Preventative Dentistry

Dental Sealant Procedure For Children

Pit and fissure sealants are plastic materials applied on the biting surfaces of newly erupted teeth in children – usually the back molars and premolars—to prevent future decay. Those biting surfaces are typically rough and uneven with small pits and grooves which toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Germs in the mouth change the sugar in food to acid which can start a cavity. Sealants keep out the germs and food away from these areas thus preventing cavities.

Children should get sealants on their permanent molars as soon as the teeth come in – before decay has a chance to attack the teeth. Sealants also protect worn and sensitive surfaces on adult teeth since adults can still get decay. However, if the smallest signs of decay are detectable, sealants cannot be placed as a regular dental filling procedure has to be performed. 

Sport Mouth Guards

Research studies indicate that one in four people will suffer a mouth injury during their lifetime. Clinically, the number of mouth injuries due to sports is very high. The best way to prevent these injuries from occurring is to be wearing a dental sportguards whether you play hockey, lacrosse, cycle, run, boxing or weight lifting. A custom sports guard will fit comfortably and protect your teeth and surrounding tissue during activity. We recommend them to all our young students, professional and amateur athletes.

Bruxism/Teeth Grinding Treatment

Teeth grinding is clinically referred to as “bruxism”. This includes conscious or unconscious daytime clenching or nighttime grinding. Bruxism subjects our teeth to enormous pressure and causes enamel wear leading to exposed dentin and eventually teeth breakage. Bruxism also puts great strain on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and can cause aching jaw and facial muscles and morning headaches.

If you wake up with sore achy jaws, experience headaches in the morning and your teeth and gums becoming worn and more sensitive with no explanation. It is possible that you are grinding at night. According to a recent study, 5-20% of North Americans suffer from teeth grinding, yet only 80% are aware of the condition. 

During your routine dental exam, your dentist will notice if you grind your teeth though clinical examination. Evidence include wear facets, flat surfaces, craze lines and cracks and abfractions (localized loss of enamel near the gums).  The dentist may suggest dental nightguards for protection, which is often covered by dental insurance, restoration of the worn dentition and/or Botox injections in extreme cases if the grinding is causing a muscular dysfunction.

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