Dr. Kneib, why should I wear a mouthguard?
While mouthguards are not mandatory equipment in all sports, their worth is indisputable. Mouthguards cushion blows to the face and neck. A mouthguard should be part of every athlete's gear, no matter the sport. Even adults or weekend athletes need to protect their smile and preserve their health.
Do: At Kneib Dentistry, we feel that you should wear a mouthguard at all times when playing sports. Wear a mouthguard custom-fitted by a dentist, especially if you wear bridges or braces.
Don't: Wear removable products, like retainers, when playing sports.
There are two types of mouthguards:
- Custom-made: Designed by a dentist and made on a cast of your teeth, they cause very little interference with speaking or breathing. They provide the best protection and fit over braces and fixed bridges. They also cost more.
- Ready-made: Purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are the least expensive, the least effective, and the least comfortable.
Family Dentistry FAQs
What is the Emergency Dental/Crisis Treatment?
Many people don't see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they feel they have a problem. At Kneib Dentistry, we call this "crisis treatment" as opposed to "preventive treatment."
While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems don't have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages.
An example is tooth decay. At Kneib Dentistry, we hear all the time, "Nothing hurts... I don't have any problems." But tooth decay doesn't hurt! Until that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth.
Then a root canal and crown are usually necessary instead of the small filling, which could have been placed several years ago when the cavity was small. Dr. Kneib can usually detect a cavity 3 or 4 years before it may develop any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a tremendous cavity and they have never felt a thing!
How can I spot dental problems?
When should my child first see a dentist?
