What is a Mouthguard?
A properly fitted mouthguard is an important appliance you wear to prevent facial and head injuries while playing sports. They do a lot more than just protect your teeth. A mouthguard not only protects your smile it will prevent injuries to:
- your lips
- cheeks
- tongue
- neck
- brain
- lower jawbone
- Temporomandibular Joint
Mouthguards help to cushion potential blows during physical sports that might otherwise cause these injuries.
Who should wear a Mouthguard?
You don’t have to be on the hockey rink or football field to benefit from a well fitted mouthguard. It is recommended that everyone, from children to adults, wear a mouthguard during any recreational activity that could possibly be a risk of injury to the mouth.
If you’re athletic, you should consider getting a mouthguard.
What is a Nightguard?
A nightguard is an appliance you wear while you sleep to prevent you from damaging your teeth by grinding or clenching.
How is the nightguard effective?
A nightguard can help to reduce your grinding problems by:
- Relaxing your jaw muscles (which will reduce your headaches and sore jaws and balance the forces in your mouth).
- The nightguard appliance substitutes as the wearing material so that your teeth and jaw muscles don’t suffer the consequences: Better to grind the nightguard than your own tooth enamel!
Who should wear a nightguard?
If you grind your teeth at night, you should consider wearing a nightguard appliance.
Can children wear nightguards?
Special considerations for child toothginding should be taken. Child toothgrinding is common and may subside as your child ages and develops more permanent teeth. Consult your Dentist regarding treatment for children, as an appliance worn continually may interfere with their growth and development.
Where can I get a mouthguard or nightguard?
There are several different types of (sport) mouthguards available.
- stock mouthguard
- mouth-formed
- custom-fit
Nightguards are available from your dentist! They are made on models taken of your upper and lower teeth and can be made using hard or soft material. Discuss with your Dentist which is best for your situation.
How do I care for my mouthguard or nightguard?
There are several things you can do to make your guard last longer:
- Never bite your guard in place; biting on the guard when it’s out of position can possibly damage the guard, your teeth and gums.
- Rinse your guard, with cool water, after every use.
- Becareful not to use hot water as it may distort the appliance. A gentle, soft toothbrush may be used to clean, depending on the guard.
- Keep your guard in a safe carrying case while storing. This will protect it against breakage, household pets and also keep it clean.
- Make sure to schedule regular dental check-ups and your Dentist will look over the guard and review the amount of wear and its fit! (Bring your mouthguard or nightguard to each dental visit).
