Preventive Dentistry

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.