Are You a Dental Phobic? We can help!

Are You a Dental Phobic?  We can help!

What is Dental Phobia?  Dental Phobia is fear of the dentist and of receiving dental care or treatment.

It is estimated that approximately 75% of adults experience some degree of dental fear.  As a result of their fears, these adults avoid dental care at all cost, until they experience a dental emergency, such as an abscessed tooth, broken tooth or pain that they can no longer tolerate.

The causes of dental fears in adults have been reported to develop after a traumatic, difficult or painful dental experience.  Dental fears in children are due to their lack of knowledge or a clear understanding of what is happening to them while at the dental office.  Often times perceived fear based on things people read, hear, or see can be even more powerful to their mind than any actual experience they may have had on their own.

Overcoming dental fears CAN be achieved.  Here at Meiners Dentistry we strive to make every patient experience a positive.  With your first call to our office, we will ask a few questions about you and your past dental history.  This helps educate our doctors and assistant to better assist you in your comfort needs.

Communication is the key.  The more we know about your dental fears, the better we can serve you.  Be specific about your likes and dislikes.  Ask us questions about the treatment you will be receiving.  The more comfortable you are, the better we can care for your dental needs.

Our relaxation techniques include a combination of the following:

·         Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) – An odorless gas that will aid you in being able to relax.   It is an inhalant that works while you are breathing it, but once it is out of your lungs it no longer has an effect.  Patients are able to drive home after using it and it does not put you to sleep.  Works great for both adults and works remarkably well for children!

·         Topical gels – used to numb the gum tissue prior to receiving local anesthetic. 

 

·         Noise Cancelling Headphones with ANY music - used to drown out unpleasant sounds.   We have a brand new wifi enabled music device that allows us to play almost any conceivable music you want to hear.   Just tell our assistant what your favorite genre, decade, or artist is, and you'll have the music of your choice which is much more relaxing than listening to our instruments!   Want your own music?   Just bring in your phone or mp3/ipod player and ask for our noise cancelling headphones.  We even have complimentary WiFi (just ask for the password) so you can stream popular music services like Songza, Pandora, Spotify, or TuneIn.

·         Protective tinted eyewear – we offer sunglasses to block out our bright lights.   The doctors both have new LED spotlights on their glasses to see and work better, but they are really bright! 

·         Positive reinforcement is used by the doctor and staff – we understand how you feel and will make every effort to make you as comfortable as possible.

Here is the look of a relaxed patient using nitrous oxide, noise cancelling headphones, and our protective tinted eye wear.

Here at Meiners Dentistry, our goal is to ensure you receive the highest quality of dental care available.  Your health, comfort and individual needs are foremost in our minds.

Dental Terms 101

Common Dental Terms

You may hear several words or phrases at your dental cleaning that are not in your day-to-day vocabulary. You may be more familiar with some than others, but let’s review to make sure that you get the most out of each visit to the dentist.

PLAQUE

Plaque is the soft, sticky, typically white to yellowed colored film that builds up on teeth. Plaque is made up of colonies of bacteria (bad germs) that can negatively affect your teeth and gums. The bacteria in our mouths are constantly trying to build plaque, whether we have eaten or not. Because plaque is soft, it can be removed daily at home with proper brushing and flossing technique. Plaque is often so close to the color of our teeth, that it is hard to see. Plaque begins formation at the gum line and not brushing the bristles up onto gums can lead to tartar formation.

TARTAR

Tartar the term for what is formed when the soft plaque isn’t removed and is allowed to harden on the teeth. Tartar can be considered as the calcified form of bacterial plaque and can wreak havoc on gum health. Because tartar is hardened on, it must be removed by your dental hygienist.

                The dental textbook term for tartar is calculus – just in case you hear this word.

INFLAMMATION

This is the term used for gums that are red, puffy, and/or bleeding. If you have any areas of gums that are inflamed, this means that extra bacterial colonies (plaque) have set up in this area and your body is trying to fight this bad bacteria off. Extra hygiene attention may be needed or even a localized antibiotic. Your dental professional can help identify and aid you in healing these bacterial infected areas. Regular bleeding of the gums is not a healthy sign and is often also called GINGIVITIS.

INCIPIENT CAVITY

This might be a term you hear when we are talking about the start of a cavity. An incipient cavity is small enough that it does not need a filling yet and can possibly be re-hardened. See in the picture the decay is just into the enamel. Incipient cavities can occasionally be re-mineralized (hardened back) by extra cleaning attention with brush and floss, and by incorporating extra fluoride. The Meiners’ Dentistry Team can customize your routine to help re-strengthen your teeth!

