A mouth guard is a dental appliance that is worn by dental patients when the risk of dental trauma is high. For example, a dentist may recommend a dental mouth guard for someone who struggles with bruxism (teeth grinding at night) or plays a contact sport.
Protecting teeth from dental trauma is one of the more overlooked aspects of oral hygiene for many. This review discusses the importance of mouth guards for protecting teeth and when a general dentist may recommend a mouth guard for a patient.
Dental mouth guards protect teeth from damage caused by other teeth, objects, and more. Many dentists recommend patients wear a mouth guard when the risk of dental trauma is highest; not all patients are required to wear a mouth guard. However, they are ideal for anyone who has a lifestyle or certain uncontrollable habits that may increase their risk of teeth damage (i.e. chips, cracks, worn-down teeth). This can keep teeth in ideal condition and reduce the risk of needing restorative care to address damaged teeth.
Anyone who has a higher risk of dental trauma due to certain daily habits or activities should consider wearing a dental mouth guard. The two most common examples include:
Bruxism refers to uncontrollable teeth clenching and grinding while sleeping. There are multiple contributing factors of bruxism, from stress to jaw malocclusions. While addressing the underlying cause is important, a mouth guard can help prevent teeth from grinding together at night.
Individuals of all ages that are physically active, such as teenagers who play a school sport, are encouraged to wear a mouth guard during sporting events or while they are participating in physical activity. Certain careers, such as those within the construction industry, may require the person to wear a mouth guard at certain times as well.
General dentists offer custom dental mouth guards, which are superior to store-bought mouth guards. Customized mouth guards offer a much more comfortable and ideal fit and can reduce the risk of clenching of the jaw. On the other hand, it is harder to achieve the ideal fit for store-bought mouth guards, and while they may reduce the risk of teeth grinding, they may not reduce the risk of jaw clenching. Custom dental mouth guards are likely to last longer as well.
We recommend dental mouth guards for anyone who shows signs of teeth grinding or that are physically active in a manner that increases the risk of dental trauma (i.e. contact sports). To find out if a mouth guard is right for you and to receive a custom dental guard, contact our office by phone or by sending us a message today to schedule a visit.
Request an appointment here: https://hemetdentalcenter.com or call Hemet Dental Center: Brian Stiewel DDS, INC. at (951) 707-4366 for an appointment in our Hemet office.
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