Les R. Rager Dental

ARE YOU GRINDING YOUR TEETH? Statistics, using hospital based sleep studies, have shown that a very large percentage of the adult population and to a lesser extent children, grind their teeth when not chewing food. This grinding is called Bruxism and can lead to dental disease in the form of tooth destruction, broken teeth, loose crowns, and lost fillings. Bruxism can also cause teeth to be sensitive to hot or cold and chewing.... What causes this involuntary grinding? Originally grinding was thought to occur only during sleep as a nervous release of mental stress. Now we know that grinding also occurs during the daytime hours, particularly at times of intense focus. Think about that test you were taking or the project you were worrying about that required a lot of your attention. Did you clench your teeth? There is no actual cure for this nervous release. The object of any treatment is an attempt to prevent the constant destruction to the teeth caused by constantly rubbing them together. A well fitting niteguard is currently the treatment of choice to help protect the teeth. This is a plastic tray-like appliance that is worn on the upper teeth during the sleep hours, (not during the day). Fabrication of this appliance does not take a long time and if fitted properly, should last a number of years. If you are interested in this treatment please let us know and we will schedule an appointment at your convenience.

Little Miss Thing loves seeing Dr. Rager and especially his sweet dog!