
Mouthguards
It is a dental device that protects teeth from injuries. People can buy different types of mouth guards according to their needs.
What are Mouthguards?
It’s a dental appliance usually worn on the teeth to protect the oral cavity and teeth from injury. It is made up of plastic. It reduces the chances of oral injuries such as cheeks, lips and teeth during sports and teeth grinding or bite problems. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism. They are also helpful in treating many issues caused by nighttime sleep disorders, such as mild sleep apnea. It helps reduce dental fractures within the mouth. They can be worn during sports such as football, basketball, boxing and wrestling. At Butternut Family Dentistry, we provide you mouth guards made of reliable materials to prevent various oral injuries. There are two main categories of mouth-guards with different purposes:
- Sports guards
- Night guards
Sports guards are usually used during sports to prevent injuries. Night guards are used while sleeping. They can also help people with conditions like snoring. They help open the jaw so that air can flow properly.
Types of Mouthguards
There are many types of mouthguards. The details are given below:
1. Mouthguards for Sports Injuries
These types of guards help prevent many sports injuries. In sports such as soccer, basketball, cricket, hockey and many others, you are at high risk of falls and collisions, and oral injuries can happen, such as teeth fractures, jaw fractures and cuts to lips, tongue and cheeks.
2. Mouthguards for Grinding Teeth
Sometimes, you experience a condition like bruxing, in simple words the grinding of teeth. They protect your teeth from clenching and grinding. They can be worn at any time, day or night, but mostly at night.
3. Mouthguards for Snoring and Sleep Apnea
In conditions such as snoring and sleep apnea, these are helpful to shift and reposition your jaws to open the air passage during sleep.
Additionally, there are many other mouth-guards, such as those given below:
- Stock:
They are available in one size and are ready to wear, but are a poor fit.
- Boil-and-Bite:
They are made of EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate). They can soften in hot water and are easily moulded when pressed down the teeth. They need a proper fitting process.
- Custom-Fitted:
A professional dentist makes them using a mould of your teeth. They give maximum protection but are expensive compared to other guards.
Who Needs Mouthguards?
It is recommended that people facing the following situations should wear mouth-guards.
Bruxism
Special night guards are used in bruxism. They are also called occlusal splints. They prevent tooth damage and helps reduce muscle strain in the jaw. They are made of soft, dual-layer material. They absorb pressure and avoid tooth injury.
Contact Sports
People who are at high risk of direct impact to the face and jaw in sports such as martial arts, football, rugby, etc., should wear boil and bite or custom-fit, which are made of EVA and are very shock-absorbing.
Activities with a High Fall Risk
People who participate in skating, mountaineering and other sports can face oral injuries. These people should wear sports mouth-guards. It provides a cushion effect for falls and impacts. It also helps to lower the risk of oral injuries due to unintentional falls.
Snoring
People with a snoring problem can use a custom-fit mouth guard. It helps you to improve airflow and reduce snoring.
TMD Issues
TMD is commonly known as Temporomandibular Joint Disorder. It affects the jaw joint, causing clicking, jaw locking and pain. Bite guards are usually used to reduce the stress on the jaw. They help people by adjusting their bite and relieving pressure on the jaw. They support the proper functioning of joints.
People Taking the Adderall Drug
Patients taking Adderall may experience the side effects of teeth grinding or jaw clenching. Our experienced dentists recommend night guards to protect patients from oral injuries during these dental processes.
How are Mouthguards Helpful to Maintain Oral Health?
- Mouth guards act as a cushion and prevent tooth injuries.
- It also helps people reduce their oral tissue injuries.
- It also provides you with support for healthy jaw alignment and pain relief.
- It protects your teeth at night, especially for bruxism.
- It helps us to improve breathing, which results in a reduction in snoring.
Care Needed for a Mouthguard
- Avoid exposing it to extreme heat as it may cause a warp or change in shape.
- After every use, you should clean it with a brush and soap water.
- Store it in a place where your pets can never reach.
- Use a sturdy case to store it.
- Don’t chew your mouth-guards.
- Please don’t share it with others.
- Change your mouth-guards after every 6-12 months.
FAQs
Why should I use a mouthguard?
Ans: You should wear a mouth guard to prevent oral injuries. It acts as a shock absorber during your different activities such as bike riding, teeth grinding. It provides support to your jaw and teeth.
What is the cost of a mouthguard?
Ans: It’s price may vary from place to place depending on the material used for mouth-guards. However it’s cost starts from $10 to $500.
Can People with Braces Wear a Mouthguard?
Ans: Yes. People can wear a mouth guard along with a brace. Braces have wires and brackets. They can cut your lips and cheeks inside. During any sport you should wear these guards to avoid such injuries.
How long should mouthguards last?
Ans: A mouth guard can be changed after every 6-12 months, and before if it is torn or wrapped.