As dentists, we often find ourselves addressing concerns beyond the typical cavities and cleanings. One prevalent issue that many patients face, often unknowingly, is the damaging impact of teeth grinding or clenching during sleep, medically known as bruxism. Thankfully, there’s a simple yet effective solution – the humble nightguard. Nightguards are similar to mouthguards but are typically made of more lightweight material, making them a non-invasive addition to your nighttime routine.

Grinding and clenching may seem harmless — in fact, you may not even be aware you are doing it while asleep– but the long-term consequences can be severe. David C. Jackson, DMD reminds his patients of “the importance of protecting your smile, especially during those unconscious hours.”

 Nightguards are your teeth’s silent protectors. These custom-fitted wonders create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing the grinding forces from causing sometimes irreversible damage. Think of them as the unsung heroes of dental care, working tirelessly while you sleep to preserve your smile.

 The reasons for teeth grinding can vary – stress, anxiety, or even misaligned teeth – but the consequences remain consistent. Over time, bruxism can lead to worn-down enamel, chipped teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. Not to mention the potential strain on your jaw joints, which may result in temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). It’s a domino effect that starts innocently enough but can escalate into a major dental concern. By preventing the consequences of bruxism, you’re not just safeguarding your smile; you’re promoting better sleep quality. Uninterrupted sleep is essential for overall health, and a nightguard can contribute to a more restful night.

Wearing a nightguard is practical and easily done. Patients may worry about their comfort, envisioning a bulky, obstructive device. However, modern mouthguards are designed with user comfort in mind. Custom-fit options ensure a snug yet unobtrusive fit. Forget the one-size-fits-all approach – your mouthguard should feel tailored for your teeth.

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 We are ready to join you on your journey towards a healthier smile! To find out more about Balanced Dental’s team and the services we can offer you, visit our website at BalancedDentalFL.com and socials or give us a call at 772.247.2407. We can’t wait to help you achieve the smile you have been waiting to show off!

Knowledge is power, and the world has gained so much valuable information throughout the years from research, experience, and technology that we did not have before — and there is still much to learn! We now understand that countless standard procedures, materials, and practices from the past pose health risks that were unknown at the time. In dentistry, this includes silver fillings containing mercury for cavities. Here is an insight into the health risks of silver, or amalgam fillings.

Balanced Dental is passionate about the connection between oral health and whole-body health. Our clinic provides the safest method of removing amalgam fillings through our Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (S.M.A.R.T). One of several areas of practice we offer in our friendly, professional, state-of-the-art clinic — we provide personalized, compassionate, and complete dental care. Call our office today at 772.247.2407 or join our Facebook community here.

Reference: [https://iaomt.org/resources/dental-mercury-facts/amalgam-fillings-danger-human-health/]

Maintaining clean and safe indoor air quality is crucial in any healthcare setting, and dental offices are no exception. Patients and staff alike deserve to breathe fresh, clean air while ensuring the elimination of harmful pathogens and allergens. When visiting the dental office, often patients associate the smell with hygiene and cleanliness. While this is certainly true, it is also important to note that the chemicals that are in the air can be detrimental to patients and staff. Our team is proud to have proactively worked to increase the quality of the air in our office by using Molekule’s revolutionary air purification system; read on to see why we love it!

As Dr. Jackson says, “Your lungs are responsible for supplying every cell in your body with oxygen. You can keep them healthier with exercise, regular dental cleanings to limit inflammation, a great diet, — and of course, ensuring the air that you breathe is clean. We are proud to offer this patented PECO technology that is one-of-a-kind in its capability to not only capture but break down pollutants like bacteria, viruses, mold, allergens & more.”

Advanced Filtration Technology

Molekule’s air purification system is not your typical air filter. Instead of relying solely on HEPA filters, it employs PECO (Photo Electrochemical Oxidation) technology. This innovation goes beyond just capturing particles; it actually destroys them at the molecular level. This means that not only are common allergens like pollen and dust trapped, but this system also neutralizes harmful viruses, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be found in dental office environments.

Improved Infection Control

Dental offices can be high-risk environments for the spread of infections due to the close proximity of patients and the potential for aerosolized particles during procedures. Molekule’s technology can help reduce the risk of cross-contamination by actively disinfecting the air. This is especially important in a post-pandemic world, where infection control measures are of paramount importance.

Enhanced Patient Comfort

Patients often experience anxiety when visiting the dentist, and having clean, fresh air can contribute to a more comfortable and relaxing experience. Cleaner air can also reduce the likelihood of respiratory issues in patients with allergies or sensitivities, making their visit more pleasant while reducing stress. 

Reduced Odors

Dental offices often use various chemicals and materials that can produce odors and irritate respiratory systems. Molekule’s system not only eliminates these odors but also reduces allergens in the air, making it easier for both patients and staff to breathe. In fact, with the addition of the system to our office we can confidently say “It’s pretty alarming to see the app report all the contaminants in medical offices during the workday!” We are ensuring that those contaminants are continuously being removed from the air.

Customized Solutions

Molekule offers a range of air purification systems to fit the unique needs of different office sizes and layouts. Whether you have a need in a small space, or something much larger, there’s a Molekule system that can be tailored to your specific requirements.

We love the breath of fresh air that Molekule’s air purification system has brought to our office- and we are sure you will too! Curious about creating a healthier space in your home or workplace? Visit here to see the different models and pricing offers exclusively for our patients! We believe in the product — and its many solutions — so strongly that we’ve partnered with Molekule to offer pollen, chemical, and pollutant-free air wherever you breathe. 

We love to serve our patients and our community with compassion, experience, and expertise. To have your smile shine brightly, we invite you to explore the holistic care and quality services we have to offer. Visit our socials or give us a call at 772.247.2407 to see how we can support you on your oral health and wellness journey!