, especially senior citizens. Dr. Martin Urban of Waltham, MA, provides excellent dental care. It’s important to take good care of your teeth as you age. Older individuals are at a higher risk of oral complications, including extraction, tooth decay, and periodontal (gum) disease. Elderly patients often need more frequent visits to stay healthy. Contact our office today to set up your appointment.

 

One of the best things you can do for your mouth, especially when you’re in your golden years, is investing in an electric toothbrush. These clean your teeth while requiring minimal physical effort. This is perfect for patients who struggle with mobility. It cleans your mouth without jeopardizing your physical wellbeing.

 

We have other tips for those who struggle with physical activity. Try elongating the handle of your toothbrush. This way you can easily reach your back molars and harder areas. Look around your home for a few simple materials. Specifically, foam, rubber, or even tongue depressors. Wrap these around your toothbrush handle closer to its end. You should now have a longer toothbrush! Brushing your teeth should be much easier now.

 

If you live or take care of an older individual, your help is important too! Gently remind them to brush twice a day and floss as well. If they have problems with physical tasks, assist them. You can also offer to give them rides to their dental appointments or even schedule them for them. Your Waltham, MA, dentist knows that dental care is expensive. That’s why many communities offer public health programs for older patients. They offer discounted or even free services for senior citizens. Reach out to your local social services or public health office to learn more.

 

Martin Urban, DDS is located in Waltham, MA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, visit our website or call 508-425-9640.

Cleaning Your Tongue

It’s a common misbelief that for a healthy mouth you should focus on your gums and teeth. In reality, cleaning your tongue is just as important! At Martin Urban, DDS, Dr. Martin Urban recommends using a tongue cleaner. These are small dental appliances that brush your tongue. Use them to remove harmful bacteria and coatings from the tongue’s surface. At our office in Waltham, MA, using these appliances improves your breath and overall dental health!

 

There’s no reason to be nervous about using a tongue scraper. It’s a quick and easy process! First, begin by placing the applicator towards the back of your tongue. Don’t put it so far back that it activates your gag reflex. Then move the device forward, scraping along the way. Rinse the device off once you reach the tip. Repeat this process multiple times until the coatings are gone.

 

It’s important to note that there are many reasons your tongue is coated. There’s no need to panic. A few examples are yeast infections, smoking, dry mouth, medications, and other oral health conditions. A tongue cleaner solves any of these problems. It removes the dangerous pathogens and dead cells from your mouth. If you notice continual or frequent coatings, especially ones that don’t seem to improve, then schedule an appointment with your Waltham, MA, dentist.

 

Besides the listed health improvements, recent studies show that tongue cleanings improve your sense of taste. You’ll notice a difference in your breath and health. Fewer bacteria lowers your risk of tooth decay.

 

Remember to always use your device with caution. It can injure your tongue if used improperly. Use the appropriate amount of force when scraping.

 

At Martin Urban, DDS, your health is our top concern. If you’re interested in learning more about cleaning your tongue, talk to our team today! We’ll provide you with any information you need. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban at our office in Waltham, MA, visit our website or call 508-425-9640.

Diabetes Awareness Month

November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month. As a dental practice that specializes in implants and periodontal disease, diabetes education is especially important to us at the Massachusetts practices of Dr. Martin Urban. Diabetes is closely linked to gum inflammation, and people who have it need to understand that they are at greater risk in order to protect themselves.

People with high blood sugar are especially prone to developing inflammation. This means that their gum tissue will have a more extreme response to the acid normally produced by oral bacteria as they metabolize sugar. In people with uncontrolled blood sugar, it is also more common for gingivitis to develop into periodontal disease, which means that their gums recede and they will eventually lose jaw bone tissue. While this would be a serious problem for anybody, research also indicates that diabetes and periodontal disease exist in a vicious circle, with the toxins resulting from periodontal disease making it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar.

