No doubt you’re familiar with a mouthguard. High-contact athletes like basketball, hockey, football, and rugby frequently use these protective devices. But did you know that mouthguards aren’t exclusive to active people? There are multiple reasons why people receive a mouth guard to preserve their oral health.
To learn more about mouthguards in NW Calgary, contact our local dental clinic.
Types of Mouth Guards
As you know, a mouth guard protects your teeth, gums, lips, and tongue from harm. There are a couple of different ways you can obtain one of your own: you can visit a dentist near you and have it professionally made, or you can buy a stock mouthguard.
A customized mouthguard is made based on dental X-rays and impressions taken when you come into a dental clinic. Each of these things ensures that the device satisfies your oral dimensions exactly, meaning it won’t slip out of place or irritate your gums.
An over-the-counter or stock mouthguard makes use of the boil-and-bite method. While this type of mouth guard doesn’t necessarily fit over your teeth as snuggly as it should, it is undoubtedly less costly to purchase.
Talk to your dentist in NW Calgary to learn more about mouthguards. They’ll be able to answer any questions that you may have.
Reasons to Consider Using a Mouth Guard
Your dentist may suggest obtaining a mouth guard for multiple reasons, not just for gym class or playing competitive sports. They include:
1. To stop grinding.
It is Also known as bruxism. You grind or clench your teeth, typically while sleeping. This habit can wear away your enamel, exert unnecessary stress on your jaw, lead to chipped or cracked teeth, and even neck pain and headaches. A mouth guard will separate your top and bottom row of teeth. As a result, your teeth will be preserved, and you’ll get a better night’s sleep.
2. To protect your mouth from appliances.
Orthodontic appliances like metal braces and fixed prosthetics like dental bridges are lovely tools to restore your smile. Still, sometimes, they can rub or poke our oral tissues, which can cause irritation and even bleeding. Wearing a mouth guard is a simple yet effective solution to remedy this issue.
3. It can stabilize your jaw.
When your jaw is unaligned, your surrounding joints and muscles can become strained, and their movements can be restricted. It is known as TMD or temporomandibular disorder. Head and neck pain are common symptoms as well. A custom mouth guard shifts your jaw forward into a healthier position, relieving pain and stress while providing a stable cushion for your entire mouth.
4. Healing wounds after surgery.
If you’ve just received oral surgery, whether a simple or complex procedure, your dentist may strongly recommend wearing a mouth guard for a short while to ensure that your mouth fully heals.
Mouthguards are an excellent tool for people of all ages. For this method to be truly effective, however, it’s essential that you dutifully wear it when needed. Otherwise, you may have to deal with additional dental costs and treatments in the future to repair your smile.
Are you interested in receiving reliable mouthguards near you? If so, we’ve got you covered! Spy Hill Dental’s staff is here to assist you with all your oral health endeavours. Call, come in, or visit our website to book a consultation and get started today!
We look forward to working with you!