Protecting your teeth from injuries is just as important as brushing and flossing daily. Enamel is harder than bone, and teeth are normally resistant enough to withstand the pressure of chewing food. However, they can wear down and crack if they are put under constant pressure. This is seen in patients that grind their teeth. Accidents and sports that impact your teeth can also lead to serious dental injuries. For this reason, you should consider mouth guards in Prince Albert if you can relate to any of the situations that were previously mentioned. Here is everything you need to know if you were recommended to use a mouth guard by your dentist.
Different types of mouth Guards
Mouth Guards for bruxism
If you grind your teeth while you sleep, it’s time to visit your dental clinic in Prince Albert. You could be suffering from bruxism. Your dentist will ask specific questions about your sleeping habits after evaluating the state in which your enamel is in. A dentist near you will know if someone is suffering from teeth clenching at night if the enamel is worn down. Other symptoms of this condition are waking up with jaw pain, dull headaches, and wounds in your inner cheeks from biting. Bruxism can be caused by a myriad of factors but among the most frequent are sleep disorders, acid reflux, stress, some medications, and bite misalignment. Besides, alcohol and caffeine have been associated with a higher chance of suffering from bruxism.
For this condition, your dentist will recommend the best option which is a custom-fitted mouthguard for sleeping. The device will not only create a barrier between your teeth but it could also help you break the habit of grinding.
Mouth Guards for TMJ Problems
Discomfort in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a common problem. TMJ problems can make regular things like opening your mouth, chewing, talking, and yawning difficult and painful. Other symptoms are clicking or popping sounds and getting dull headaches regularly. Problems pertaining to TMJ can be caused by bite misalignments, injuries, stress, and arthritis. If you’re suffering from any of these symptoms let a dentist at the dental office near you know. They will examine and provide a proper diagnosis.
The most frequent treatment for TMJ problems is custom-made mouth guards that need to be worn at nighttime. However, depending on the severity of your case the wear time could vary. The worst cases will require wear throughout the day as well. Discuss the treatment plan with your dentist Prince Albert in case of any doubt.
Mouth Guards for sports
Lastly, if you’re a player of contact sports you should start looking for mouth guards near you. Injuries caused by sports such as football, hockey, boxing, lacrosse, squash, rugby, and others are extremely dangerous for your teeth. They could lead to trauma to the teeth, your jaw bone and the soft tissues surrounding them and in some severe cases even head concussions. For sports, dentists in Prince Albert recommend wearing a well-fitting mouth guard of absorbing material.
Depending on the type of sports you’re playing, your mouthguard will cover only the upper teeth or both the upper and lower teeth. Talk to your coach to learn what type is the most ideal before visiting your dentist for a mouthguard. Also, bear in mind that mouth guards are usually made from plastic or other malleable materials that can become damaged over a certain amount of time, which can make them loose and ineffective. So you might need to replace it after every season to ensure a proper fit and protection.