Your Guide to Mouth Guards

The primary use of mouth guards is to protect your teeth from damage. Even if you do not play sports or participate in many physical activities, you can still damage your teeth by grinding them while you sleep, which is why dentists recommend the use of mouth guards to most of their patients.

What types of mouth guards are available?

The three major types of mouth guards available today include:

Stock mouth protectors

These are premade mouth guards that can be found at sporting goods stores. They are inexpensive and come in the same size, which makes them impossible to customize to fit your mouth. These types of mouth guards make it difficult to breathe and are not recommended by dentists.

Boil-and-bite protectors

These are also available for purchase at any sporting goods store but they provide a better fit than the stock mouth guards because they are made from a material that softens when placed in hot water and can be shaped around your teeth to improve the fit.

Custom-made protectors

These are considered the best type of mouth guard to buy because they are designed specifically for you by your dentist, who will make an impression of your teeth to make sure the mouth guard fits snuggly. Due to the extra attention to detail in creating the mouth guard, it is the most expensive type of mouth guard you can get.

Why do I need a mouth guard?

Your dentist will recommend getting a mouth guard if you meet any of the following criteria.

Teeth grinding

Grinding your teeth leads to significant wear on your teeth that can eventually cause serious damage if left unaddressed. The condition, which is known as bruxism, can be caused by stress or lack of sleep. It can also be amplified by heavy consumption of alcohol and the use of tobacco products.

Since you can eventually wear out the enamel protecting your teeth, dentists recommend using a mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage while you sleep.

TMJ disorders

Temporomandibular disorders, widely known as TMJ, cause your jaw to click and are followed by pain or headaches, which makes it difficult to sleep at night. You can protect yourself from the pain associated with TMJ by wearing a mouth guard. Due to the fact that TMJ affects people differently, getting a customized mouth guard is the best way to deal with the clicking and wear on your teeth.

Play sports

If you live an active lifestyle and play physical sports on a regular basis, you should buy a customized mouth guard to protect your teeth from trauma in case you take a blow to the face.

Do I need a mouth guard to play sports if I wear braces?

Yes, you need to wear a mouth if you wear braces and also participate in a lot of physical activity to prevent damage to your mouth and teeth. A blow to the mouth when you are not wearing a mouth guard can cause a lot of damage, especially if your braces are metal, and wearing a mouth guard can save you a lot of pain.

Conclusion

Wearing a mouth guard is a great way to protect your teeth from damage, especially if you are active or constantly grind your teeth. If you are interested in getting a mouth guard, ask your dentist which type is right for you.

Request an appointment here: https://sonorandesertdentistry.com or call Sonoran Desert Dentistry at (480) 439-0117 for an appointment in our Scottsdale office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Mouth Guards.


Recent Posts

Why A Dental Check-up Is So Important

The idea of skipping routine dental check-up appointments may have crossed your mind. However, it would be best to read on to learn why this is not a good idea. These check-ups not only treat dental issues alone but also help prevent them from happening in the first place. Dental professionals generally recommend visiting the…

What To Expect During A Dental Check-Up

Are you due for a dental check-up? Has it been a while? You may not know what to expect if you have not had a dental check-up in a long time. Read on to discover what happens during a typical dental check-up. Oral health is important, not only for your mouth but for your overall…

Getting A Thorough Cleaning At Your Dental Checkup

Seeing your dentist for a dental checkup means having a complete oral exam and professional cleaning. Your dentist may also provide tips on how to floss or brush properly. This dental visit aims to help keep your teeth and gums in top shape. Knowing what to expect can help you prepare for it. If you…

How Often Are Dental Checkups Needed

Going in for a dental checkup might not be at the top of your priority list, but it should be. There could be many reasons why you have not been to the dentist’s office for a year or longer. Life can get busy, or you may have fears or anxieties about these visits. Whatever has…

Recent Posts

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Dental Implants: What A Dentist Wants You To Know

Many patients who have missing teeth consider dental implants as an option to restore the look and function of their smile. When deciding whether to have the procedure, it is important to learn as much as possible about the treatment.There are a variety of things patients should know about dental implants when considering the procedure.Dental…

Facts About The Dental Implants Process

5 Facts About The Dental Implants Process

Dental implants are a permanent solution for replacing missing teeth and restoring oral function. Patients who take the time to understand the implant process enjoy successful outcomes.A dental implant is a titanium post that a dentist anchors to the jawbone to replace a missing tooth root. After the implant successfully integrates with the jawbone, the…