RECESSION

Recession of the gums is when the gum tissue begins to move away from the top of the tooth toward the root. This can leave areas of the tooth’s root exposed. Occasionally these areas are sensitive, but not always. Recession is a slow process but needs close monitoring to ensure keeping your teeth. Recession can be caused by a few different things or can even just increase as we age; Dr. Meiners can help diagnose your causing factors and how to help combat recession.

                                       

                We recognize that there are a lot of “dental words.” At Meiners Dentistry we always welcome questions about terms or procedures that you may not be quite as familiar with. The above words are commonly used at recall cleaning visits, but are very important to understand as they can lead to more serious issues. Don’t be afraid to inquire about your mouth! We plan to keep you smiling (and eating) in those pearly whites!

But, It Doesn't Hurt..

Have you recently or ever been told by Dr. Meiners that you have a cavity?

But nothing hurts or is even sensitive?

With regular x-rays and check-up visits, most cavities are detected before they reach the nerve. The nerve inside each tooth is most often what transmits the pain signal for a cavity. When a cavity is deep enough that it reaches the nerve, a root canal must be done for the tooth, as the nerve is now infected. In the diagram below you can see the enamel, dentin, and pulp (pulp is another word for the nerves in the tooth). Cavities slowly break through enamel, but once they reach the dentin layer of the tooth, begin to move much quicker toward the nerve. 

       

One of the main goals of dentistry is PREVENTION

·        -  Filling smaller cavities prevents them from turning into crowns and/or root canals

·        -  Regular cleanings by your dental hygienist aid in the prevention and treatment of gum disease that can lead to tooth loss

·        - Root canals of abscessed (infected) teeth, prevent increased pain, swelling, and the spread of infectious bacteria

·        - Crowns placed on cracked teeth help to prevent fractures and sometimes even tooth loss

·        -  Daily plaque removal with brush and floss, aides in the prevention of cavities and gum disease. 

            To keep your mouth in the best shape possible, see your dentist regularly – an ounce of prevention is worth a thousand pounds of cures!

STOP TOOTH SENSITIVITY!

     Sharon S. knows first hand about cold and air sensitivity. Sharon said that hot and cold air would be very uncomfortable even when she would breathe in air. She suffered for about 6 months before she informed the dentist and had tried sensitive tooth toothpastes to no avail.  Dr. Zach Meiners, however, was able to desensitize her teeth and cover the areas that were giving her discomfort with a simple technique. Desensitizing is completely non-invasive (no removal of tooth structure is necessary).

     Sharon was amazed at the results and how little it cost!  She said she is very glad that she had the procedure done and highly recommends this procedure to anyone that has been suffering with the sensitivity with no results from the sensitive tooth paste and the careful brushing like she did.  Sharon had this procedure done in 2009 and still having no sensitivity to this day. 

4 Easy steps to desensitizing these areas:

    The materials we use

 

1. Primer Material is used to prepare the tooth    

2. Application of sealer to plug the exposed microscopic pores in the dentin of the teeth that cause sensitivity.  Both the primer and sealer are dispensed from a small bottle and applied with a fine brush.

3. Light curing to activate the sealer.

4. Follow up with continuing to use sensitive tooth toothpaste.

Completed!  Tooth De-sensitized and you cannot see the sealer

Before initiating this type of procedure, we will also examine your teeth carefully.  We have had great success with sensitivity near the gum line of the tooth which is often caused by gum recession and subsequent root exposure.  However, we want to rule out some of the following other causes of sensitivity that this technique would NOT be helpful for:

1)      Tooth decay (cavities)

2)      Cracked Tooth

3)      Abscessed tooth or dying nerve

4)      Continuous use of abrasive whitening toothpastes

5)      Severe acid erosion of teeth

Are you having sensitive teeth that sensitive tooth toothpastes aren’t adequately treating?   If so have us evaluate you soon to see if this could be an option and cure for your sensitive teeth.

Are your teeth really clean where your brush can’t reach?

 

 You may brush your teeth twice a day and use your favorite mouth rinse afterwards, but are your teeth really clean?  The parts of the teeth that you see are clean, but a large percentage of cavities and gum problems occur in the areas that your brush doesn’t reach!

  Teeth fit closely together and the bristles on the toothbrush do not fully reach between the teeth.  Cleaning in between your teeth (also known as interdental cleaning) is the best defense.  Without cleaning interdentally you are at risk for cavities, gum disease, bad breath, tarter build-up, as well as at risk for heart disease.

