Mouthguards are designed to absorb and dissipate pressure to protect your teeth, tongue, face, and jaw from injury. They can also be used to reposition your jaw and help open up your airways while sleeping. If you play sports or have a sleep disorder, a mouthguard can offer the protection you need and help to drastically reduce the chance of tooth and jaw damage. But not everyone needs a mouthguard. To determine if it’s right for you, read on to learn when it’s a good idea to wear a mouthguard.
You Grind Your Teeth
Do you suffer from bruxism or teeth grinding? Mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth from grinding and clenching while you sleep. A custom-fit mouthguard can keep your top and bottom teeth separated to avoid damage when grinding and alleviate tooth pain, jaw pain, and sore gums.
You Snore at Night
A mouthguard can also help to reduce snoring. It can help prevent obstruction of your nasal passages and soft tissue in the upper airway by pulling your jaw forward.
You Have Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes a person to stop breathing temporarily when sleeping. Those who suffer from mild sleep apnea can use a mouthguard to push the lower jaw and tongue forward and help keep the airways open.
You Play Sports
Athletes have a higher risk of head trauma and tooth loss. If you play contact sports such as boxing, hockey, or basketball, a mouthguard can protect your teeth and jaw from injury.
You Wear Braces
Those who wear braces can also benefit from wearing a mouthguard when playing sports or when sleeping at night. The guard can be designed to fit over both sets of teeth or just one to protect the cheeks, tongue, and lips. A properly fitted guard can also protect the brackets and other appliances if you fall or endure a blow to the face.
You Suffer from TMJ
The use of a mouthguard won’t cure your temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) but it can help to alleviate the symptoms and reposition or stabilize your jaw. Wearing a mouthguard every day can reduce the pressure that causes upper and lower jaw pain as well as the headaches you experience.
There are three types of mouthguards available – ready-made, boil and bite, and custom fit. Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best option when it comes to protection as they are designed to snugly fit over your teeth, making it easier to breathe and speak. If you need a custom fit mouthguard, you can get one at our Yazdani Dental office. Contact us today to set up your appointment.
