Mouth Guards for Sports

Are you and your family getting involved in sports this season? Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS wants you to know that you may be overlooking an important safety precaution.  Athletes participating in any contact sport are advised to wear some kind of protection for their mouth. A mouth guard helps prevent damage to the teeth and jaw, and also helps prevent injuries to the cheeks, tongue, and lips.

Most sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but they won’t provide a custom fit.  These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, leading to child and teenage athletes in particular not wearing the protection at all.  An ill-fitting mouth guard can even interrupt normal breathing and speaking.

Have your dentist perform a custom mouth guard fitting and get a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic. Custom mouth guards can be fit over braces to protect your teeth and still fit comfortably. This is an easy precaution to take for athletes, and you can go right back to playing your best!

To learn more about mouth guards and all the services we provide, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.

How to Prevent Teeth Grinding

Most people probably grind and clench their teeth from time to time. Occasional teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, does not usually cause harm, but when teeth grinding occurs on a regular basis the teeth can be damaged and other oral health complications can arise. When this occurs, Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS can supply preventive treatment with a custom-fitted nighttime mouth guard.

Although teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety, it often occurs during sleep and is more likely caused by an abnormal bite or crooked teeth. Because grinding often occurs during sleep, most people are unaware that they grind their teeth. However, a dull, constant headache or sore jaw is a symptom of bruxism. If you suspect you may be grinding your teeth, talk to Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS. He can examine your mouth and jaw for signs of bruxism, such as jaw tenderness and abnormalities in your teeth and then fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep.

If you have questions about bruxism and night guards, please give us a call. To learn more about services provided at the practice, visit www.eniddentalcare.com for more information. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Dennis Morehart, DDS in Enid, OK, call 580-237-2213.