 There are many choices for how to clean in between your teeth.   For today, let’s focus on three of our favorite recommendations at Meiners Dentistry:

      1) Flossing can be as easy as 1 -2 -3.  1) Pull yourself about 18” of dental floss, wrap it around your fingers leaving about 1” between to work in between the teeth.  2) Glide the floss gently between the teeth, dipping below the gum line. 3) Move the floss up and down rubbing the side of each tooth.  If you think floss is hard to handle or you just can’t reach those hard to reach places, there are other products on the market to aid in cleaning between your teeth.  There are dental picks, water picks, proxy brushes, and soft picks.

Now, if the following cartoon represents your view on flossing, read on and check out some of the alternatives below:

     2) Soft Picks by GUM – these interdental cleaners are some of our favorites!   These are very easy to use and clean absolutely great in between the teeth.   They are very easy to pack in your pocket or purse to have on the go.

     3) Showerfloss - Would you clean in between your teeth if you could get it done in the shower with pressured warm water and no mess afterwards?   How about if this system was only about $35 shipped and easy to install in any shower?     If this sounds good to you then head over to http://www.showerfloss.com and check out their unique system.   Dr. Zach has this personally in his home and loves the system.     If this doesn’t appeal to you, check out the similar product Waterpik - http://www.waterpik.com/

Top 3 Reasons to Use your Dental Insurance before December 31st!

It is important to use your dental insurance benefits before the end of the calendar year.  Dental benefits are “use it or lose it” and un-used benefits will not roll over into the next year.    Here are 3 great reasons to use your insurance benefits before year end:

1) Saves you Money in the Long Term

If you are in need of significant dental treatment you can spread out the work over two years. Dental insurances have small yearly maximums that haven’t changed much in 20 years (often $1000-1500).  If you have many needs, utilize the benefits for this year and then when they reset you can continue your work in January 2014.   Addressing dental problems now rather than putting off treatment can prevent the problems from getting worse and more expensive!

2) Deductibles don’t carry over

If you have met your deductible for 2013, completing any unfinished dentistry this year will save you money.  If you wait until 2014, you will have to meet another deductible before your insurance begins coverage.

3) You pay monthly premiums, take advantage of the benefits

If you are paying a premium each month for dental insurance then you should take advantage of a dental visit today!  Many dental insurances include dental exams and cleanings as a 100% or near 100% coverage benefit.   If you are not taking advantage of these free or nearly free benefits you are leaving money on the table.  Dental exams with x-rays allow us to diagnose cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other dental problems.  Dental issues are always less invasive and less expensive when discovered early.

Call today to schedule your dental appointment and utilize those benefits! (816) 252-3545

Dental Associations

Recently in the Kansas City Star Sunday Edition there was a very well done section about dental health.  The section was sponsored by the Greater Kansas City Dental Society.     In there they listed all their active members encouraging you to select a member dentist.

Unfortunately, due to clerical error, we were omitted from the listings.

Please rest assured that both Dr. Don and Zach Meiners are active and in good standing members of the Greater Kansas City Dental Society, the Missouri Dental Association, and the American Dental Association.

Dr. Don has been a member since 1975 and Dr. Zach since 2001.

Dr. Zachary Meiners was a board member on the Kansas City Society for several years.

We think our dental associations are important and wanted to make sure you knew we were in fact members.

If you goto www.modental.org or www.gkcds.org you will see both of our names listed in their directories.

Cavities in Preschoolers on the Rise

Cavities in Preschoolers on the Rise | Yahoo! Health


Very interesting article.   We are definitely seeing children's cavities on the rise at Meiners Dentistry despite these children living in an era where we feel like preventative care is the more available than it has ever been.

Children should be seen every six months and 70% of kids cavities are in-between the teeth meaning that x-rays are the only method to diagnose them.

Meiners Dentistry is getting updated and upgraded!

As I type this, we are in the midst of getting new wallpaper, paint, and some other cosmetic upgrades around the office!

I'll try to post a few pictures of the upgrades as we move along with the process.

This is really exciting though! We've been planning some upgrades for a long time, but over the course of this month it's happening!

Thanks from Meiners Dentistry for all the positive reviews!

It always feels great to be appreciated. It's wonderful to be in a profession where we can have such a positive impact on people's general well being and appearance.

We'd like to take this opportunity to really thank all of our patients who took the time out of their busy lives to write a positive review for Meiners Dentistry on a variety of different websites.

These reviews are so valuable for us because so many people use the internet to find a dentist (amongst other services) in their area.
Many patients have commented that it was your reviews that helped them choose our office. Thank You!

Here is just a sampling of some of the wonderful things you've written about us:
MeinersDentistry.com Testimonials (we love getting cards)
Yahoo
Yahoo 2
Yahoo 3
Yelp
Insiderpages
Facebook

If you would like to write a review of Meiners Dentistry any of the above websites are great options.

