When to Consider Getting a Mouth Guard

Wearing a dental mouth guard is a way to protect teeth from damage during certain times when damage to teeth is more likely. Dentists can customize mouth guards for patients to ensure the proper fit and effectiveness in protecting teeth and gums from damage.

Who should consider getting a dental mouth guard?

The most common reason a dentist may recommend a mouth guard is to protect the patient’s teeth from trauma that is related to bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding), playing sports, TMJ problems, and certain jobs such as construction work. The following is a detailed review of what dental mouth guards are and when to consider them.

What are dental mouth guards?

A dental mouth guard is a personalized dental device that the person wears to protect their teeth, gums, and jaw from damage caused by dental trauma or bruxism.

Bruxism

Bruxism is one of the most common reasons that dentists provide mouthguards to patients. Bruxism, also known as nighttime teeth grinding, can occur for a variety of reasons. The most notable contributing factors to bruxism are jaw and teeth misalignment, stress, and sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. A dentist can assess the patient's teeth to see if there are any signs of bruxism and make a recommendation as to whether or not a mouth guard (which is called a nightguard when used for bruxism) is recommended.

Playing sports

Anytime a blow to the mouth is a possibility, a mouth guard should be worn. This includes many different types of sports and fitness activities, including but not limited to:

• Baseball
• Basketball
• Boxing
• Football
• Soccer
• Wrestling

This, of course, applies to children in recreational sports, middle and high school athletes, and college athletes, along with those competing in recreational adult leagues. While a mouthguard may not be necessary, parents should also monitor their children while they are playing on playground equipment, trampolines, etc.

TMJ problems

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw with the skull and is responsible for helping the mouth open and close while eating, talking, etc. TMJ disorder occurs when there are issues with this joint, such as a lack of mobility or pain. A mouth guard may need to be worn at night for patients that are dealing with TMJ problems.

Construction work

Much like athletes, those who work a job that increases the risk of damage to teeth due to dental trauma should consider a mouth guard. One example of this is construction jobs, although there are many professions that may require protective equipment such as mouth guards.

Are you considering a dental mouth guard to protect your teeth?

We can help you determine if a dental mouth guard is appropriate according to your lifestyle and the specific risks of dental trauma you may have throughout each day. We can also create a custom mouth guard for you, as well. Contact us today to learn more and 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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