Sportsguard, mouthguard and athletic guards

This mighty important piece of material has several names and several purposes. If you play any sport, whether or not it is considered to be 'contact', you should be wearing a sports guard to protect yourself!

WHY?

Injury of the face, mouth, jaw, teeth, head (including concussions) and other surrounding structures are very common when being active. There are innumerable medical, financial, cognitive, psychological and social costs (including pain!) directly related to these types of injury, which CAN BE AVOIDED with your handy dandy sports guard.

WHO?

Any activity with a significant chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces requires protection. Those who participate in basketball, baseball, soccer, wrestling, squash, racquetball, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, or even recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear sport guards when practicing or competing.

Type	Description
Custom Made	The dentist takes an impression of the patient's mouth and the sports guard is fabricated from a cast model of the patient's teeth. This method provides the best fit, protection and comfort. The custom-made sports guard is most durable, can be modified for specific sports and patient-need and does not interfere with speech or breathing.
Boil and bite or mouth-formed	This type of sports guard requires heating in warm water and then the user bites into the warm plastic. Because it is not vacuum-fitted onto a model of the patient's teeth, the fit is not as precise. The heating process will also reduce the longevity of the sports guard. Discuss this option with your dentist.
Stock or ready-made	Made of rubber or polyvinyl, the ready-made sports guard is a generic fit with limited comfort, protection and durability. It is often bulky and loose-fitting and may interfere with breathing and speech.

Factors we need to assess prior to fabrication:

• Size of mouth
• Bite
• Type of sport played
• Whether or not the patient wears braces or other appliances

Each patient's very specific needs must be addressed for maximum comfort and protection.

HOW DO I GET A CUSTOM SPORTS GUARD?

You can give us a call or let us know at your next visit that you need one to protect yourself or your child.

It will include two short visits.

• The first visit is booked for half of an hour to impress or scan the teeth- we have the custom guard fabricated in the colour of your choice.
• Be aware that some sports and/or organizations only allow certain colours; for example, red, clear and black are commonly not accepted.
• The second visit is to fit in the custom guard ensuring proper fit and comfort.

CARE FOR SPORTS GUARDS

Caring for your sports guard will help it take care of your teeth longer!

• Rinse your sports guard under COLD water after each use and air dry. Occasionally clean it with mild soap and water or mouthwash.
• Store your sports guard in the case we give to you to avoid damage to it including excess heat/cold.
• Wear your sports guard properly; do not cut/alter/chew on it.
• Check your sports guard regularly and inform us of any signs of wear, tears, cracks that can weaken it. If your bite has changed or for the young ones they have new teeth, this needs to be assessed by us.

Luckily, many sports require the athlete to wear a sports guard in order to play; they should be thanked as they are saving you and/or your child's brain cells and teeth; to say a couple

Should I change my old sliver fillings?

Not always, but there are many times it is imperative - for the sake of your oral health - that these fillings are replaced. The most common reason for replacement is when the joint where the tooth and the filling meet is not sealed well. If there is an issue with the seal, bacteria and sugars can leak between the filling and tooth causing a cavity under the existing filling.

Often there is no radiographic evidence of this type of cavity because the metal filling blocks the x-ray beam. The majority of the time a gap in the seal is detected either when doing an exam, or when the adjacent tooth structure (beside the filling) starts to turn grey. If the seal is in question, I would say that over 80% of the time I will find decay (i.e. cavity) - again with no radiographic evidence. If these poorly sealed fillings are left untreated, then a cavity will spread under the filling. Remember, decay is like rust.

These old amalgams are replaced under rubber dam to help contain the mercury and they are most commonly replaced with composite (white) fillings. To learn more about composite fillings, visit our service page for details.

-Dr. Ian Gray

AJ's New Smile

"I must admit I did not realise what an incredible boost to my appearance and self-esteem a bright, white, Hollywood smile would make. Dr. Gray gave me that smile and I can’t thank him enough. His attention to the patient’s needs and to every detail of the process is incredible. He and his team walked me through every step with care, patience and expert advice. And it happened a lot faster than I expected! Let people remember you for your incredible, white smile! Dr. Gray can give you that smile – he gave me mine and I can’t stop smiling!" - AJ Jakubowska

Should You Get Braces?

There are two main reasons to consider orthodontic treatment.

1-To improve the esthetics of you smile.
2-To improve the function of your bite.
Orthodontic treatment can correct, crooked, crowded and rotated teeth. As well as overbites, underbites and TMJ/TMD (jaw issues).

Are there any other benefits to getting braces? Yes, having better aligned teeth can help prevent decay, gum disease and bone loss. You will have less plaque and food trapped between and around teeth, allowing you to easily maintain optimal oral care with regular brushing and flossing. In addition, once your teeth are better aligned in to a functional comfortable bite the risk of irregular enamel wear and TMJ (jaw) pain are dramatically decreased.

Are there other health benefits to orthodontic treatment? Yes, many patients that undergo orthodontic treatment to correct a misaligned bite experience a decrease in headache and earaches. If you are unable to adequately chew your food due to a misaligned bite you may suffer gastrointestinal issues as well.

Click here to learn more about orthodontics.

What Are Dental Implants?

