What is a mouth guard and why might someone need one?
There are different kinds of mouth guards. There's the athletic mouth guard you see football players wear, often with a team logo on it. It's basically a thick piece of plastic that's placed usually on the upper teeth to prevent the lower jaw from slamming into the upper, which can cause teeth damage or even brain injuries. The plastic is there to protect the upper jaw from the lower jaw.
There are also night guards, which are just a type of mouth guard. The purpose of a night guard is to prevent you from grinding or clenching your teeth. Your lower jaw puts pressure on the upper, and doing this all night can make your jaw sore. Often, it's due to stress. The piece of plastic prevents you from being able to clench down all the way.
What are the most common types of mouth guards?
As mentioned, the most common types are athletic mouth guards for athletes and night guards, which are probably more common because there are more non-athletic people than athletic people.
What is a mouth guard for teeth grinding (bruxism) and how does it work?
Your night guard is a piece of plastic custom-made to fit your mouth. We do a digital scan, no more molds or putty, as we're a completely digital office. We take a digital impression with a wand, which is very comfortable and takes about 5 minutes. It goes to a lab, and they send back a custom-made plastic appliance that snaps directly over your teeth. The plastic prevents you from clenching down and exerting too much pressure on the jaw.
How can a mouth guard help with TMJ disorders?
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is bilateral, on both sides of the jaw. People often have soreness in that area due to grinding or clenching at night. The plastic in your mouth prevents you from exerting as much force, reducing the risk of TMJ disorder.
What is a sleep apnea mouth guard and how does it help?
A sleep apnea mouth guard is relatively new compared to other kinds. We take a digital impression and send it to a lab. The sleep apnea guard keeps your airway open to help you breathe if you suffer from sleep apnea. It's a similar process with a different function.
What is the difference between a custom mouth guard and a store-bought one?
Store-bought ones are often called boil-and-bite. You heat them up and bite down, so they roughly conform to your teeth. They're not comfortable, cheaper, and you get them faster. Custom guards, however, are made from a digital impression, are much smaller, more comfortable, fit only your mouth, and come ready to use.
How do you properly clean a mouth guard?
Daily maintenance involves rinsing it when you wake up. It's the last thing you put in at night, right after brushing your teeth. Brush before bed to avoid trapping bacteria, which leads to cavities. You can also use ultrasonic pods with cleaning solutions to keep them fresh. They're easy to maintain since they don't contact food or drinks.
How often should a mouth guard be replaced?
There's no set timetable, but typically every two years. If you've bitten through them or they're not fitting well, it's time for a new one. Even with good cleaning, bacteria build-up occurs.
Are there any risks or side effects associated with using a mouth guard?
Initially, there may be discomfort for those new to using a guard, but the benefits far outweigh this. There are no real risks, and it's reversible if it doesn't work for someone. Most people adapt within a week or two.
When should someone consider using a mouth guard for sports like football or boxing?
From the very beginning of involvement in any contact or high-impact sport, such as karate, boxing, football, or even soccer. Anytime the lower jaw could be slammed into the upper or from a direct blow, a mouth guard is essential.
Custom mouth guards are essential for participation in numerous sports to safeguard teeth against potential injuries.
While pre-formed, ready-to-wear mouth guards are readily available at many sporting stores, they often lack proper fit, resulting in discomfort and potential interference with speech and breathing.
Semi-custom mouth guards, available at sporting goods stores, involve heating the plastic and then having the athlete bite into it while still warm to achieve a partial custom fit.
Our practice offers custom mouth guards tailored to your specific needs by taking an impression of your teeth and crafting a device that fits your mouth precisely, ensuring optimal comfort and protection. This personalized approach is especially vital for athletes wearing braces.
Remember to bring your mouth guard to your dental appointments for periodic checks to ensure it continues to fit properly.