Mouthguards are revolutionary oral appliances offered by the dentist in Breckenridge, CO, that protect your mouth from sports-related injuries.
Mouthguards have several purposes and can treat conditions from bruxism and sleep apnea to sports-related injuries.
Keep reading to know everything about mouthguards.
| Mouthguards are a type of dental appliance that covers your teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advocates the use of mouthguards during sporting activities. Children and adults both can benefit from mouthguards for several reasons. These are primarily designed to protect teeth and can significantly reduce the degree of force transmitted from a trauma impact point to the central nervous system. |
What are the types of mouthguards?
There are several types of mouthguards, but the three main forms have been discussed below:
- Sports mouthguards
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- Also known as athletic or sports guards, these are worn during sports and other physical activities.
- They protect your teeth from impacts, collisions, and falls.
- They are made up of durable and flexible materials such as silicone that absorb and disturb impact forces.
- These are custom-made to fit your mouth accurately.
- Some other forms include:
- Boil and bite guards
- Stock mouthguards
- Night guards
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- Also known as occlusal guards or dental splints, these are worn during sleep to protect the teeth and jaws from the effects of teeth grinding and clenching.
- They are made up of soft or hard acrylic materials and are customized to your teeth.
- They offer comfort and support during sleep.
- Night guards prevent tooth wear, enamel damage, jaw pain, headaches, and TMJ disorders associated with bruxism.
- Bite guards
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- These appliances are similar to night guards but are worn during the day to alleviate symptoms of bruxism or TMD.
- These offer a cushioning barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing pressure and friction during jaw movements.
- Snore guards
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- These are anti-snoring mouthpieces that are designed to reduce snoring.
- These appliances reposition the jaw or tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep.
- They feature mandibular advancement devices (MADs) or tongue-retaining devices (TRDs) to prevent the collapse of soft tissues in the throat.
How do you care for your mouthguards?
Ensure you clean your teeth thoroughly before putting in a mouthguard.
- Do not expose your mouthguard to extreme heat
- Keep it in a sturdy and vented plastic case
- Rinse it in cool water and use a brush to clean it
- Air dry it after cleaning
Conclusion
Mouthguards are essential protective devices that help safeguard the teeth, jaws, and oral tissues from injuries, trauma, and harmful habits. These appliances play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and overall well-being.