We have good news! We have secured a temporary space with some needed equipment, and are starting to see patients there. The office is located about 8 minutes from our previous location, in the Sylvan Highlands building. We will be contacting patients to reschedule appointments that had to be canceled due to the fire. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns, or are wondering when you can be seen. Thank you all for your patience and understanding during this time.
Sincerely, Dr. Tom Pollard and Dr. Jill Pollard
Bruxism & Mouthguards
Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause moderate to severe long-term damage to teeth. Constant grinding wears down the surface of the tooth, exposing the soft dentin beneath the enamel. Some of the damage that can occur includes:
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Chipped teeth
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Tooth flattening and tooth wear
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Cracked tooth enamel
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Cracked, loose or broken fillings
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Tooth loss
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Gum recession
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Tooth collapse
Bruxing can even cause a root fracture below the gum line, requiring a root canal and crown to restore the damaged tooth.
Mouthguards
When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age. While collision and contact sports, such as boxing, are higher-risk sports for the mouth, you can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.
There Are Three Types of Mouthguards
Custom-fitted: These are made specifically for you by your dentist. They may be more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized, usually offer the best fit.
Stock: These are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. However, they often don't fit well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
Boil and bite: These mouth protectors can be bought at many sporting goods stores and drugstores, and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in water (boiled), then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth.
The best mouthguard is one that has been custom made for your mouth by your dentist. However, if you can't afford a custom-fitted mouthguard, you should still wear a stock mouthguard or a boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore. Give us a call at (503) 223-7682 to learn more about your options.
Bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause moderate to severe long-term damage to teeth. Constant grinding wears down the surface of the tooth, exposing the soft dentin beneath the enamel. Some of the damage that can occur includes: