Has your doctor or dentist recommended a mouthguard? If you’re not sure whether or not to get one, here are 5 things you need to know about mouthguards to help you decide.
They Act as A Barrier
If you’ve been grinding or clenching your teeth at night, your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard. A custom-fitted guard will separate your teeth and act as a barrier to protect them from further wear and tear. And when you attempt to clench your jaw while asleep, the guard will reduce the tension and provide more cushioning to the muscles in the jaw area.
Help Jaw Muscles Recover
Those who suffer from TMJ issues can greatly benefit from wearing a mouthguard. When worn over the teeth, it will hold your jaw in the correct position, allowing the facial and jaw muscles to relax and recover. A mouthguard can also help stabilize the bite and prevent it from locking, which can greatly reduce any discomfort that TMJ frequently causes.
Mouthguards Can Cushion A Hit
The risk of sport-related injury can be greatly reduced by wearing a mouthguard. Sports guards are made of soft material, so it can easily absorb an impact to the face and teeth. This can minimize the risk of broken teeth, prevent injury to your mouth and jaw, and even protect you against a concussion. Specialty mouth guards can also be designed to fit over top of a set of braces and further prevent soft tissue injuries.
Can Keep Your Airways Open
Mouthguards have also been shown to help those who are suffering from sleep apnea, which causes a person to temporarily stop breathing while sleeping. When worn at night, the mouth guard acts to prevent the tongue from falling back into the throat and helps keep the airways open. Not only can this help you to have a better and more fulfilling sleep, but it can also prevent excessive snoring throughout the night – it’s a win-win!
They Save You Money
Whether you’re playing sports or are grinding your teeth, a mouthguard can protect your teeth and also keep more money in your pocket. In fact, mouthguards are fairly inexpensive and can potentially save you thousands of dollars in dental and medical bills due to an injury or damage.
If you’re still not sure if you need a mouthguard, talk to one of our dentists at Yazdani Family Dentistry. We will determine the type of mouthguard you require and even have it custom made for you. To learn more contact us today!