However, since Google is the king of search engines, we would really appreciate your feedback on our google page:

Google - Meiners Dentistry


Happy Holidays to everyone from Meiners Dentistry!

Dental Sealants - a great way to prevent cavities!

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are thin resin coatings that are applied to the grooves on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth to protect them from tooth decay. Most tooth decay in children and teens occurs on these surfaces. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from tooth decay by keeping germs and food particles out of these grooves.

Sealants do not, however, protect the areas of the teeth on the cheek side, tongue side, or in between the teeth, so proper brushing and flossing is still necessary to keep the tooth from decay.

Which teeth are suitable for sealants?

Permanent molars are the most likely to benefit from sealants. The first molars usually come into the mouth when a child is about 6 years old. Second molars appear at about age 12. It is best if the sealant is applied soon after the teeth have erupted, before they have a chance to decay. Baby teeth don't generally need to be sealed.

How are sealants applied?

There are a variety of ways to place sealants. The most common sealant procedure is to use a mild acid "etch" of the teeth to gently roughen the surface of the tooth, then flow the resin sealant material into the grooves of the tooth and use an ultraviolet light to harden the resin.

However, we have found that our sealants can be more effective and longer lasting by modifying that basic technique. So our sealants include a very thorough cleaning of the fissures and grooves within the teeth to eliminate any bacteria. Without this step, it could be possible to seal IN the bacteria that can cause tooth decay. Then we use the mild acid "etch", and then as an additional step to retain the sealant, we use a chemical agent that "bonds" the sealant material in. This really makes for a solid long lasting sealant.

This is the Meiners Dentistry difference.

Are sealants visible?

Sealants can only be seen up close. Sealants are generally a fairly opaque white, as seen in the picture above.

Will sealants make teeth feel different?

As with anything new that is placed in the mouth, a child may feel the sealant with the tongue. Sealants, however, are very thin and only fill the pits and grooves of molar teeth.

How long will sealants last?

A sealant can last for as long as 5 to 10 years. Sealants should be checked at your regular dental appointment and can be reapplied if they are no longer in place.

Why is sealing a tooth better than waiting for decay and filling the cavity?

Decay damages teeth permanently. Sealants protect them. Sealants can save time, money, and the discomfort sometimes associated with dental fillings. Fillings are not permanent. Each time a tooth is filled, more drilling is done and the tooth becomes a little weaker.

Are sealants covered by dental insurance?

Many dental insurances cover sealants at 100% as a preventative procedure. Others cover as much as 80% of the procedure. We can check with your coverage. Sealants are very affordable even if you do not have dental insurance though.

Make sure to ask if dental sealants are right for your child at your next dental visit!

Join Us on Facebook!

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Wisdom Teeth - Why do they have to be removed?

Why did we get born with wisdom teeth if they just have to get removed?

Well, let's start with some facts about wisdom teeth.

Wisdom teeth in the dental world are referred to as "third molars", and they generally erupt into the mouth (if they aren't impacted) between the ages of 17-21.

The average person's mouth comfortably holds about 28 of the 32 teeth we have, and since those wisdom teeth are the last to erupt, there is often little room to accommodate their size.

The x-ray image we use to check wisdom teeth is known as the panoramic x-ray and looks like this:
With this full mouth x-ray, we can see if the patient has wisdom teeth, and where they are at.

Why are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

* They are erupting into an abnormal position, are tilted, twisted, or sideways.

* An infection has developed from trapped food or bacteria

* They are trapped below the gum due to lack of space

* The erupted wisdom tooth is so far back in the mouth that it is not getting cleaned properly and results in tooth decay, or gum infection.


Many wisdom teeth can be removed at our office. Dr. Don and Zach Meiners both remove wisdom teeth when they are non-complicated.


For Patients that either have a complex surgical case, or wish to be sedated for their wisdom teeth removal, we have a wonderful group of Oral Surgeons that we refer to.

What are Cold Sores (Fever Blisters)?

Cold Sores (Fever Blisters) generally occur either on the outside of the mouth on the lips, or the harder, non-movable tissue of the gums around the teeth, or on the palate.

They generally recur in the same area, and are caused by the Herpes Simplex Type I virus. A large percent of the population carries this virus, but not everyone experiences the virus becoming active and causing cold sores.

This virus though is completely different than the virus for genital herpes, which is type II.

Fever blisters are contagious. They can be passed with skin to skin contact. The time of greatest risk is from the time it appears to the time it has completely crusted over.

