You may do all the right things to prevent the damage that cavities can do to your teeth: brushing, flossing, and eating the right kinds of foods. But while dental decay is common, it isn’t the only way your teeth can be harmed. Fortunately, one simple tool can prevent many kinds of damage: a dental mouthguard.
Our dentists can fit you for custom mouthguards that do a better job of protecting your smile than mouthguards purchased at a store or online. They will take impressions of your teeth and other measurements to ensure a mouthguard fits you perfectly. With a secure and comfortable fit, you won’t be tempted to skip wearing it when it’s needed.
In this blog we’ll discuss four reasons you may need a dental mouthguard. We’re happy to talk to you about any of them! Call Carmichael Dental Care at 334-600-1423 for a consultation with Dr. Swartzentruber or Dr. Keahey.
Dental Mouthguard Keeps Teeth Safe During Sports
If you’ve ever wondered if you should wear a mouthguard during athletic activities, let us share a sobering statistic from the American Dental Association: Athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer dental damage when not wearing a mouthguard. Wild throws or stray elbows can cause everything from a knocked-out tooth to a chipped or broken one. If a damaged tooth isn’t repaired right away, the result can be an infection.
Wearing a mouthguard protects your teeth from injury, and it may also help protect you from concussions. With its superior fit, a custom mouthguard will stay in your mouth and is less likely to become dislodged. There’s also no need for a frustrating “boil-and-bite” process to get the fit right.
Stop Damage From Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding can prematurely wear down your teeth and may badly damage tooth enamel. In the most serious cases, teeth can crack or even break. This destructive habit is often linked to stress. Many people do it at night while sleeping and may not even be aware of it. While stress reduction practices can help, a custom dental mouthguard is the best way to consistently protect your teeth from the destructive results of a grinding habit.
Relieve TMJ Symptoms With a Dental Mouthguard
Teeth grinding is sometimes linked to TMJ disorders, a condition in which your temporomandibular joints (TMJ) become inflamed and irritated. The result is chronic jaw pain and even difficulty opening and closing your mouth without discomfort. The pain can also spread to other areas of your body like your neck and shoulders. A dental mouthguard will ease pressure on your TMJ so they can heal. It will also prevent you from clenching or grinding your teeth.
In addition to a mouthguard, you can receive a facial rejuvenation treatment. A quick injection will relax your facial and jaw muscles. As a bonus, it will also make small lines and wrinkles less prominent.
Get a Better Night’s Rest
Wearing a dental mouthguard while sleeping also keeps your airway open so you can breathe easily and get a better night’s rest. A blocked airway is the cause of obstructive sleep apnea, a condition during which sleep is briefly interrupted many times a night as you gasp for breath. Our dentists will fit you for a custom-made mouthguard that gently moves your jaw forward so that your airway stays clear. The mouthguard also stops you from snoring, so that other members of your household will sleep better too.
Our dentists can help you determine if you’ll benefit from a dental mouthguard. Schedule an appointment by calling Carmichael Dental Care at 334-600-1423.