The Right Candidate for a Mouthguard
Dental mouthguards are appropriate for both children and adults and can keep teeth protected from various risks. The American Dental Association recommends custom-fitted mouth protectors during any activity that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth. Many people also suffer from teeth clenching and grinding, especially at night. This leads to excessive wear and tear on the teeth, jaw pain, and severe headaches. A mouthguard covers the top teeth and separates them from the bottom teeth to prevent grinding and alleviate muscle tension caused by clenching.
People who have braces or other fixed dental appliances can also use mouthguards. Typically a mouth guard covers just the upper teeth, but patients can also receive one for braces on the lower teeth. A mouthguard remains especially important for anyone who has braces and participates in sports. Due to the metal brackets and braces, a hit to the face can lead to a significant injury to the mouth’s soft tissues.
“Dental mouthguards are appropriate for both children and adults and can keep teeth protected from a variety of risks.”
Creating a Custom Mouthguard
The ideal mouthguard should be fitted to the patient’s mouth, stay in place comfortably and securely, and be relatively easy to clean. Custom-fitted mouth protectors are more durable and personalized to address the patient’s specific needs. When properly taken care of, they can last for years.
The creation of a dental mouthguard usually involves two appointments. We will take an impression of the patient’s teeth during the first appointment and make a model to create a personalized mouthguard. After creating the mouthguard, we will make sure that it fits properly during the second appointment. Our team will file down any rough edges and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the device is comfortable.
“Custom-fitted mouth protectors are more durable and personalized to address the patient’s specific needs.”
When To Wear a Mouthguard
Patients with night mouthguards should wear them every night. Like anything new, it may take a few days to get used to sleeping with it in place. As long as the mouthguard is comfortable and fits well, it should not take long to adjust. Patients must dedicate themselves to wearing their mouthguard consistently to experience its health benefits. Sporadic use will make the adjustment period harder and will be counterproductive to correcting the health problem.
Patients with dental mouthguards designed for wear during physical activity should wear them every time they participate in an activity that puts them at risk for injury to their mouth or teeth. Often, athletes take out their mouthguards and chew on them, which can cause them to break down or deform. Patients should follow all care instructions to keep them from wearing out prematurely.
“Patients must dedicate themselves to wearing their mouthguard consistently to experience its health benefits.”
A Treatment for Sleep Apnea and Snoring
Patients who snore or have mild to moderate sleep apnea may benefit from a dental mouthguard. During sleep apnea, a person temporarily stops breathing while asleep. This condition increases the risk of heart disease and stroke and can also cause excessive snoring.
A mouthguard for sleep apnea does not cover the teeth but instead pushes the lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping the airway open. This dental device can improve sleep quality and reduce the frequency and loudness of snoring. Mouthguards designed just to reduce snoring tend to work similarly to mouthguards for sleep apnea.
“A mouthguard for sleep apnea does not cover the teeth but instead pushes the lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping the airway open.”
Protecting the Mouth During Sports
Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A custom-fitted mouthguard designed for athletics will protect the soft tissues of the mouth and lips. It can also prevent significant tooth damage or even tooth loss. Any athlete can benefit from wearing a mouthguard, but it is especially helpful for anyone who plays a contact sport. The flexible plastic material absorbs the force of any hits to the face or teeth.
A mouthguard remains just as important as any other piece of athletic equipment. An athletic mouthguard is slightly thicker than ones designed for night use and may cause the upper lip to protrude slightly. For the most part, a dental mouthguard used for sports is very difficult to see by spectators. Our team will help identify the appropriate mouthguard for each patient’s needs.
“Any athlete can benefit from wearing a mouthguard, but it is especially helpful for anyone who plays a contact sport.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a mouthguard?
A. A mouthguard can help alleviate many health issues, including grinding of the teeth at night and mild sleep apnea. People should also use a mouthguard during any physical activity where an injury to the mouth may occur. Our team can determine whether a patient needs a mouthguard during a consultation.
Q. How do I get a dental mouthguard?
A. A custom-fitted mouthguard requires a visit to our office. Once we determine that someone is a good candidate, we can begin creating the device. The cost will vary, so people interested in getting a mouthguard should contact their insurance provider before seeking services.
Q. When should my custom-fitted mouth protector be replaced?
A. Some mouthguards will last for years, while others show wear and tear much sooner. It is helpful to bring it to each dental checkup to have it examined for cracks or damage. Children will need their mouthguard replaced more frequently to address changes with their teeth.
Q. How do I clean my mouthguard?
A. Clean and dry your dental mouthguard after every use to prevent bacteria from growing. Once people remove their mouthguard, rinse it under cold water and brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Keep it in its own ventilated box, and make sure to keep it away from any heat source.
Q. Will it fall out at night?
A. A custom-fitted mouth protector will not fall out at night. The fit will be tight over teeth since it has been made specifically to a mold of the patient’s teeth. Once they have adjusted to wearing it, it should be barely noticeable.
Q. I have braces. Can I wear a mouthguard?
A. People who wear braces or have fixed dental work can receive specially made mouthguards. Although some mouthguards only cover the upper teeth, we may suggest using one on the lower teeth if braces are present. A mouthguard will provide an important barrier between the braces and the soft tissues of the gums and cheeks.