What are the benefits of using a mouthguard? Mouthguards are the go-to for preventing injuries to the face and mouth. Like how helmets protect against head trauma. Mouthguards are often made of soft plastic or laminate. They protect the face and mouth from injury. They protect your mouth, gums, cheeks, and jaw with your teeth.
Mouthguards are in use by athletes for a variety of reasons. Dental injuries can happen to athletes of all ages, genders, and ability levels. While it may be frightening to consider, mouthguards are excellent at what they do. Mouthguards helped reduce the occurrence of dental injuries among athletes in contact sports.
Many persons who could enjoy a guard’s protection opt not to hire one. Still, only 41% of players said they used a mouthguard.
Different types of mouthguards.
Stock Mouthguards
The most accessible and affordable mouthguard is a stock mouthguard. They’re available at most sporting goods and drug stores. They are available in small, medium, and big sizes and the design is to fit over your teeth. The majority of off-the-shelf mouthguards only cover your top teeth.
Stock mouthguards are simple to buy and inexpensive. But they do have certain drawbacks. They’re uncomfortable and don’t give a snug fit because of their restricted sizing possibilities.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are like stock mouthguards. This is in that they are at most drugstores and are quite inexpensive. Boil-and-bite mouthguards come in a single size that you can adjust to fit your teeth rather than a variety of sizes. This entails softening the mouthguard in the microwave before placing it over your front teeth and biting down.
Custom-made Mouthguards.
A mouthguard can also be custom-made by your dentist. They’ll take a model of your teeth and use it to make a mouthguard that fits your teeth and mouth perfectly. This ensures a better fit than a stock or boil-and-bite mouthguard. It makes them more comfortable and difficult to dislodge while sleeping.
A custom-made mouthguard is your best option if you grind your teeth, snore, or suffer from sleep apnea.
Benefits of using a mouthguard.
1. To protect against sports injury.
Certain sports and hobbies put you at risk of falling or injuring your face. A mouthguard can help protect your teeth. It also prevents injuries to your lips and tongue. If you take part in any of the following activities, it’s very crucial to wear a mouthguard:
football\soccer ,boxing ,gymnastics, basketball, field hockey ,ice hockey ,softball\wrestling
In most circumstances, a stock or a boil-and-bite mouthguard will provide adequate protection. This is while participating in sports. Stock mouthguards are the cheapest and maybe a decent choice if you only need to wear one on rare occasions. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more expensive. but they fit better and remain in place better. This may be a better alternative for you if you participate in high-impact sports.
2. To help with Grinding of the teeth
Teeth grinding and clenching are symptoms of bruxism. This is a sleep-related movement disorder that can cause many issues. This includes tooth discomfort, jaw pain, and sore gums. It also has the potential to harm your teeth.
Wearing a mouthguard while sleeping can help keep your top and bottom teeth separated. This is so that the pressure of grinding or clenching doesn’t damage them.
For bruxism, you’ll almost always need a custom-fitted mouthguard. Stock mouthguards are difficult to keep in place and unpleasant, making sleeping difficult. While boil-and-bite mouthguards are more comfortable, they become brittle and weak with time. If you’re not sure if you need a mouthguard, consult your dentist.
3. To reduce the effects of Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a dangerous sleep disorder in which a person stops breathing while sleeping. This can deprive your brain of adequate oxygen, raising your risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also make you snore and make you feel sleepy the next day.
A CPAP machine can be used by some persons with sleep apnea to keep their airways open while they sleep. A custom-made mouthguard can give a similar benefit if you have minor sleep apnea.
A mouthguard for sleep apnea works by pulling your lower jaw and tongue forward. This keeps your airway open, rather than covering your teeth. To re-adjust your lower jaw, some varieties feature a strap that goes over your head and chin.
4. To help to Prevent Snoring
Mouthguards can also assist to prevent snoring, which is caused by soft tissue vibrations in the upper airway. They act in a similar way to sleep apnea mouthguards. Both versions maintain your airway open by moving your lower jaw forward.
Many over-the-counter mouthguards that claim to prevent snoring are available in stores and online. However, little study has been done on them, and it is unclear whether they are effective.
Speak to your dentist about mouthguard options if your snoring is interfering with your daily life. They may be able to custom-make a mouthguard for you or recommend one that has worked for other patients.
How do you take care of your mouthguard?
Because your mouthguard spends so much time in your mouth, it’s critical to protect it from harm and maintain it clean.
Follow these tips to get the most out of your mouthguard:
· Brush and clean your teeth before putting in your mouthguard.
· Use your toothpaste and toothbrush to clean your mouthguard after use.
· Regularly inspect for holes or other signs of deterioration to determine whether it needs to be replaced.
· Always take your mouthguard with you to the dentist for inspection. Your dentist can help you determine if it is still good for use.
· To safeguard your mouthguard and allow it to dry out between uses, keep it in a hard container with adequate airflow.
· Keep your mouthguard out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep in mind that mouthguards are not indestructible. Replace your mouthguard every two to three years or as soon as you see any holes or signs of wear. Stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards may need to be replaced more regularly.
