Orthodontics and Mouthguards

As providers of orthodontic treatment, we at Dr. Dipika Shah’s Holmdel dental practice want to make sure our patients are safe playing contact sport. Everyone who plays contact sport should wear Mouth guard, including those who are going through active orthodontic treatment. 

Most sports require players to wear a mouthguard, There are several kinds of mouthguards commercially available, including ones that are pre-fitted and ones that a patient bites down on after softening in hot water. All mouthguards are not same. Commericailly avalable ones do not protect you as well as the ones which are made by dentists. 

That's why dentists recommend that patients get their mouthguards custom-fitted. But this can be a problem for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment because their teeth are quickly shifting position. It is likely now that school is beginning that a teenager’s mouthguard from the previous year will not still fit them. In these cases, it is important to have the mouthguard regularly updated so that it will fit snugly over orthodontic brackets without needing to be forced on.

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.

 

Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are a necessary piece of equipment for athletes of any age. Whether you play football, soccer, basketball, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling or even baseball, if contact is possible, you should wear a mouth guard. They can prevent your teeth and jaw from suffering structural damage and can save your tongue and lips from lacerations. Mouth guards can even decrease the risk of concussions, and Dr. Dipika Shah  can provide you with one in Holmdel, NJ to protect your jaw, cheeks, teeth, tongue and lips during sports.

While you can buy mouth guards in most sporting goods stores, you should be wary of these. They can be ill-fitting and uncomfortable and unlikely to offer you the best level of protection. If you really want to protect your mouth during sports, a custom mouth guard from the dentists offers the highest level of protection. Created specifically for you, the mouth guard is made with a thin plastic that is hardened after being custom fit to your mouth. Its thinness allows you to breathe easier, which is important when playing team sports.

While they are available in most sporting goods stores, you should be wary of buying a mouth guard there. To ensure that you perform at your best and are protected on the field, rink or court, schedule an appointment with Dr. Dipika Shah for your custom mouth guard. To schedule an appointment at Gentle Dental in Holmdel, NJ, call 732-264-8180. For more information about the dentist and his services, visit www.dentistnj.com.

Sleep Apnea in Holmdel, NJ

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects 6 to 8 percent of the population, causing those with the disorder to suffer from inhibited breathing during sleep. By causing their breath to become interrupted for 10 to 20 seconds at a time, the disorder can jolt patients out of their natural sleep rhythm multiple times a night. As a result, their energy, mental acuity and productivity can suffer. This can then lead to serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and weight gain, which makes treatment absolutely necessary. If you suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in Holmdel, NJ, Dr. Dipika Shah can provide the treatment you need to improve your sleep and overall quality of life.

If you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, you may have been recommended the CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) device by your doctor. This device provides positive pressure airflow to keep your airway from collapsing during sleep and is proven to be very effective. However, some people cannot tolerate this device. In this case, Dr. Shah recommends dental appliances work to reposition the lower jaw to maximize your airway while you sleep. By increasing airflow and preventing snoring and symptoms of sleep apnea, the appliance promotes deeper and more restful sleep. Because it doesn’t interfere with breathing through your mouth, you can still use the appliance safely with congested nasal passages.

If you believe you have sleep apnea, schedule an appointment at our office by calling 732-264-8180. For more information, please visit www.dentistnj.com.