There is much that is not known about Cold Sores, but in general, conditions that increase risks of an outbreak include stress, fevers, colds, other illness, and sunburn can influence outbreaks.

If you get a cold sore avoid squeezing, pinching, or picking the blister. Avoid kissing and other skin to skin contact. Wash your hands before touching people, and use sun block on your lips. Other tips include avoiding salty foods, using over-the-counter ointments containing phenol, applying ice for 30 min, apply rubbing alcohol for 2 min, 4 times per day to the sores to help them dry up. Definitely avoid touching your eye anytime you have a cold sore.

The best way to handle cold sores if you get them frequently is to have prescription medicine with you at all times and take it immediately when you feel a cold sore coming on.

Here are some FDA approved medicines for cold sores:

Denavir cream 1% (penciclovir)

Denavir cream was the first antiviral medication to be granted FDA approval for use in the treatment of cold sores (1996). The instructions for Denavir cream state that it should be applied repeatedly throughout the day every 2 waking hours (roughly 9 times a day) for 4 days on those external areas of the lips or face where the cold sore is developing (Denavir cream is not intended for internal use). Application of Denavir should be started as soon as it's sensed that a cold sore has begun to form

Zovirax cream 5% (acyclovir)

Zovirax cream only received FDA approval for use in the treatment of cold sores in late 2002, although other formulations of this medication have been used in the treatment of herpes for many years (including an "off-label" use in the treatment of cold sores in the years prior to 2002). The use of Zovirax cream is similar in nature as with Denavir cream, however the manufacturer claims a more convenient topical dosing schedule.

The instructions for Zovirax cream state that its use should be initiated as soon it is sensed that a cold sore has begun to form
The cream is applied to those external areas of the lips or face where the cold sore is developing (Zovirax cream is not intended for internal use), 5 times a day for 4 days.

What are Canker Sores? Are there Remedies?

What is a Canker Sore?



Canker Sores (Apthous Ulcers)
Occur only inside the mouth and the inner side of the lips. They occur only on the soft fragile lining of the cheeks, lips, soft palate (far back roof of the mouth), and tongue. They do not occur on the firm gum tissue or the firm roof of the mouth.

They are round or oval, have a white center, and a deep red halo around the edge. They usually heal in 7-14 days, but can last 4 weeks. Often more than one canker sore can form in the mouth. They are not contagious, they are not a virus.

The cause of canker sores is not really known. What we do know is that there are certain things that tend to "trigger" outbreaks of canker sores. Trauma from lip biting, sharp objects in the mouth like chips or nails (nailbiters you know who you are), and stress are definite factors. Many different foods have been associated with canker sores including but not limited to: chocolate, citrus fruits, and tomatoes. Less common ones include nuts, vinegar, soy, apples, mustard, spicy foods, dairy products. Each person will have a different cause.

However, the most common cause may be a common ingredient found in a number of toothpastes known as SLS or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, which is the detergent responsible for the foaming of the paste.

If you suffer from recurrent canker sores you may want to consider first using a non-SLS toothpaste, like Oral-B/Rembrandt's Canker Sore reducing toothpaste.

"So, I've got a canker sore, now what?"

Here are a few canker sore remedies recommended for minor canker sores according to dentistry.about.com:

At-home treatment for minor canker sores include:

• Saltwater Solution and Sodium Bicarbonate - Mix 1 teaspoon salt with one cup warm water. Swish the solution in your mouth for 30 seconds, then expectorate (spit) the solution out of your mouth. In addition to salt, 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) may be added to the saline solution as well. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with small drops of water until a thick consistency has resulted. Use this paste to cover the canker sores, which will help relieve pain. These methods may be repeated as often as needed. Saline and sodium bicarbonate both help the mouth heal quickly by gently reducing the alkalinity and bacteria in the mouth.
  
• Hydrogen Peroxide Solution - Mix one part hydrogen peroxide with one part water. Use a cotton swab to dab the solution directly onto the canker sores. Do not swallow the solution. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that will help reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth.
• Milk of Magnesia - Used frequently as an aide to relieve constipation and as an antacid, milk of magnesia is a liquid suspension of magnesium hydroxide. Dab milk of magnesia directly onto the canker sores with a cotton swab, three to four times a day. This method is recommended after using the hydrogen peroxide solution. Milk of magnesia will help reduce the pain and help speed the healing process.
• Liquid Antihistamine - Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be used as an oral rinse by mixing one part milk of magnesia and one part diphenhydramine together. Rinse with the solution for one minute, then fully spit out the solution. Take care to avoid swallowing this mixture.
• Over-The-Counter Oral Care Products and Mouth Rinse - Available in most dental care sections, antiseptic mouth rinses contain ingredients intended to help heal mouth sores by reducing the amount of bacteria in the mouth. Oral care products that are manufactured to numb painful areas in the mouth are also useful when treating canker sores. Products such as gels, paste, and rinses that are specifically marketed for mouth sores may provide pain relief and help speed the healing process. It is important that you follow the manufacturers' instructions closely when using over-the-counter products.
  

