Mouth Guard
Do I need a custom mouth guard?
Roughly one in ten adults suffer from bruxism or grinding of the teeth during sleep. Untreated bruxism can lead to:
- chronic pain in the face and neck
- sore gums
- frequent headaches
- damaged or worn teeth
Despite the discomfort caused by the condition, many sufferers are unaware their pain stems from an unfortunate habit.
While it’s always best to schedule an appointment with us for a complete assessment and diagnosis, common symptoms that indicate bruxism include:
- Flattened, fractured, or chipped teeth
- Tight or tired jaw muscles
- Reduced mobility of the jaw
- Worn tooth enamel
- Increased tooth pain or sensitivity
- Sleep disruption
- Dull headaches originating near the temples
Mouth Guards for Snoring
For those who suffer from sleep apnea or excessive snoring, a mouth guard can reduce snoring and apneic events by pulling your lower jaw forward to open your airway.
For Sports or Exercise
For athletes, the consequences of foregoing a custom mouth guard are numerous. Permanent damage to the teeth is common in contact sports and while lifting; a custom athletic mouthguard can prevent this damage.
Custom Mouth Guard for Grinding
Nocturnal bruxism, or grinding your teeth at night, can cause severe jaw and tooth pain and wear to your teeth. Fabricating a custom mouthguard that you wear at night can protect your teeth and relieve the pain and headaches that are caused by grinding and clenching.
Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf
While commercial one-size-fits-all mouth guards have been historically popular, they are not without considerable faults. The “boil and bite” fitting method – in which you place the mouth guard in boiling water until it becomes pliable, and then bite down while still soft to mold the guard to your teeth – is imprecise and can be ineffective for creating a proper fit.
While manufacturers recommend using scissors to trim and shape their guards to enhance comfort, one-size-fits-all mouth guards are often still uncomfortable for prolonged use, a significant issue for both athletes and those suffering from bruxism.
Dodge Dental Studio: A Name You Can Trust
Dentists take medical-grade molds of your teeth to create your mouth guard, allowing for a precise fit that can’t be matched by traditional methods like boil and bite.
Whether you’re worried about protecting your teeth during your next hockey match or mid-day nap, a custom mouth guard is an ideal option. Contact us at Dodge Dental Studio to get your ideal fit!
