Most, if all not, people are familiar with a mouthguard. These dental devices are made to protect your teeth from external and internal forces. Doing so not only helps preserve the overall functionality of your smile but keeps your teeth looking beautiful as well.
Getting and using a mouth guard is an easy, yet effective step that you can take to look after your oral health. For more information about dental guards and appliances in downtown Calgary, contact our local dental practice today.
What Are Mouth Guards?
A mouthguard is a piece of equipment that fits inside your mouth to protect your teeth, gums, tongue, and surrounding oral tissues from harm.
There are two primary types of mouth guards that you can obtain: a custom-made one or an over-the-counter one.
Dentists frequently recommend receiving a customized mouth guard because they’ll fit you properly and won’t slip or slide out of place. The process requires just two straightforward appointments. When you come in to see your dentist in downtown Calgary, they’ll perform a comprehensive examination of your mouth and take several dental x-rays. This allows them to put together an in-depth image of your oral health. Next, they’ll take impressions of your teeth. This is sent off to the dental lab where your mouthguard is created.
After two to three weeks have passed, you’ll return to receive it.
In comparison, over-the-counter mouth guards, also known as stock mouth guards, utilize the boil-and-bite method. Although they don’t fit over your teeth exactly, they are certainly more affordable.
If you’re interested in learning more about dental guards and appliances near you, talk with your dentist. They’ll be able to answer any questions you have.
Who Needs to Wear a Mouth Guard?
Having a mouthguard in your back pocket is always a good thing to consider, and there are many reasons to do so, including, but not limited to the ones below:
1. You play sports.
This is arguably the most common reason why people obtain a mouthguard. Activities like football, lacrosse, wrestling, hockey, and martial arts are high contact, meaning that you’re more likely to experience injuries to your body and your face. Wearing a mouth guard will help protect you from losing, chipping, or cracking a tooth, as well as stop you from biting down your tongue.
2. Bruxism.
Bruxism is the fancy term for clenching and grinding your teeth. Often, this happens when you sleep. Not only can this lead to fragmented teeth, but it can cause unnecessary pressure on your jaw too.
When you wear a mouth guard at night, your top and bottom row of teeth are unable to rub together, therefore alleviating pain and reducing oral damage.
3. To address TMJ Disorder.
TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint. The associative disorder (TMD) refers to issues that impede the movement of your jaw. Excessive strain can contribute to the development of this, as can trauma. TMD can influence your ability to chew and swallow. It can also lead to lockjaw and your jaw clicking when you talk.
TMJ mouth guards alleviate the strain on your jaw and help preserve your oral health. If you’re dealing with this, speak to a dentist near you to explore this option.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
Looking after your mouthguard is a simple task; however, it’s important that you do so regularly so that your device lasts as long as possible. Some steps you can take include:
- Rinsing your mouthguard after use.
- Brushing your mouthguard. Using a soft-bristled brush helps remove any lingering bacteria and food debris.
- Let your device air dry before putting it in its case.
- Keep your mouthguard in its case when you’re not using it. This will keep it safe from damage and ensure you won’t lose it. Cleaning the case at least once a week will also help your device stay in good condition too.
- Talk to your dentist if your mouth guard does get broken or damaged.
Are you looking to receive a mouthguard? At Bow Valley, we offer this treatment to those who need it. Call, come in, or visit our website to schedule a consultation and get started today. Our staff looks forward to working with you very soon!