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Mouthguard

Discover the importance of a mouthguard. Ensure dental safety during activities with our reliable mouthguard solutions.

The Importance of Mouthguards in Guarding Your Smile.

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A gorgeous smile is a valuable asset that the majority of us wish to maintain for a lifetime. Nevertheless, accidents can occur, whether in the context of sports, nighttime teeth clenching, or other unforeseen circumstances. This is where mouthguards enter the picture. In this article, we will discuss the significance of mouthguards and why they are essential for protecting oral health.

Athletic Mouthguards

Whether you are an amateur or professional athlete, a sports retainer should be a standard part of your equipment. Football, hockey, and basketball, as well as martial arts, pose a substantial risk of dental injuries. A retainer that is properly fitted can protect your teeth and prevent serious damage. Here is why they are necessary:

  1. Prevent Dental Injuries: Mouthguards function as a cushion, absorbing impact force and decreasing the risk of broken or chipped teeth.

There is evidence that mouthguards can reduce the risk of concussions in contact sports by absorbing some of the impact.

  1. Protect Soft Tissues: Mouthguards also prevent bites to the lips, tongue, and facial lining during an impact.

Guards for Teeth Grinding at Night

Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a prevalent condition that occurs frequently during sleep. It can cause enamel wear, mandible pain, and other dental issues over time. Night guardians are essential for the management of this condition.

  1. Prevent Tooth Damage: Night protectors serve as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, thereby reducing the damage caused by teeth grinding.
  2. Relieve Jaw Pain: They can mitigate the discomfort and pain of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), which can be exacerbated by teeth grinding.
  3. Enhance slumber: The use of a night guard can enhance the quality of your slumber by reducing disturbances caused by grinding sounds or discomfort.

Custom versus Off-the-Shelf Mouthguards

When contemplating mouthguards, you typically have the option between custom-made and off-the-shelf options. Typically, custom-made mouthguards are recommended for optimal fit and protection. Here is a fast contrast:

1. Custom Mouthguards: These are custom-made by your dentist to fit your teeth and oral anatomy. They provide superior defence, comfort, and durability.

These mouthguards are readily available at sporting goods stores and pharmacies. They are less expensive, but they may not suit as precisely or provide the same level of protection as custom guards.

How to Maintain a Mouthguard

To ensure the durability and efficacy of your mouthguard, it is crucial to maintain appropriate care and cleanliness:

  1. Rinse Following Use: Rinse the mouthguard with cold water or an antimicrobial solution to eliminate debris and pathogens.
  2. Clean Frequently: Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your mouthguard at least once per week to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and unpleasant odours.
  3. Proper Storage: Store your mouthguard in a ventilated container to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can promote bacterial growth.

The conclusion

Mouthguards are more than just protective equipment; they are indispensable for preserving oral health and protecting your smile. Investing in a mouthguard is prudent whether you’re an athlete, a nocturnal teeth-grinder, or merely someone who values their dental health. It can prevent painful injuries and dental procedures and help you maintain your attractive smile for many years. Don’t delay until it’s too late; purchase a high-quality mouthguard immediately.

Mouth Guards

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Jaw ache? Sleepless at night? Engage in sports? You might be shocked to learn that you could benefit from a mouthguard if any of these describe you!

The purposes of mouthguards

Solid plastic mouthguards maintain your jaw and teeth in a particular resting position. A mouthguard’s primary purpose is to provide protection. Mouthguards can benefit people who have difficulty sleeping as well as avoid unintentional mouth injuries and teeth grinding pain.

They can occasionally be manufactured to cover the lower row of teeth in addition to the top row. For something in the middle, you can use the “boil and bite” technique or purchase a mouthguard already constructed or customized. The best protection and most comfortable fit are provided by custom mouthguards from your Waupaca dentist, but wearing your mouthguard is crucial, regardless of where you purchase it.

Various Mouthguard Types

Although the majority of mouthguards have the same appearance and functionality, depending on the purpose they serve, they may differ slightly. Main applications for mouthguards consist of:

Sports: Without a mouthguard, athletes have a 60-fold increased risk of dental damage. (Whoa! Athletic activities that don’t involve collisions pose a risk to your oral health. Dentists advise people of all ages to use mouthguards when playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities, and adults are no exception. A mouth injury may result in severe damage to your tongue and lips or irreversible tooth loss.

Night Watchmen: The American Dental Association states that bruxism, or the grinding of teeth, affects 10–15% of individuals. Nighttime teeth grinding can lead to headaches, aching jaws, and damage to your teeth. Grinding and its detrimental effects can be avoided with a night guard. Bruxism can be a serious condition, so you should discuss any and all causes of your teeth grinding or jaw clenching with your doctor and dentist. This is especially important if it’s contributing to more significant issues like temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ).

Sleep Apnea: A mouthguard or other dental device can assist hold your tongue and lower jaw in place to promote airflow if you momentarily stop breathing while you sleep. Sleep apnea can raise your risk of heart attack and stroke and lead to a host of other issues with your oral and general health, including fatigue and dry mouth. You can also stop snoring with the aid of a mouthguard. Ask your doctor or dentist what’s best for you as a mouthguard may not be an effective treatment for all cases of sleep apnea.

Indeed, using a mouthguard is possible even if you wear braces. Just think of how much more unpleasant an accident with braces may be! Find a mouthguard that fits well and meets your needs by speaking with your dentist.

To discourage bacteria from forming, clean your mouthguard with soap and water on a regular basis, brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste, and store it in a ventilated case.

Intensive Dental Care

Emergency dentistry is available to you even if you take every precaution to avoid getting hurt in the mouth. Don’t hesitate to call at any time if you need assistance; most dentists provide an answering service available after hours.

See your dentist if you have long-term problems such as TMJ, teeth grinding, or sleep apnea. Improving your oral health has a significant positive impact on many other aspects of your life.