CBS Early Show has segment on Teeth Grinding

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/10/09/earlyshow/health/main5373802.shtml?tag=cbsnewsTwoColUpperPromoArea

(CBS) Stressed out at work? Your teeth might be getting the brunt of your worrying. Dentists all over the country are reporting that they're seeing more patients suffering from teeth grinding - and they're attributing it to the recent economic woes.

CBS Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton shared some warning signs for teeth grinding and some possible treatments for it with Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith.

According to Ashton, teeth grinding (or bruxism) isn't just limited to the teeth, and can affect surrounding areas.

Some of the telltale signs that you might be grinding are:

• Headache
• Oversensitive teeth
• Sore facial muscles
• Jaw pain
• Damage to the inside of the cheek

Dentists are noticing increases from 20 percent to a doubling of bruxism cases, and they suspect the economy's to blame.

Teeth grinding can be caused by stress and anxiety. It often occurs during sleep and can be caused by an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

According to The New York Times, one dentist reported 20-25 percent increase over a year. Another said teeth-grinding cases have doubled in the past 18 months.

Sometimes people find out they're grinding their teeth because their wife or husband hears it at night, but for others, it can be silent.

According to the American Dental Association, many people are unaware that they grind their teeth because they do it while they sleep.

ADA: Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

Bruxism often occurs at the early part of the night and can disturb sleep partners. The clenching and grinding may be audible. Others make no sound while bruxing their teeth and do not realize they are doing it until a dentist discovers unusual wear spots on their teeth.

Teeth grinding can do all kinds of damage to your teeth. It can fracture or loosen your teeth and it can wear down the cusps of your teeth down to flat stumps.

Repairing this damage (treatments include bridges, crowns, root canals, dentures and implants) can be very costly. Some patients could also develop TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome). In severe cases it can affect your ears and result in hearing loss.

So, what are some ways you can combat the wear-and-tear on your teeth?

MOUTHGUARDS, WASHCLOTH:

• FREE: Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

• LEAST EXPENSIVE: OTC MOUTH GUARDS ($20) You can buy them at your local drugstore, but dentists say they might not fit your teeth properly and you could grind through them a lot more quickly.

• MODERATELY EXPENSIVE: CUSTOM NIGHT-GUARDS (starts at $350-$1000) You will have to go to the dentist for a custom fitting. Studies have shown that they can break the grinding habit.

NOTE from Dr. Zach: Our mouthguards are near the very bottom of this range in price - they are a great value.

• EXPENSIVE: BOTOX ($500 a treatment, every five months or so) Some dentists are starting to use this for extreme cases. It's off-label use and is for extreme cases of teeth-grinding, and it should be done by clinicians who know how to use it.


Our View: I wrote an entry on night guards that you can read here: LINK

I think night guards are an excellent investment for your teeth considering all the damage i see from grinding. It can be difficult for people to notice their teeth wearing down when they see their own teeth every day. Most of the time I only get patients asking about mouthguards when they have pain. Mouthguards can do an excellent job of saving your teeth and preventing expensive treatment to repair the ill effects of bruxism.

Coincidence? Independence Examiner writes about mouthguards.

I've written about mouthguards on here somewhat recently, there have been two articles in the Independence examiner lately about the Wood Bat Tournament player who we helped that sustained an oral injury during a baseball game, and now the Examiner writes an article about the importance of mouthguards too! I agree they are important.

Here is their article:

http://www.examiner.net/health/x772305218/Be-sure-to-protect-their-mouths-during-sports

By Lori Boyajian-O'Neill

Special to The Examiner

Posted Aug 17, 2009 @ 10:49 PM

---

Independence, MO —

As sports have become more violent there has been an increasing rate of injuries to the face.

There are between 650,000 and 2 million sports-related dental and oral injuries annually. Many sports, including football, require mouth guards for protection, but most do not. What do you know?



True or false

1. Mouth guards protect against concussion.

2. Missouri high school soccer requires mouth guards.

3. Missouri high school baseball requires mouth guards.

Mouth guards are intended to protect teeth from fracture and avulsion. They also protect lips, tongue and gums.

A properly fitted guard should stay in place during physical activity, be easily removed and not interfere with breathing or talking according to the American Dental Association.

