Sore jaw? Restless nights? Play sports? If any of these apply to you, you might be surprised to hear that you could benefit from a mouthguard! Mouthguards aren’t just for athletes; they can help alleviate a range of issues, from teeth grinding and jaw pain to improving your sleep quality. Whether you’re an active sports enthusiast looking to protect your teeth from impact or someone struggling with nighttime teeth grinding, a custom-fitted mouthguard can make a significant difference in your overall oral health and comfort. In this post, we’ll explore the various benefits of mouthguards and how they can improve your quality of life.
How Mouthguards Can Benefit You
Functions of Mouthguards
Mouthguards are solid pieces of plastic that keep your teeth and jaw in a specific resting position. The basic function of a mouthguard is protection. Mouthguards help prevent accidental mouth injuries, ease pain from grinding your teeth, and can even help patients with trouble sleeping.
They usually only cover the top row of teeth, but can sometimes be made to cover the bottom row too. You can buy a mouthguard pre-made, custom-made, or use the “boil and bite” method for something in the middle. Custom mouthguards from Dr. Phillip Lance offer the highest level of protection and the most comfortable fit, but no matter where you get your mouthguard, actually wearing it is the most important part.
Types of Mouthguards
All mouthguards look and function mostly the same, but they might be slightly different based on the need they serve. The main uses for mouthguards include:
- Sports: Athletes are 60 times more likely to harm their teeth if they aren’t wearing a mouthguard. (Wow!) Even sports where you aren’t likely to crash into another person run a risk against your mouth. And adults aren’t excluded from this—dentists recommend that people of all ages use a mouthguard when participating in sports or outdoor activities. An injury to the mouth could cause permanent tooth loss or serious injury to your tongue and lips.
- Night Guards: According to the American Dental Association, bruxism or teeth grinding is very common and occurs in 10-15% of all adults. Grinding your teeth at night can cause tooth damage, headaches, and a sore jaw. A nightguard can prevent grinding and negative side effects. Bruxism can be a serious problem and you should talk with your dentist and doctor about any and all reasons you might be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw, especially if it’s leading to bigger problems like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
- Sleep Apnea: If you temporarily stop breathing in your sleep, a mouthguard or oral appliance can help hold your tongue and lower jaw in place to improve airflow. Sleep apnea can cause a lot of problems for your oral and overall health such as dry mouth and exhaustion and can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke. A mouthguard can also help you stop snoring. Not all cases of sleep apnea can be treated with a mouthguard so ask your dentist or doctor what’s best for you.
And yes, you can wear a mouthguard even if you have braces. Imagine how much more painful it might be to have an accident with braces involved! Talk to your Mason dentist about finding a mouthguard that fits properly and suits your needs.
Care for your mouthguard by regularly cleaning it with soap and water, brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and keeping it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria from growing.
Emergency Dentistry
Even with the best prevention, if you do experience an accidental injury to your mouth, emergency dentistry is here for you. Most dentists have an answering service after office hours; so don’t hesitate to call at any time if you need help.
If you experience trouble with long-term issues like TMJ, teeth grinding, or sleep apnea, talk with your dentist. Fixing your oral health can drastically improve many other areas of your life.Dr. Lance views dentistry as a total body practice to help you live the life you want.
At Miami Valley Smiles in Mason, Ohio, we’re dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. If it’s been a while since your last dental check-up, or if you’re due for a cleaning, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us. Your oral health is our top priority, and we’re here to provide you with the best care possible. For more information or to book an appointment, contact call us directly.