Regular brushing and flossing are essential for controlling the population of oral bacteria. People with diabetes should especially be on the look-out for gingivitis symptoms such as swelling and bleeding gums. Regular dental cleanings, which break up plaque and remove infected material from below the gum line, will help people with difficulty controlling their blood sugar to avoid the more advanced stage of gum disease. We can also provide prosthetic teeth to people who have already suffered from periodontitis.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Gum Abscesses

Replacing teeth is our specialty at the Massachusetts offices of Dr. Martin Urban. Although a tooth may be lost to an acute injury, many fall out or have to be removed due to progressive gum disease. We don’t want this to happen to our patients, especially if they’ve already lost some teeth and are at increased risk for recurring periodontal infections, so we wanted to discuss the dangers and treatments for a gum abscess.

An abscess is where pus from a bacterial infection gathers. Gingival abscess are those that form at the gum line, while periodontal abscesses are more advanced and form deep within the gum pocket. As they build up, more of the gum wall will pull away from the tooth root, leaving a tooth less stable. Abscesses cause pain, sensitivity, swelling, and bad breath, and they are often accompanied by a fever and difficulty opening the mouth. They are emergencies and patients should not attempt to self-medicate them.

During an examination, we will determine the extent of an infection and whether a root canal is necessary. If only the gum material is infected, we will make an incision to drain the pus and cut away infected material. If the tooth is natural we will smooth its root in a process called planing to make it harder for bacteria to recolonize. The patient will be given painkillers and a recommended regimen of antibiotics. If an abscess is caught in time, the patient may be spared loss of jaw bone tissue and be able to keep the tooth.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Tips for a Tooth-Friendly Halloween

Sweet, sticky candy is everywhere this time of year, and people are naturally having a harder time maintaining their oral health. While the rest of the holiday season isn’t as candy-oriented as Halloween, it does abound with sweets and present similar challenges. We’re particularly concerned with fighting gum disease here at the Massachusetts dental offices of Dr. Martin Urban, and we have many patients who want to preserve their prosthetic teeth. Therefore, we thought we’d provide a guide to a tooth-friendly Halloween.

Implants are strong structures. They integrate with a patient’s jaw bone structure and artificial crowns are cemented onto them. But patients with dentures and partial crowns should still exercise reasonable caution about eating sticky candy. Better options include chewy sweets, such as those made with peanut butter or chocolate. These foods still have high sugar content, but even foods with low amounts of sugar or complex sugars will fuel decay if they are allowed to linger in the mouth for too long. Patients should quickly dislodge food debris by brushing and flossing shortly after meals. They should also limit their time eating candy to meals, when they will be producing a large amount of saliva. Sugary drinks such as apple cider are also an oral health hazard, so patients should be drinking plenty of water to wash away sugary residue.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Lip Care in Cold Weather

As the weather cools and we head into the winter, many people are struggling with chapping on their lips. This isn’t just painful or inconvenient, although that would be bad enough. Lip damage can lead to dry mouth and create problems for oral health. People who have recently undergone procedures such as implant placement and are drooling more than normal can be especially impacted. So to help our patients maintain good oral health, we at Dr. Martin Urban’s Massachusetts dental practice wanted to provide guidance on lip care.

Our lips become chapped because of the low moisture content in cold air. But if we add moisture to them by licking or chewing on them, that moisture will evaporate, leaving them even more chapped. Instead, we should use balm to lock moisture in. When picking a balm, it is important to avoid spice, eucalyptus, menthol, or salicyclic acid, as these often cause inflammation and can further burn pre-existing fissures. By contrast, chemicals like titanium oxide and zinc oxide will provide protection against sun damage. Other good options include balm derived from mineral oils.

Balm has to be applied throughout the day and before a person goes to bed. Other lip care strategies include staying hydrated and using a humidifier in the bedroom, at a desk, and anywhere else we spend a lot of time. It is also tempting to take long showers this time of year, but this will likely increase chapping on the lips and the rest of the body.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Causes of Filling Failure

As specialists in dental restorations, we at the offices of Dr. Martin Urban want our patients’ new teeth to last. When properly cared for, implants, artificial crowns, and fillings can last for over ten years. But there are some newly discovered factors that put people at elevated risk for premature filling failure, which is why we want patients to know if they need to be especially attentive to their oral hygiene.