A Dental Implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the bone to replace the root of a natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is attached to the implant called an "implant crown". The implant acts as an anchor to hold the crown in place.

Dental Implants may be an option for you to replace a tooth if you are in good general health, take care of your gums, and have good bone surrounding that tooth. If your bone has shrunk or if it has not developed normally, you may be able to have a bone graft to build up the bone. A bone graft is a way of adding new bone to your existing bone. Dr. Gray will discuss with you if this is necessary prior to having a dental implant.

Why Should I Choose A Dental Implant?

Dental bridges may seem like the cheaper alternative when replacing a missing tooth. However, the fact is that it may not be cheaper in the long run. When a dental bridge is placed, it involves the preparation of the two adjacent teeth as well. The health of these two adjacent or supporting teeth is extremely critical for the prognosis of the bridge. The support for the structure of the dental bridge is highly dependent on the two adjacent teeth. Dental bridges need to be kept very clean, and if not, may also be at an increased risk for decay if not taking care of properly. Dental Implants, on the other hand, do not affect any of the other healthy adjacent teeth and cleaning in between the teeth is much easier, therefore, they have the BEST prognosis.

What Is Bone Grafting?

Bone Grafting is the process of replacing or augmenting bone around the teeth. Bone grafting is performed to reverse the bone loss / destruction caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or ill fitting removable dentures. It is used to augment bone to permit implant placement so the implant has good supporting structure to anchor into. If a tooth needs to be extracted, the ideal time to do a bone graft is at the time of extraction.

Synthetic bone is usually placed at the site and the gum is then sutured back together.

The second phase consists of the periodontist placing a dental implant into the bone beneath the gum tissue. The gum tissue is then stitched back into place. The tissue heals and the implant will integrate with the bone and the gum. This phase usually takes 3 months to complete and is usually accompanied by a follow up visit.

The last phase is then to place the abutment (ie: post) and dental crown on top of the implant. This is done at Dr. Gray's office. The abutment acts like a post for the crown and is screwed into the implant. The crown can either be cemented in or screwed in, depending on the specific situation.

If you have any questions on Dental Implants, please ask your Dental Hygienist or Dr. Gray about this latex free procedure when you come in to see us.

What Can I Expect?

When you have a tooth that needs to be replaced, Dr. Gray will discuss all options with you and the risks and benefits of each. Dr. Gray will refer you to a periodontist for a consult to assess the area. They will then discuss the process further with you.

The first stage of the process involves the bone assessment. If a bone graft is required, Dr. Gray or the periodontist will complete this stage prior to placing the implant to ensure there is enough bone to support the anchoring implant. This phase usually takes 3 months to allow the bone to ossify.

Acid Reflux and Your Oral Health

Acid reflux occurs when acids from the stomach flows up into the esophagus. The acid irritates and inflames the lining of the esophagus.

People who have chronic heart burn (GERD) are at risk for serious damage to the esophagus, which can lead to developing esophageal cancer. They are also at an increased risk for tooth erosion and oral health problems.

Oral Effects from Acid Reflux

• Constant exposure of stomach acid can erode the tooth's enamel.
• Often patients are unaware of the damage that reflux-induced erosion has caused to their teeth until the destruction is at an advanced stage.
• Tooth/enamel erosion leads to increased: wear, tooth decay, chipping, sensitivity, and discolouration.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux:

• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Burping
• Hiccups
• Nausea
• Dry Cough
• Chronic sore throat
• Burning mouth

Treating Acid Reflux:

If symptoms persist over two weeks, or over-the-counter antacids do not bring lasting relief you should contact your physician.

Lifestyle changes can be made to help treat acid reflux:

• Avoid alcohol and nicotine.
• Eat smaller more frequent meals.
• Do not eat for 2 to 3 hours before bed.
• Elevate your head when lying down to relieve symptoms.
• Avoid wearing tight clothing/belts around the waist.
• Some medications can trigger heartburn/acid reflux; ask your physician if any of your medications may have this side effect.

Maintaining Good Oral Health:

• Visit a dental hygienist for regular professional cleaning and evaluation/treatment for tooth erosion.
• Brush twice a day using toothpaste for dentin sensitivity. Use a low abrasive fluoridated toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. (Toothpastes containing baking soda are low in abrasion and will aid in neutralizing acids.)
• Do not brush after being exposed to acid, whether from acid reflux or food and beverages. Because acid softens the tooth's surface, brushing will cause more enamel loss. Wait 30 minutes until the natural flow of saliva washes away and neutralizes the acids.
• After reflux episodes, rinse with water or use a sugar-free antacid and let it dissolve in the mouth.

(*Maintaining Good Oral Health Adapted from "Acid Reflux and Oral Health" - by The Ontario Dental Hygienist Association)

Greek Zoodle Salad

Ingredients

• 2 zucchini
• 1/4 English cucumber, chopped
• 10 cherry tomatoes, halved, or more to taste
• 10 pitted kalamata olives, halved, or more to taste
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 ounces crumbled reduced-fat feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

1. Cut zucchini into noodle-shaped strands using a spiralizing tool. Place "zoodles" in a large bowl and top with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, red onion, and feta cheese.
2. Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until dressing is smooth; pour over "zoodle" mixture and toss to coat. Marinate salad in refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes.

Kaycha
Dental Assistant