Each year, dentists like Dr. Trista Pottenger install veneers, bridges, crowns and other forms of dental work to address a wide array of oral health concerns. These treatments could include restoring a missing tooth, treating tooth decay or addressing cosmetic dental concerns. While these forms of dental work are created from durable materials meant to rival the strength of natural tooth enamel, it is still possible for them to be chipped, fractured or compromised in some way.

To help prevent this from happening the staff specialists at High Desert Dental offer a few simple things you can do to help preserve your dental work. People who play contact sports or who enjoy rigorous recreation should use a protective mouth guard. If you’re uncomfortable with the mouth guards sold in sporting goods stores, talk to the dentist about a custom mouth guard.
Bruxism, can cause people to grind their teeth while they sleep. This can also cause damage to your dental work and contribute to TMJ disorder issues with the joints in your jaw. Fortunately, this can be addressed by a wearing a night guard. It might also be a good idea to make a conscious effort to curtail bad habits like chewing on pens or ice or using your teeth to open packages.

If you live in the Boise, Idaho area and you have further questions about how to maintain your dental work you can always call 208-350-6795 to speak to Dr. Trista Pottenger or a member of her staff.