Home Blog What Is a Mouthguard?

What Is a Mouthguard?

What Is a Mouthguard?

A mouth guard is designed to protect your teeth and gums. The guard fits over your teeth and gums and acts as a shield that protects from excessive wear. There is no age at which the use of mouth guards should start.

Your dentist is the expert who will be able to tell you if should use one or not. This will be based on the condition of your teeth, medical conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) that causes damage, and/or the risk of tooth and mouth injury based on your lifestyle. Anyone engaged in any sporting activity that could cause mouth or teeth damage should use one.

The Uses of Mouth guards

Sports: Many sports, especially those that involve contact and those which involve high-velocity movement, have a high risk of tooth and gum injury. These include, but are not limited to wrestling, softball, cycling, skateboarding, hockey, boxing, football, any form of motor racing, gymnastics and many more. The risk is not only of broken teeth and damaged gums; broken teeth can cause tongue and lip injuries.

Sleep Apnea: This makes a person to temporarily stop breathing while asleep. A sleep apnea mouth guard will adjust the position of the jaws while you are asleep to keep the airway open.

Bruxism: While clenching and grinding your teeth during sleep, the results can be tooth pain, sore gums, aching jaws and serious wear and damage to the teeth. Using a Night-guard while sleeping will keep the upper and lower teeth separated and prevent teeth grinding and jaw clenching.

Snoring: Snoring happens when the tissues of the upper airway vibrate. As in the case of sleep apnea, a mouth guard will keep the airway open so that it is unobstructed and the tissue does not vibrate.

The Types of Mouth guards

There are 2 main types of Mouth guards. The custom-fitted ones are made for you by your dentist. She/ He will use a mold to make an impression of your teeth to custom fit a mouth guard that is both comfortable and offers effective protection. These are the most effective.

The other type is the "boil-and-bite" which you can buy at any drug store. They are made of thermoplastic material which becomes soft when placed in hot water. Once the rough mouth guard has softened, you need to place it in your mouth, then close your upper and lower jaws. You must use your fingers to press the mouth guard against your teeth so that they become the right shape. Once the shape is right, the mouth guard should be run under cold water to harden it after which it is ready for use.

Stocks preformed are also available, but they rarely fit well or offer proper protection. All generally look the same, but there are subtle design variations that make some better for certain purposes. Your dentist can tell you which type is right for you.

If you are not certain whether you or someone in your family should use a mouth guard, consult your dentist. She/ He will not only give you expert advice but also will tell you about the pros and cons of the different types of guards and help you make the right decisions.

Call 408-725-1536 or email us at info@hillsdentalgroup.com to get a consultation if you need a nightguard.


RECENT POSTS

>> Critical Evaluation of DIY Aligners: Advantages and Disadvantages

>> 10 Dental New Year Resolutions You Should Make

>> The Side-Effects of Home Teeth Whitening

>> The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening

>> Uncovering the Brilliance of Veneers: The Profound Power of a Radiant Smile

>> The Surprisingly Long History of Dental Fillings

>> Everything You Need to Know About Dental Fillings

>> Pediatric Dental Problems 101 – What Parents Need to Know

>> Understanding Pediatric Dental Health: When Tooth Extraction May Be Necessary for Your Child

>> Pollution and Oral Health

>> What Does Dental Surgery Mean?

>> How Is Dental Implant Surgery Done?

>> Dental Implant Surgery - What You Need to Know

>> Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

>> What happens if you Do Not go for Dental Checkups?

>> Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign

>> Four Tips for Choosing the Best Dental Clinic in San Jose

>> What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?

>> What Happens During a Dental Exam?

>> Treating Gum Disease

>> How to Prepare for Orthodontic Treatment

>> Dental Implants - What They Are and What They Do

>> How to Find a Good Dental Office

>> Dental Care and Dental Treatment for Seniors

>> Your Mouth, Your Smile, And Your Health

>> Understanding Common Dental Treatments

>> When Does a Dental Condition Turn into Emergency Dental Care?

>> What Is the Best Crown Type for the Front Teeth?

>> Why Don't Emergency Rooms Handle Dental Emergencies?

>> 5 Benefits of Having a Family Dentist

>> 5 Common Types of Dental Emergencies

>> Laser Dental Treatment: The Way to the Best Dental Care

>> 5 Things Every Person with Dentures Needs To Know

>> What are the Most Common Dental Diseases?

>> What Is a Mouthguard?

>> 5 Reasons Why Baby Teeth are Important

>> Dental Care During Winter - Ways to Protect your Teeth

>> Grinding and Clenching Teeth – The Harmful Effects

>> New Trends in Dentistry and What They Mean For Patients

>> Importance of Orthodontic Treatments

>> Importance Of Properly Aligned/Straight Teeth

>> How Stress Affects Dental Health

>> Who's Afraid of Dental X-Rays?

>> Precautions to be Taken When Visiting Your Dentist

>> Diet, Oral Hygiene and Pregnancy - What You Need To Know

>> COVID 19 - What You Need To Know

>> Why you must say 'yes' to Fluoride

>> Importance of Straight Teeth

>> Gum Disease and Systemic Health

>> Teens and Teeth

>> Why Baby Teeth are Important

>> Fluoride and Teeth

>> Implant Vs Bridge

>> Men And Dental Health

>> Women And Oral Health

>> How Smiling And laughing Affect Your Health


5150 Graves Ave, Suite 5C
San Jose, CA 95129

(408) 725-1536

  • Google Reviews
  • Yelp Reviews
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • LBN Business Profile

Office Hours

Monday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tuesday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday

: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Friday

: Closed

Saturday

: Closed

Sunday

: Closed

 

 


SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWLETTER

* indicates required

Copyright © 2020-2024 Hills Dental Group. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policies