How Occlusal Guards can protect the smile while you sleep

Dr. Tokiko Poppe is a dentist in the area of Bellevue, Washington, who sees patients regularly with a range of dental concerns. But did you know that she also helps with conditions that can affect the smile, such as bruxism? Her office is equipped, and her team is experienced in managing various issues that impact the mouth.

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is best described by the team at Cosmos Dentistry as unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth during sleep. Some patients may find that their jaw joint is sore or painful when they awaken from rest. This may be a sign that bruxism is occurring, even if patients don’t realize it. Additionally, this condition may be spotted by an experienced dentist who may notice wear on the natural teeth that may be indicative of clenching and grinding at night.

How can I protect my smile from bruxism?

First, our team will provide an official diagnosis of bruxism when possible and then talk to patients about treatment options. Some patients will find that certain medications can make them more likely to clench and grind, or periods of higher stress may also cause an increase in bruxism symptoms. Addressing these issues first may be enough to stop the problem. However, those who are unable to control the issue may find that the use of a Occlusal Guards for the teeth, also referred to as a mouthguard, for sleeping, can help protect the smile and reduce the tension in the jaw joint that can cause pain and discomfort during their waking hours. Our team can evaluate you and determine if you could benefit from a special Occlusal Guards for teeth grinding.

Learn more about using a dental mouthguard for sleeping with the team at Cosmos Dentistry

Bellevue, WA area patients dealing with conditions such as bruxism may find relief and protection for their smile with Occlusal Guards for teeth. Call (425) 448-4770 to request an appointment at our office, located at 1515 116th Ave NE, Suite #301. We are open to new and returning patients in the area and welcome you and your family to our comprehensive dental facility serving those in and around the community.

Dr. Tokiko Poppe

Dr. Tokiko Poppe graduated from the University of the Pacific's Arthur Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco. She has received extensive training in all aspects of dentistry and was involved in craniofacial research and studies on cleft lip and palate in school.

Dr. Poppe also completed a General Practice Residency in California, where she cared for medically-compromised adults at Veterans Hospital and children under general anesthesia at the University Medical Center. She is a member of the ADA, AAGO, AAPMD, WSDA, SKCD, AGD, American Laser Study, TBI Ambassadors, and AMR advanced program. She has completed Spear Education which dentists pursue to learn complex restorative dentistry. Dr. Poppe is also an osteopathic-trained dentist, having learned the whole-body approach from osteopathic physicians. She follows continuing education to stay abreast of the latest dental trends and enjoys sharing her knowledge with her community.

She also holds a Japanese dental license and speaks Japanese and English.