Mouthguard

Protect Your Smile with Mouthguards!

Having trouble sleeping because of teeth grinding or bruxism? 

Your teeth are affected by other activities such as sports? 

Find out more about the many mouthguards that can be useful.

What is Mouthguard?

Mouthguards are a common dental device used to protect the teeth and mouth from injury and damage. They normally fit over the teeth to create a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth. They are often composed of a soft plastic material.

Some common uses of mouthguards in dentistry

Sports: Mouthguards are frequently worn during contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing to shield the teeth and mouth from blows. They can also be worn to guard the teeth from unintentional contacts with other players or equipment in non-contact sports like basketball.

Teeth Grinding: Mouthguards can protect the teeth and jaw from damage caused by teeth grinding or clenching, a condition known as bruxism. Wearing a mouthguard at night can prevent tooth wear, jaw pain, and headaches caused by bruxism.

Sleep Apnea: Mouthguards may also be used to treat sleep apnea, a disorder in which breathing is interfered with while you are asleep. By holding the lower jaw in a slightly forward position, a mouthguard can help keep the airways open and reduce apnea episodes.

How often one should wear a mouthguard?

The use of the mouthguard and the activity for which it is used determine how frequently it should be worn. If you wear a mouthguard for sports or athletic activities that involve contact or collision, you should wear it during every practice and game. It's important to wear a mouthguard during every game or practice to protect your teeth and prevent oral injuries. If you wear a mouthguard for teeth grinding or bruxism, you should wear it every night while sleeping or as recommended by your dentist. This will help protect your teeth from grinding or clenching. This can cause dental problems such as cracked or worn-down teeth, jaw pain, and headaches.

Types of Mouthguard

The function of the mouthguard, the level of protection required, and the comfort and fit of the mouthguard should all be taken into account while selecting one. The material of the mouthguard is also important as it affects the comfort and durability. To preserve the mouthguard's efficiency and endurance, it is also crucial to ensure proper cleaning and maintenance. A dentist or other healthcare professional should always be consulted for guidance on selecting the best mouthguard for your circumstances.

Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed, ready-to-wear mouthguards bought off-the-shelf at sports stores or pharmacies. They are relatively inexpensive but bulky, uncomfortable and don't fit very well, making them less effective at protecting teeth and mouth.

Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These are thermoplastic mouthguards that can be softened in hot water and then molded to fit the teeth and mouth. They offer a better fit than stock mouthguards and are available in different sizes. Mouthguards that you boil and bite are readily accessible in pharmacies and sporting goods stores.

Custom Mouthguards: These are made by a dentist or dental laboratory and offer the most comfortable fit and protection. An impression of the patient's teeth is used to create a custom mouthguard. This impression is then used to create a mouthguard that fits the teeth and mouth precisely. Custom mouthguards are more expensive than stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards but they are more comfortable and provide better protection.

Take the first step towards a healthy smile: Book your free consultation today.

Choosing a right dental mouthguard

The function of the mouthguard, the level of protection necessary, and the person's personal preferences all play a role in selecting the best dental mouthguard.

A person's dentist can provide advice on the best type of mouthguard to suit the individual's needs. It is important to ensure that the mouthguard fits properly to ensure maximum protection and comfort. Mouthguards should be replaced if they become loose or worn.

It's important to consult with a dentist or healthcare provider to choose the right dental mouthguard for your needs. They can give you more details about your options and assist you in making a wise choice.

Purpose: The type of mouthguard you choose will depend on the purpose. If you require a mouthguard for sports, you might want to think about getting a personalised mouthguard that offers the best impact protection. If you need a mouthguard for teeth grinding or clenching, you may want to consider a custom-fitted night guard that is comfortable to wear while you sleep.

Fit: A decent mouthguard should fit snugly but comfortably in your mouth. It should cover your teeth and gums completely to protect them from impact or grinding. Custom-designed mouthguards are recommended as they are made to fit your teeth precisely, providing the best protection and comfort.

Material: Mouthguards can be made of different materials, including thermoplastic, silicone, and acrylic. Thermoplastic mouthguards are commonly used in sports and offer good protection and comfort. Silicone mouthguards are more flexible and durable, making them suitable for people who grind their teeth. Acrylic mouthguards are typically used for orthodontic purposes.

Durability: A decent mouthguard should be long-lasting and sturdy, especially if you use it for sports or if you grind your teeth frequently. Custom-fitted mouthguards are typically made from high-quality materials that are designed to last.

Maintenance: A mouthguard should be easy to clean and maintain. Be sure to adhere to the manufacturer's recommendations for cleaning and storing your mouthguard.

The dentist will examine your teeth and jaw during the consultation to determine whether a mouthguard is the best option for you. Depending on the type of protection you are looking for, the dentist will recommend the most appropriate type of mouthguard for you.

The dentist will take into account the size of your teeth and mouth, the type of sport or activity you are engaging in, and any medical conditions you may have. They will also assess your dental history to determine if there any other issues that may impact the type of mouthguard that would be best for you.

Get in touch with Middletown Dental Care today to schedule an appointment for further consultation and to get an advice on the best mouthguard for you. 

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