According to a new recent study, smokers and people who frequently drink alcohol are likelier to experience a filling failure after just two years. This adds to the high number of oral health problems smokers face, which include gum recession, tooth discoloration, and higher rates of oral cancer. The study also found a possible genetic influence on filling loss, suggesting that people with a family history of poor dental health are at risk even if they don’t adapt a lifestyle that is riskier for their oral health. However, filling and implant failure are still rare events when the patient engages in regular oral hygiene.

Another finding was that composite resin fillings do not have higher failure rates than amalgam fillings. This means that mercury-free, naturally colored prosthetics are viable alternatives, and that patients suffer no drawbacks from having amalgam fillings replaced with prosthetics that are healthier and more aesthetically pleasing.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Retained Baby Teeth

As a dental office that specializes in implants and periodontology, we at the practice of Dr. Martin Urban have seen some unusual conditions. Among those are patients who have retained their baby teeth past puberty. This often results in a need for replacement teeth, so we wanted people to know what options are available for their assistance.

Deciduous teeth, or baby teeth, usually fall out when the incoming adult tooth causes the baby tooth’s root to dissolve. This may not happen if the adult tooth never developed or if it is coming in at an unusual angle. Usually, if a patient has both the adult and deciduous versions of the same teeth, it is the lower central incisors or upper canines that are affected. The upper lateral incisors are the teeth that are likeliest to be missing. Either way, a patient’s teeth are will be jumbled, and they may also be overcrowded or misaligned enough to cause bite problems.

Usually, extracting retained baby teeth is a simple process. Once they are out, a patient may be referred for orthodontic therapy to correct their adult teeth’s alignment. If they need prosthetic adult teeth, the orthodontist will make space for them, and we can place implants in the newly opened gaps.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

Asthma and Oral Health

If you suffer from asthma, you may be at heightened risk for developing gum disease. We at the dental offices of Dr. Martin Urban have helped a lot of people to manage dry mouth and resulting symptoms such as tooth decay, gum recession, and bad breath. To assist asthma patients with their preventive care, we wanted to explain why it is so important for them to take steps to prevent dry mouth-related damage.

People who have difficulty breathing through their noses often resort to breathing through their mouths, particularly when asleep. This is a problem for oral health because saliva does more than wash away sugary food debris. It also neutralizes acid that is produced by bacteria, regurgitated from the stomach, or in drinks such as soda and citrus juices. Furthermore, saliva contains enzymes that kill disease-causing bacteria and fungus.

Mouth-breathing is not the only reason people with asthma may experience higher levels of dry mouth. A reduction in saliva flow is also a common medication side effect. Patients should not stop using medication without a doctor’s recommendation, but they should ask about alternatives. They may stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum or using a prescription-strength throat moisturizer. Patients should also be aware that inhaler medication may contain sugars that will fuel bacteria growth, so they should brush their teeth after using it.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Missing Incisors

Implants are one of our specialties at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. Although they are often marketed as replacement teeth, they also work for people whose teeth never came in at all.  This condition is rare, but we still wanted to discuss what kinds of treatments are available.

It is relatively common for the wisdom teeth and upper canines to have trouble erupting, but in about 2% of adults, the upper lateral incisors never come in. (Lateral incisors are the flat teeth on either side of the central ones.) When they are unable to erupt, we can cut away the gum tissue covering them, allowing an orthodontist to attach brackets to them and guide them down with wires. But if the teeth simply never developed, the orthodontist would have to make room for them by opening gaps between the existing teeth.

The circumstances of a patient’s condition will determine whether implants or a partial denture should be used to provide them with incisors. Implants require a bit of jaw bone tissue to work with, but they won’t have to be adjusted as the patient ages. Many people also find them easier to clean. If a patient does get a partial denture, they may still benefit from miniature implants to snap it onto, ensuring that it will remain in place and their jaw tissue will have additional support.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Causes of Bad Breath

Bad breath, or halitosis, isn’t just embarrassing. If it chronically recurs, it could be a sign of poor health. We’re very concerned with any sign of oral health problems at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban, and we want our patients to understand why halitosis is something they should take seriously.

