Mouthguards to Protect Your Teeth and Treat Sleep Apnea

Mouthguards are oral devices that help protect you from dental injuries, especially when playing contact sports. However, there are several types of protective mouthguards that have different purposes.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three common types of mouthguards, which include:

Stock Mouthguards

Stock mouthguards are preformed and ready to wear protectors. The stock mouth protectors can be found in any sports house or drug store and are inexpensive. However, the stock mouthguards cover some parts of your teeth and can be uncomfortable since they come in only three sizes: small, medium, and large.

Boil-and-Bite Mouth Protectors

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are available in most sports houses or drug stores and offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The boil-and-bite mouthguards are made of a thermoplastic material. When you place the boil-and-bite mouthguard in hot water, it softens and you can make it fit on the teeth using your finger or tongue pressure.

Custom-Made Mouth Guards

When you seek a mouthguard in Brampton, ON, your dentist will recommend a custom-made one. The dentist will take an impression of your teeth and use it to create custom mouthguards for you.

Unlike other types of protective mouthguards, protective ones are more comfortable to wear and would be suitable for a nightguard. Custom-made mouthguards provide a better fit. Therefore, the custom mouth protectors don’t fall out easily.

Most of the time, dentists create mouthguards for the upper teeth. However, if you wear dental braces or other oral appliances on your lower jaw, the dentist can make mouthguards for both jaws.

If you grind or clench your teeth, especially at night, your dentist can recommend a nocturnal bite or bite splint to prevent wear and tear.

Why Do I Need Protective Mouthguards?

Your dentist can recommend a protective mouthguard for the following reasons:

• Playing contact sports
• Clench or grit your teeth during sleep
• Sleep apnea
• Loud snoring at night

Which Mouthguards Are Best for You?

Your dentist will recommend a mouthguard type, depending on your condition and personal needs.

Sports

If you play contact sports such as basketball, rugby, field hockey, soccer, football, and ice hockey, it is advisable you wear a mouthguard. The types of mouthguards that are recommendable for contact sports are stock and boil-and-bite ones. However, boil-and-bite mouthguards are the best for contact sports since they provide comfort and a better fit.

Bruxism

Do you clench or grit your teeth, especially at night? To prevent wear and tear, your dentist will recommend a protective mouthguard. If you grit or clench your teeth, custom-made mouthguards are the best.

Custom-made mouthguards provide a better fit than any type of mouth protectors. Therefore, you can wear the custom mouthguards with the worry that they will fall.

Sleep Apnea

If you have mild sleep apnea, your dentist can recommend some mouthguards for sleeping to keep your upper airway open. The custom-made mouthguards push your lower jaw and the tongue to the front. By pushing your jaw and tongue forward, the mouthguard prevents blockage, keeping your airway open.

Snoring

Mouthguards that reduce snoring resemble the ones for sleep apnea. Therefore, the dentist will recommend a mouthguard that pushes your tongue and lower jaw forward to keep your upper airway open while sleeping.

Can I Wear a Protective Mouthguard with Braces?

An injury can damage your dental braces or any other fixed oral appliances. Therefore, you can wear a properly-fitted mouthguard to prevent dental injuries, even with dental braces. When you seek protective mouthguards, your dentist will determine the best mouth protector for your teeth with oral appliances.

Taking Care of Your Mouthguards

To take care of your mouthguards, our Brampton dentist recommends the following:

• Rinsing your mouthguard using cold water or a mouth rinse before and after every use
• Clean your mouthguard using a mild soap and toothbrush when you are not wearing it
• Store your mouthguard in a firm and perforated container when transporting it
• Keep your mouthguard in a cool and dry place to prevent damage by high temperatures
• Check your mouthguard regularly for wear and tear since it might become loose and have holes
• Bring your mouthguard to the dentist office during routine check-ups

If you have a damaged mouthguard or need one, you can visit us at Rosedale Dental Care.