There are 3 types of mouth guards: stock; boil and bite and custom-fitted. Stock guards are one-size-fits-all devices which are ready to wear.

Unfortunately, they are the least protective and most poorly-fitted of any of the guards. Stock guards are, however, the most inexpensive and easily found for less than 5 dollars. ‘Boil and bite’ guards are very malleable when heated in boiling water making them easily formed to teeth. They fit very well, if directions are followed. Boil and bite guards offer good protection and are moderately priced, usually less than 20 dollars. The most expensive, but most protective, are custom-fitted guards.

These are formed and fitted by a dentist and are better than any off the shelf version. Also, they can often last through several seasons.

Although not required, the use of a mouth guard in basketball and any contact and collision sport is strongly urged by most sports medicine societies. High school softball, a fall sport in Missouri, does not require mouth guards.

However, all players should consider using them. It is frightful to see a line drive speeding toward the face of a girl playing third base 25 feet or closer to the batter.

First basemen (women?!) and batters are also at high risk. There are guards designed specifically for girls and women with smaller and narrower gums than boys.

There have been many assertions that mouth guards prevent concussions. They do not.

There is no good scientific evidence to support these claims. There is no question they protect teeth and mouth.

If you participate in any contact or collision sport, ask your dentist about mouth guards, even if your sport does not require it.

Common sense should prevail over any particular sports-specific rule. An ounce of prevention is certainly worth a pound (or thousands of dollars) at the emergency department or dentist’s office. Athletes are more beautiful when they have all of their teeth and no stitches.

It’s not wimpy to wear a mouth guard, its smart.

Be a trendsetter.



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Follow Up Article in Independence Examiner about Meiners Dentistry

This article was written by our young patient Zach Levy's mother on his experiences while in Independence for the Wood Bat Tournament:

http://www.examiner.net/letters/x695083591/During-a-moment-of-crisis-Independence-cared-helped

By Karen Levy

Submitted to The Examiner

Posted Jul 29, 2009 @ 11:02 AM

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St. Peters, Mo. —

We were in from St. Louis for the recent Wood Bat Tournament in Independence, and a tipped ball shattered the tooth of my son, Zach Levy, the catcher for the Spartans.

As he spit blood and caught his balance, people ran for ice as I ran to see him. The Fike team was up to play next and their coach – Dr. Matt Hagerty, a dentist – ran to Zach. He said the nerve of the tooth was showing and said for us to get him to someone quickly. I said I was from out of town and asked for directions to the hospital.

He took me to a room at the park, and they calmed me down. The dentist made some calls and said, “I can’t take care of your son because our team is about to go out, but my partner across the street just said he will take you if you want.”

I was very nervous about not knowing these people but felt good with how we had been treated so far, so we went one exit away to Noland Road, walked into Dr. Donald Meiners’ dental office, and they were standing at the door waiting for us. I almost cried to see they stopped what they were doing at the end of the day to stay for complete strangers and rushed Zach right in to the chair.

We had two office workers giving my husband and I water, patting our shoulders to calm us. The doctor, his son (a dentist with the same practice, also named Zach), and the assistant all rushed to examine my son Zach. They never even asked us once about our dental or medical insurance info. As far as they knew, we didn’t have any, they were only concerned with one thing – caring for and fixing my son.

I have never had such wonderful and quick attention from any health-care provider, even when my two kids tore their ACLs. I couldn’t believe how absolutely kind, caring, gentle and professional they were. Long after the care was being provided they asked if we had any insurance, which we do, and even so they were not concerned if we were good for our bill. Wow – I couldn’t believe the dollar value was not a concern at that time.

The doctor called us in the room with Zach as they did all the examining work and explaining our next steps to repair his teeth. He cracked the other front tooth also. The office sent us off with snack for Zach, and set aside time at the end of the day on Friday to continue the repair and bond a new tooth. Unbelievable – the good people at the ballpark, the dentist coach of Fike who set this all up and gave initial care to Zach, then the incredible kindness and care we received from Dr. Meiners.

We were treated by all as travelers and, everyone pulled together to care for my son so well. People at the park have asked me over and over how Zach, or that catcher with the broken tooth, is doing. Also, Zach hit the walk-off home run on field 1 just prior to the second doubleheader game at field 2 where he was hurt.

Karen Levy and her family live in St. Peters, Mo.