Poor hygiene is the most common reasons for halitosis. Bacteria can hide between the teeth, behind the back molars, and in the papillae of the tongue. Proper hygiene requires thorough flossing, brushing for two minutes twice a day, and use of a tongue scraper. People are particularly vulnerable to bacteria build-up on their tongue when nasal discharge is dripping onto it. If they have dry mouth, they are deprived of the antimicrobial enzymes saliva contains and will have a harder time ridding their mouths of food debris.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of medications, including ones for mood disorders and ADHD and those which are given as part of cancer treatment. While patients should not change their medications on their own, they should ask their doctor about alternatives if dry mouth is contributing to caries or gum recession People should also pay especially close attention to their breath if they have diabetes, since diabetes-induced hardening of blood vessels harms gum health. It is also possible for bad breath to be caused by acid reflux, which would eventually erode enamel. Patients can somewhat mitigate all of these by drinking more water and getting fluoride topical treatments.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Alzheimer's and Gum Disease

As periodontal specialists, we at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban recognize how important healthy gums are for the entire body. Recent research has established connections between gum disease and diabetes, cirrhosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Now, evidence is building that gum disease contributes to yet another common disease with life-threatening implications. We want our patients to know that good dental health could protect them from Alzheimer’s.

One of the species of oral bacteria that causes gum recession is Porphyromonas gingivalis. These bacteria protect themselves from white blood cells by producing toxic enzymes called gingipains. In one recent study, scientists found that people who displayed symptoms of Alzheimer’s had elevated levels of gingipains in their brains and neural fluid, with higher levels being found among people with worse symptoms. Gingipains are known from animal testing to be able to trigger the formation of neural plaque.

Another recent study found direct evidence of P. gingivalis moving from the gums to the brain in people who were still alive. Although doctors caution that this does not mean gum disease is the only contributor to Alzheimer’s, it does now appear to be a significant one. Previously, scientists had believed that Alzheimer’s was causing people to have bad oral hygiene, but the two now appear to function as a vicious circle. People who take good care of their teeth and gums may be able to avoid the cycle.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Types of Teeth

Implants and periodontal therapy are our specialties at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. But to understand the full range of their treatment options, patients must first understand the basic function of their teeth. Adults normally grow thirty-two in total, and each type can have different issues.

The four teeth in the front of the mouth are called incisors. Their flat shape makes them useful for forming speech and they are the focus of most cosmetic care. In a small number of people, the upper lateral incisors may be missing, or the baby versions of the bottom central incisors may fail to fall out as their adult replacements come in. Framing the incisors are the cuspids, or canine teeth, which are sharp and used for piercing. They occupy the part of the jaw arch with the greatest change in rate of curvature and help to maintain facial stability.

The molars and premolars have multiple cusps and are used for grinding food. The premolars only have a single tooth root, but the lower molars have two and the upper ones have three. Wisdom teeth, the molars furthest in back, are often removed in teenagers because of their difficulty erupting and are generally not replaced. Molars are anchored by strong ligaments and are the only teeth capable of withstanding the pressure of chewing. But even they can crack if subjected to grinding during the patient’s sleep.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

Denture Stomatitis

We’ve placed a lot of prosthetic teeth at the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban. Many of them were dentures, which may have been attached to implants or allowed to rest on the gum ridges. In either case, we always encourage our patients to maintain their oral hygiene, because if they don’t, they will be at risk of developing denture stomatitis.

Candida species of yeast are always in the mouth, but they are not usually able to cause harm. Saliva contains enzymes that combat them, and people are usually able to keep their teeth clear of debris. But when someone has an upper denture adhered to the roof of their mouth, saliva may not be able to reach the top of the denture. This would allow a yeast infection to develop, creating the red sores we call stomatitis.

