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Jean E. Barthman, DDS
801 Brewster Ave Ste 255
Redwood City, CA 94063
Ph: (650) 367-4967

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Meet Dr. Barthman

Dr. BarthmanBeauty, Health and Comfort. These words best describe the office of Dr. Barthman. Because of her years of experience and education, she possesses the latest knowledge and techniques in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve optimal results.

Dr. Barthman is a Member of

  • American Dental Association
  • Las Vegas Institute for
  • Advanced Dental Studies
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Did You Know?

Above all else, Dr. Barthman wants for you to have a beautiful, new smile. Prevention is the key to staying healthy and so we recommend the following tips to get you on your way:

  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
  • Chew sugarless gum instead of sugary varieties.
  • Floss daily and if possible, after every meal.
  • Prevent plaque and cavities by reducing your daily intake of sweet snacks.
  • Schedule a cleaning and oral examination with Dr. Barthman once a year.

 

Prevent Dental Damage with Mouthguards

September 03, 2014 @ 12:00 PM -- by Dr. Jean Barthman
Tagged with: Tmj Teeth Grinding

A teen boy in football gear holding a mouthguard to his mouth Sports and teeth grinding can put the teeth at risk for damage, which can be prevented by simply wearing a mouthguard. When worn during sports or by those who suffer from chronic teeth grinding, mouthguards can protect the teeth from unforeseen injury, including chips, fractures, and wear. Though there are many restorative dentistry treatments available repair damage, prevention is always best. To find out if you would benefit from wearing a mouthguard, we welcome you to schedule a consultation with Redwood City dentist Jean E. Barthman. In the meantime, read on to learn more about how mouthguards can help you.

Mouthguards: Types and Uses

There are different types of mouthguards but they all serve the same purpose, to protect the teeth and support dental health. Mouthguards may be worn while playing contact sports to prevent dental injury, or they may be worn while sleeping by those who suffer from teeth grinding. Mouthguards may even be worn by those who experience symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, to reduce the pain and discomfort associated with TMD. The type of mouthguard worn depends on the patient's needs. The different types and uses include:

  • Stock mouthguards: Stock mouthguards are generally purchased at sporting good stores. Stock mouthguards are best suited to those who require mouthguards for sports. Stock mouthguards are not customizable as they are bought pre-made and off the shelf. This can lead to poor fit and poor protection. Boil and bite mouthguards are a better option for those looking for protection while playing sports.
  • Boil and bite mouthguards: Boil and bite mouthguards offer better protection than stock mouthguards for the fact that they are somewhat customizable. Boil and bite mouthguards are made of a special type of plastic that becomes pliable when placed in boiling water. Once the mouthguard is sufficiently softened in the boiling water, it's placed in the mouth and then you can bite down to form the mouthguard to your teeth.
  • Custom-fitted mouthguards: Custom-fitted mouthguards are the most comfortable and best fitting option, making them most suitable for those who require protection from teeth grinding or relief from TMD symptoms. Customized mouthguards are made by a dentist or dental lab from impressions taken of the patient's teeth.

Candidates for Mouthguards

Mouthguards are suitable for anyone who may be prone to dental damage as a result of sports or teeth grinding, as well as those who suffer from TMD. Those who play contact sports, like football or boxing, are especially at risk from suffering a sports related dental injury and should wear mouthguards. Other athletes who may consider wearing a mouthguard include those who participate in extreme sports like skateboarding and dirt biking.

Mouthguards are also useful for those who suffer from teeth grinding. Chronic teeth grinding can create fractures and cracks within the teeth and wear them down to small nubs. Teeth grinding generally happens during sleep so wearing a mouthguard throughout the night can help reduce the damage caused by this condition.

Mouthguards can help reduce the symptoms of TMD, making those who suffer from this condition prime candidates for the appliance. Mouthguards help reduce TMD symptoms by preventing teeth clenching and reducing tension on the jaw.

See if Mouthguards Are Right for You

To find out if you're a candidate for a mouthguard, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Barthman today.