Bruxism and many sports activities can damage your teeth. Mouthguards protect your teeth from injuries and grinding problems. Read more.
What is a Mouthguard?
Mouth guards are special tools for your teeth. Dentists suggest using them for different reasons, and they come in various types. Kids and grown-ups can both use mouthguards.
Most mouthguards fit over your top teeth, but sometimes your dentist might suggest one for your bottom teeth, too.
What do mouthguards do?
Dentists suggest using mouthguards for different reasons. You might need one if:
- You grind or clench your teeth (bruxism).
- You play sports where you might get hit in the mouth, like football, basketball, hockey, soccer, or boxing.
- You do activities where you might fall, like gymnastics, biking, or ice skating.
- You snore.
- You have a problem called obstructive sleep apnea.
- You have TMJ disorder, which is an issue with your jaw joint.
Types
There are three main types of mouthguards. We can group them based on what they’re for:
Sports Mouth Guards: These protect your teeth when you play sports. They keep your teeth safe from getting chipped or knocked out if you get hit. Sports like boxing, wrestling, soccer, basketball, hockey, and football often require these.
Teeth Grinding Mouth Guards: These guards help protect your teeth if you grind or clench them, especially at night. They can also help with TMJ problems. You can wear them during the day or night, but most people use them when they sleep. Some folks call these “night guards.”
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Mouth Guards: People who snore a lot or have a sleep disorder called obstructive sleep apnea can use these custom-made mouthguards. They shift your jaw to help you breathe better while you sleep.
There are both custom-made and store-bought mouthguards.
Store-Bought: These are cheaper and come in two types. There are “stock” guards you wear as they are, right from the package, and “boil-and-bite” guards that you can slightly adjust at home.
Custom-made ones are better for protecting against teeth grinding or sports injuries. They are also not suitable for treating sleep apnea.
Custom-Made: Your dentist makes these mouthguards to fit your teeth perfectly. They are more comfortable than store-bought ones because they’re made just for you. Custom-made mouthguards work well for teeth grinding and protecting against sports injuries. They are also commonly used in treating sleep apnea. You can use them with or without a CPAP machine. They might cost more, but they last longer compared to store-bought ones.
If you need a special mouth guard made just for your teeth, a dentist will make a mold of your teeth. They’ll use a special digital tool to do this. Then, they’ll send this mold to a dental lab, where an expert will create a mouth guard that fits your teeth perfectly. Sometimes, this process can take up to two weeks to finish.
How often should you wear a mouthguard?
It depends on why you need it. If it’s for protecting your teeth during sports, you should wear it every time you practice or play a game. But if you need a mouth guard to help with teeth grinding, snoring, or sleep apnea, you’ll probably have to wear it every night when you sleep. Ask your healthcare provider if you need help with how often to use your mouthguard.
Benefits
Wearing a mouth guard during sports can prevent:
- Broken teeth.
- Teeth getting knocked out.
- Harm to the inside of your teeth.
- Injuries to your gums, lips, and cheeks.
While sleeping, the mouthguard can lower the chances of:
- Teeth getting worn down from grinding.
- Snoring.
- Pain in your jaw, headaches, and face pain are signs of TMJ problems.
- Sleep apnea and its problems include high blood pressure and tiredness during the day.
Conclusion
Hope now you are aware of the benefits of using mouthguards. Always consult your dentist if you have bruxism and sleep apnea. Consult Dentalsways for more information on protecting your teeth from damage. Your smile is our priority.
