Preventative Dentistry West Jordan

A sealant is a preventive dental treatment that our dentist may recommend to protect patients’ teeth from decay.

A dental sealant is made of a clear or tooth-colored resin material, which is painted onto the chewing surface of teeth. By blocking out the bacteria and food debris that lead to tooth decay, the sealant prevents decay and cavities. The dental sealant forms a smooth coating over the natural pits and grooves of the tooth surface, which also makes it easier to effectively clean teeth with normal brushing. Dental sealants are most often recommended for children. They are frequently recommended for the permanent molars as soon as they come in, usually between the ages of 6 and 12 years. We may also recommend dental sealants for adult patients whose teeth are prone to decay or have not been restored or suffered from decay in the past. We can apply dental sealants in just one short, comfortable visit to our practice.

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally found in water and many foods. While you receive a certain amount of fluoride from your diet and from using toothpaste with fluoride, we may recommend fluoride treatment to further strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. 

Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and protect them from tooth decay. As you eat and drink throughout the day, bacteria, sugars and acids constantly attack and demineralize the enamel of your teeth. Fluoride works to re-mineralize tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay and cavities. In addition, fluoride can strengthen teeth as they develop to make sure they are strong and healthy. This makes fluoride very important for children as their teeth grow in.

A night guard is a special type of mouth guard that is used to treat bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching. If our dentist or team suspect that you suffer from bruxism, we may recommend a night guard to protect your teeth from damage and prevent teeth grinding while you sleep. Many people who suffer from bruxism are unaware of the condition because it occurs while they sleep. 

Common signs of nighttime teeth clenching and grinding include:

•  Chronic jaw pain, facial pain and ear pain
• Awakening with a tired or tight feeling in the jaw
• Frequent tension headaches and migraines
• Excessive tooth wear, leading to chipped, flattened, cracked or very worn teeth
• Extremely worn tooth enamel, exposing the inner layers of the tooth
• Indentations on the side of the tongue
• Increased tooth sensitivity

If you notice the signs of bruxism, you may benefit from a custom night guard. This night guard will be made to fit your smile comfortably and effectively, allowing you to sleep peacefully while protecting your teeth. We invite you to contact us today to learn more about night guards and how we can prevent the negative effects of teeth grinding. We are dedicated to providing the best possible care for your smile.

Our dentist and team are dedicated to keeping your smile healthy and free from discomfort. To help us do this, we provide several types of mouth guards at our office. For our athletic patients, we often recommend a type of mouth guard called an athletic mouth guard or sports guard. Sports guards fit over your teeth while you play sports and participate in other athletic activities to protect your smile from injury. Sports guards are especially important for our patients who play high-contact sports such as wrestling, football, hockey and rugby; however, all types of athletes can benefit from an athletic mouth guard. Whether you play soccer, basketball or baseball, a sports guard can be a great way to protect your smile and keep it safe.

While a number of types of athletic mouth guards are available, a custom-made mouth guard is the most effective in protecting your smile. This type of mouth guard is designed to comfortably fit your smile and prevent dental injury, such as knocked out and chipped teeth. A sports guard can also help to prevent injury to the soft tissues of the mouth, including the tongue, lips, cheeks and gums.