Meiners Dentistry Recognized in Independence Examiner

By Matt Gerstner

The Examiner

Posted Jul 15, 2009 @ 12:31 AM

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Blue Springs, MO —

Zach Levy went from one extreme to the next in a few innings.
Levy, catcher for the Central Spartans of St. Peters, Mo., an American Legion team visiting for the Wood Bat Invitational, started the tournament off with a walk-off homer to give the Spartans a win over Warrensburg Post 131.
A few innings later, he was being rushed to the nearest dentist.
In the second game of their doubleheader, the Spartans took on the Lansing (Kan.) Post 411 Cavalry. Levy would only make it to the sixth inning. He would leave the game with two broken front teeth, one of which was completely shattered.
“It was kind of outrageous,” Levy said. “It just caught me way off guard.”
The pitch was fouled back. But instead of hitting Levy’s glove, it hit his facemask. The mask then broke, sending the metal bracket into Levy’s mouth, busting his lip, nose, and teeth.
“It just threw my head back,” he said. “I kinda felt these rock particles in my mouth and hoped it was dirt or something. But I felt around my mouth with my tongue and realized my tooth was gone.”
Levy didn’t know what had happened.
“I was shocked at first. I was pretty dazed.”
Luckily for him, Blue Springs Post 499/Fike assistant coach Matt Haggerty came to the rescue. Haggerty just happens to be a dentist when he’s not coaching the bases for Fike.
“I went over and looked at the kid and saw a red hole where the tooth was cracked – and I knew that wasn’t good,” Haggerty said.
That red hole was the tooth’s nerve ending. That sent Zach’s mother, Karen, completely over the edge.
“He couldn’t do anything. He couldn’t drink water because the nerve ending was showing,” she said. “We didn’t know what to do. We’re from out of town. We didn’t know anybody.”
Haggerty led them into the tournament room and iced the mouth of Levy. Although he couldn’t do anything, because Fike was scheduled to play next, Haggerty did know somebody that could.
“I called Drs. Zack and Don Meiners in Independence – a father/son dentist team. They said to get him up there and they performed a root canal. I heard they were really great to the young man,” Haggerty said.
Karen, although distressed, was elated to see the Dr. Donald Meiners and his staff standing at the door, waiting for them.
“I almost cried to see they stopped what they were doing at the end of the day to stay for complete strangers and rushed Zach right into the chair,” she said. “They never asked once about our dental or medical insurance information. As far as they knew, we didn’t have any. They were only concerned with one thing: caring (for) and fixing my son.”
Zach was surprised by the amount of care he got as well.
“It was unbelievable,” he said. “We just walked right in and they took care of me.”
Meiners was just happy to help.
“I said, ‘Let’s help out this kid.’ And that’s what we did,” he said. “Dana Callahan, Lori Lappert, all my staff, they did a great job in helping out the family.”
Karen was stunned at the lack of concern for the business side of the situation by Dr. Meiners.
“It wasn’t until long after the care was being provided they asked if we had insurance, which we do, and even so, they were not concerned if we were good for our bill,” Karen said.
“That’s kind of the way we work around here,” Dr. Meiners replied.
After the storm of pain and worry had calmed, Zach thought of his team. Being the only catcher on the team, he assumed the worst.
“I thought we would’ve had to forfeit or cancel the tournament.”
That was not the case.
The next day, the Central Spartans took the field against Hi-Boy Drive In/Post 340, with Zach starting at catcher.
“I had a temporary filling and wore a mouthpiece and played the next game,” he said.
After the Spartans game on Friday, the Levys went back to Dr. Meiners office for what turned out to be their last visit.
Levy returned for the rest of the tournament, but not without getting a few new nicknames from his teammates.
“They called me Lloyd Christmas from Dumb and Dumber, they called me Chip,” Levy said, chuckling. “They had some laughs with me.”
Levy is considering a career in hockey now, as well.
“I’m thinking about it,” he said, jokingly. “I definitely felt like a hockey player.”
The Levys are now home, and Zach is “feeling great.” But Karen will always remember the kindness she and her son were shown in Eastern Jackson County.
“People at the park asked me over and over again how Zach, or that catcher with the broken tooth, is doing,” Karen said. “It was just so amazing to see the amount of care and attention we received.”

Sports Mouthguards - Protect Your Teeth!

In many sports a mouthguard for the teeth is either required or encouraged.

There are several types of mouthguards on the market.

The most popular type of mouthguard is referred to as the "boil and bite" mouthguard made at home by purchasing a cheap rubber mouthguard, boiling it in water and biting into it to make a mold of your teeth.



Dentists can also make mouthguards using a mold of the teeth



A dentist-made mouthguard is a great idea for all types of sports. Football, basketball, soccer, hockey, and even sports like skateboarding or martial arts.

Well made mouthguards are comfortable. Comfortable mouthguards get used, and no mouthguard is effective if it is torn up, uncomfortable, or does not cover and protect the teeth.