A mouthguard is a protective device worn over the teeth. It helps to prevent injuries to the mouth, teeth, lips and jaw. Mouthguards are commonly used in sports like football, boxing and hockey. They are also useful for people who grind their teeth at night. Wearing a mouthguard can reduce the risk of broken teeth and other dental injuries.
Your orthodontist may recommend a mouthguard for several reasons, with the most common reasons being:
Most people wear mouthguards during contact sports such as rugby, hockey and boxing to prevent chipped teeth and other injuries to the cheeks, gums and lips.
Tooth grinding, also called bruxism, is linked to stress, but several other contributing factors can cause the habit. Most people grind their teeth during sleep, so wearing a mouthguard can help prevent the teeth from wearing down and other injuries.
TMJ often causes dysfunction and pain in the muscles that move the jaw and aid chewing. TMJD affects about 20 – 30% of people. While TMJ dysfunction is also a symptom of other conditions and not a condition in itself, mouthguards can help alleviate the discomfort and related issues.
Mouth guards are usually for only the upper teeth, but the dentist may recommend wearing the guard on the lower teeth.
Although you can buy DIY mouthguards from different suppliers, a custom-fitted mouthguard from your orthodontist gives better results because a professional will make it to meet your specific needs. The custom-made mouthguards are also more comfortable and give better protection.
A mouthguard fitting is simple and pain-free. A scan is taken of your teeth and sent to the laboratory. When the mouthguard is available, you will visit the dentist for another appointment to have the fitting.
If you need a mouthguard to protect your smile and improve your oral health, visit Kingston Orthodontics or call us on 0203 002 2501 to schedule an appointment with our dentist.
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