Is Wearing a Mouthguard the Right Choice For Me?
September 21, 2023
A mouthguard is an appliance that helps protect your teeth from severe damage and injury. Think of it as a protective shield for your teeth. You may think that mouthguards are only for people participating in contact sports or other recreational activities where your teeth are at risk. However, that’s not always the case.
Our dentist may recommend a mouthguard for a number of reasons. You may need to wear a mouthguard if you:
- play contact sports (hockey, rugby, football, etc.)
- are involved in recreational activities
- grind or clench your teeth
- have TMJ disorder
- have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
From sports mouthguards to night guards and bite splints, there are many types of mouthguards, each serving different purposes. They also come in different sizes and shapes, providing a unique set of advantages. When you visit our dental clinic, our dentists will recommend the most suitable mouthguard for you based on your specific needs.
Mouthguards for Sports
Contact sports like boxing and football can leave your teeth at risk of damage. A mouthguard is essential if you are engaged in such sports involving contact with other players or objects.
A sports mouthguard can reduce your risk of concussions and protect you from ending up with chipped, damaged or knocked-out teeth. By protecting your teeth, mouthguards also lower the possibility of you needing complex dental treatments and taking time off doing what you do best!
Mouthguards for Sleep Apnoea
Sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder where your breathing is interrupted during sleep. It can cause your breathing to stop for about 10-90 seconds before resuming and can happen multiple times during the night, severely affecting your quality of sleep.
If you have Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA), a mouthguard can be your saviour, ensuring you get a good night’s sleep. Our dentist may recommend a Mandibular Advancement Splint (MAS) or a Tongue Retaining/Stabilising Device to help you with this condition. These dental appliances work by repositioning your jaw or tongue to prevent your throat from collapsing and blocking the airflow when you breathe.
Mouthguards for Grinding Teeth
Do you grind and clench your teeth at night or during the day? Teeth grinding (also called Bruxism) can affect your oral health and causes problems like:
- pain in the jaw
- headaches
- cracked, chipped or loose teeth
- neck or ear pain
- tooth sensitivity
Wearing a mouthguard can help prevent these side effects of teeth grinding and reduce damage to teeth. If you suffer from teeth grinding at night, a nightguard is what you need. It is a thicker mouthguard that fits over both your lower and upper arch. An alternative solution that our dentist may recommend is a bite splint. It is a smaller mouthguard, mainly designed for use during the day.
You have many choices when it comes to mouthguards. You can get over-the-counter mouthguards or get custom-made mouthguards fitted by our dentist. While store-bought mouthguards offer some protection for your teeth, they may not provide the comfiest fit. On the other hand, a custom-made mouthguard will offer better protection and give a better, more comfortable fit.
So, if you think you may benefit from a mouthguard, consult with one of our dentists at Melton Dental. Schedule an appointment with us, and we will help you find the best mouthguard based on your needs.
Don’t settle for less when it comes to your dental health. Get your custom-fitted mouthguards from Melton Dental and protect your smile for years to come.