What is a mouth guard?
Mouth guards are dental appliances that cover your teeth. Dentists recommend them for a number of reasons, and there are many different types.
Why do I need a mouth guard?
Mouth guard is needed if you:
- Grind or clench your teeth (bruxism).
- Play contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey, soccer or boxing.
- Snore
- Have TMJ disorder
- Suffer from obstructive sleep apnoea
What are different types of mouth guards?
There are following three main types of mouth guards:
- Mouth guards for sports. These protect your teeth from sports-related injuries. If you play sports like boxing, wrestling, basketball, hockey, or football, mouth guards can greatly reduce your risk for chipped and avulsed teeth.
- Mouth guards for grinding teeth/bruxism. Here mouth guards help protect your teeth from the effects of grinding and clenching. They may also reduce the effects of TMJ disorders. You can wear this type of mouth guard any time, night or day. But because most people grind or clench their teeth during sleep, it’s common to wear them at night. Due to this reason, some people refer to these mouth guards as night guards.
- Snoring and sleep apnoea mouth guards. People with chronic snoring or obstructive sleep apnoea may benefit from a custom mouth guard. This type of appliance shifts and repositions your jaw to open your airway during sleep.
Mouth guards can also be of preformed or custom-made type:
Pre-formed/off the shelf: Although pre-formed, off-the-shelf mouth guards are available at sporting stores and are relatively inexpensive, they often lack proper fit and can cause discomfort, hindering speech and even breathing.
Semi-custom mouth guards are also offered at sporting goods stores, where the plastic is heated and then moulded by having the athlete bite on it while it is still warm, providing a somewhat customized fit but they are not perfect. They’re also not appropriate for treating sleep apnea.
Custom-made: At Perfect Teeth Dental Clinic, we specialize in creating custom mouth guards that prioritize both comfort and protection. We achieve this by taking an impression of your teeth and fabricating a customized device that fits your mouth perfectly.
To ensure the continued effectiveness of your mouth guard, remember to bring it to your dental appointments so that we can assess its fit and make any necessary adjustments.
Custom-made mouth guards provide effective protection against bruxism and sports-related trauma. They’re also a common first line of defence in sleep apnoea treatment.
How often should you wear a mouth guard?
It depends on why you need a mouth guard. If you need one to protect your teeth during contact sports, then you should wear it during all practices and games. However, if you need a mouth guard to treat teeth grinding, snoring or sleep apnoea, you’ll likely need to wear it every night while you sleep. Ask your dentist if you’re unsure about how often you should wear your mouthguard.
What are the advantages of wearing a mouth guard?
Wearing a mouth guard during contact sports and/or athletic activities can help you avoid:
- Avulsed teeth
- Fractured/chipped teeth
- Soft-tissue injury to your gums, lips and inner cheeks.
Wearing a mouth guard while you sleep can help reduce your risk for:
- Wear and tear from clenching or grinding your teeth.
- Snoring.
- Jaw pain, headaches, facial pain, and other symptoms of TMJ disorder.
- Sleep apnoea and related complications like daytime fatigue.
Disadvantages of wearing a mouth guard?
It can take some time to get used to your mouth guard. If you purchase one that doesn’t fit quite right, it can cause soreness in your teeth, gums, or jaw.
Generally, custom-made mouth guards are more comfortable and well-fitted than preformed ones.
How do I care for a mouth guard?
Be sure to clean your teeth thoroughly before putting a mouth guard in. Here are some tips for how to clean your mouth guard:
- Don’t expose your mouth guard to extreme heat, such as direct sunlight or hot water. Heat can cause it to warp and change shape.
- Keep your mouth guard in a vented plastic case when not in use.
- Rinse your mouth guard in cool water and use a brush and soapy water to clean it after each use.
Can I wear a mouth guard if I have braces or dental implants?
Yes. In addition to protecting your teeth, a mouth guard can protect braces and implants from damage. Custom-fitted mouth guards fit well and work best.
TMJ Treatment
TMJ Treatments offer relief for Jaw Discomfort at Perfect Teeth Dental Clinic. Bruxism, arthritis, bite imbalances, or jaw injuries may trigger TMJ disorders. Our skilled team identifies the underlying cause and devises a personalized treatment plan to address it effectively. Experience the comfort of our expert care as we help you find relief from TMJ-related discomfort and restore harmony to your jaw function. Trust us to provide comprehensive solutions for your TMJ concerns and embark on a journey to improved oral health and well-being.