A patient isn’t always able to feel when sores have developed, so they need to do frequent examinations of their mouth. An infection is likelier to occur when the dentures are the wrong size, which can also lead to saliva pooling at the corners of the mouth and causing chapping. People with diabetes or who use inhalers are also at increased risk for stomatitis. Patients with dentures should remember to brush the inside of their mouth before putting their dentures in each morning and to make sure that they’re clearing debris away from implant abutments. They should also stay hydrated and might want to consider mouthwash.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

White Spot Lesions

Have you ever noticed odd, chalky white spots on your teeth? Those are signs that enamel is under attack from acid, and if the white spot persists, it means the tooth is in danger of developing a cavity. Dr. Martin Urban’s dental office specializes in restorations and treating gum disease, but we also value prevention and want our patients to recognize early symptoms of tooth decay.

Before enamel is lost entirely, it will weaken and lose some of its comprising minerals. This is when it will appear chalky white. The acid causing the demineralization could be a result of acid reflux disease, but in these cases the chalky discoloration will form a distinctive pattern on the upper back molars. More often, the acid is coming from infectious bacteria, which secrete it as a by-product of metabolizing sugar. The longer sugar remains on the teeth, the more of it bacteria will be able to consume and the more acid they will produce.

A white spot can turn into a cavity in the span of a month. Patients should take them as a sign they need to do more brushing, although not so hard that they damage their gum tissue. They may want to try extra-fluoridated toothpaste and improving their technique. We can help a patient to determine whether a white spot is being caused by an active infection. We also do deep cleanings to remove plaque from the gum pockets, where patients are unable to see it.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Repairing Cracked Teeth

A cracked tooth is an emergency that demands immediate treatment. At the dental office of Dr. Martin Urban, one of our specialties is removing and replacing teeth with durable, attractive prosthetics. Different kinds of implants, crowns, and smaller prosthetics exist for a wide variety of situations relating to the extent of the injury and the patient’s overall condition.

Small cracks are known to dentists as “craze lines” and are considered a cosmetic issue. They, as well as chipping, may be covered with bonding. Like the fillings for cavities, these prosthetics are shaped as they are applied. Larger restorations, such as a crown or partial crown, will have to be shaped based on a physical or digital impression of the patient’s teeth. If a crack went into the pulp, a patient might be referred for a root canal prior to having their crown replaced in order to protect them from infection.

Cracked crowns can be replaced, but if a crack went into the tooth’s root, the entire tooth will have to be removed. Options for replacing it include implants, removable dentures, and fixed bridges in cases when more than one tooth is damaged. Implants that have become unstable also need to be replaced. To avoid cracking their teeth, patients are advised to wear mouthguards during sports and night guards if they clench their jaws in their sleep. They should also avoid using their front teeth for chewing or as tools.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.

 

Mouthguard Usage

Mouthguards are essential for good dental health. At the office of Dr. Martin Urban, we specialize in restorations and often assist people who chipped or lost teeth in sports-related accidents. It’s a shame whenever restored teeth are further damaged by preventable emergencies, so we want our patients to understand the basics of their mouthguard options and how to maintain these crucial oral appliances.

Athletic stores sell one-size-fits-all mouthguards that offer basic protection. People are better off using these than nothing at all, but some people find that their bulkiness obstructs their breathing. Better-fitted mouthguards avoid this problem. Although there are options for having a mouthguard custom-fitted, people whose teeth are still shifting rapidly, such as teenagers and people undergoing orthodontic therapy, might prefer a boil-and-bite model. These models can be adjusted each month at orthodontic examinations and may be shaped to slide over braces.

Formal athletic associations require athletes to wear mouthguards as appropriate, with people who wear braces sometimes being required to wear both upper and lower mouthguards. Dentists also recommend that people wear mouthguards whenever they go jogging, cycling, or skating. Mouthguards and their containers should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and patted dry after each use. Like dentures, they need to be kept out of extreme temperatures to avoid cracking or warping.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.