How to Clean a Snore Guard

Dr. Dipika Shah of Holmdel is specially trained to provide patients with customized snore guards to prevent obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism. These oral appliances make it easier for patients to sleep through the night without exerting damaging force on their teeth and jaws, allowing their mouths to remain strong and healthy. ONLY YOUR DENTIST CAN GIVE YOU SNORE APPLIANCE THAT IS MADE PROPERLYKEEPING IN MIND HEALTH OF YOUR BITE AND YOUR JAW JOINT.  Oral appliances need to be cleaned every day or else they will become a home for disease and halitosis-causing bacteria.

Snore guard or night guard manufacturers often have information about cleaning products on their websites. They may recommend dissolvable tablets or cleaning solution, which can get good results. One can use q-tip dipped in white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to clean it and avoid using brush and  toothpaste. Plastic is not as resilient as enamel and doesn’t need fluoridation, but it can be scratched by minerals.

Unlike dentures, which should always be kept wet, snore guards will vary on whether they should be kept wet or dry. Regardless, the case containing them should be cleaned with antibacterial soap each day. The case should also be kept at room temperature or cooler so the oral appliance won’t melt. Snore guards may need to be refitted from time to time, but this should only be done by a professional.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Sleep Apnea and Alcohol

Holmdel dentist Dr. Dipika Shah offers custom-made oral appliances for people suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This disease can not only lead to teeth-grinding, it can also cause heart disease and oxygen deprivation to your vital organs. There are certain risk factors people can avoid to reduce their chance of developing OSA and we want to make sure our patients are aware of them.

Alcohol can cause OSA even in people who don’t normally suffer from it. OSA is the result of throat tissues or tongue not allowing air flow. People who have it commonly snore and move their jaws in their sleep in an attempt to get more air. As a muscle relaxant, alcohol makes throat obstruction likelier. It also causes people to take longer to wake up after they stop breathing, preventing their blood from getting vital oxygen and potentially contributing to sleep paralysis.

An oral appliance will prevent the patient from grinding their teeth and help them breath better. Patients can do their part by not drinking alcohol before bed. People with OSA often do not know they have it, but sleepiness d the day uring day time and grinding teeth can be major warning signs.

Dr. Dipika Shah, Master in the Academy of General Dentistry, operates at 723 N Beers St, Suite 2F, Holmdel, New Jersey, 07733-1512. To schedule an appointment, call 732-264-8180 or visit Dentist NJ and fill out a contact form.

 

Nocturnal Bruxism

Waking up with facial pain may seem like no big deal, but it’s something to think about. Teeth clenching and grinding are symptoms of a condition called bruxism. Though bruxism can occur while a person is awake, it commonly happens while the patient is asleep. Nocturnal bruxism can be a sign of a sleep disorder. If you snore or clench or grind your teeth, it’s best to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS.

Teeth clenching and grinding can lead to enamel damage, broken teeth, headaches and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Though there is no actual cause of bruxism, some consider it a person’s way of coping with stress and anxiety. If you are experiencing jaw pain, or discomfort, Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS may suggest a TMJ splint, night guard,  snore or sleep apnea appliance for you to wear during sleep. This will help prevent further damage, save your teeth, gums, jaw bone and Jaw joint. It will let you sleep better. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding nocturnal bruxism or jaw pain, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.dentistnj.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS, here in our Holmdel, NJ office, call 732-264-8180. 

Night Guards to Alleviate Bruxism Destruction

Teeth grinding, called bruxism, is a behavior that can cause pain to the jaw and damage to teeth. Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS of Holmdel, NJ is helping patients protect their teeth from bruxism by providing night guards.

Clenching and grinding wears away and loosens teeth and restorations. Bruxism can be especially bad at night when you are unaware you are doing it. The pressure from the clenching can also cause jaw pain, facial pain, and headaches. If not treated, this can eventually lead to TMJ dysfunction.

Dr. Shah creates a night guard to protect your teeth and alleviate the pain caused by grinding. The night guards are custom-fit so that each patient receives individualized treatment. Every mouth is different, so they cannot all be treated the same. The night guard is like a mouth guard and can be worn during the night or day. Night guards can last for up to ten years with good care.

If you suspect you grind your teeth at night, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Dipika Shah, DDS. To schedule in our Holmdel, NJ office, call us at (732) 264-8180 or visit our website, www.dentistnj.com.