What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a dental appliance designed to help protect your teeth. Some mouthguards are worn during sports to reduce the risk of dental injuries, while others are used to protect your teeth from grinding or clenching.
For example, mouthguards are commonly recommended for contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, and martial arts, where there's a risk of getting hit in the mouth.
What are the most common types of mouthguards?
Two common types are sports mouthguards and occlusal splints, often called night guards.
Sports mouthguards are designed to cushion impacts and help protect your teeth during athletic activities. Occlusal splints are generally worn to protect teeth from the effects of grinding or clenching, which is also known as bruxism.
What is a mouthguard for grinding?
A mouthguard for grinding is commonly called an occlusal splint or night guard. It's a custom-made appliance that fits over your teeth and creates a protective barrier between your upper and lower teeth.
Some night guards have a softer inner layer and a harder outer surface, while others are made from different materials depending on the patient's needs.
When you grind or clench, the appliance helps distribute biting forces and reduces direct tooth-to-tooth contact, which can help protect your natural teeth from wear and damage.
When should you wear a mouthguard for grinding?
It depends on when you're grinding or clenching your teeth. If you primarily grind at night, we may recommend wearing a night guard while you sleep.
Some patients also clench their teeth during the day, particularly during stressful situations. In those cases, we can evaluate your habits and determine whether an appliance or other management strategies may be appropriate.
Can a mouthguard help with TMJ disorders?
A mouthguard or occlusal splint may help some patients with temporomandibular joint disorders, commonly called TMD. These conditions can involve discomfort in the jaw joints, chewing muscles, or surrounding areas.
For certain patients, an appropriately designed splint may help reduce muscle discomfort and manage excessive forces associated with clenching or grinding.
However, not every TMJ disorder responds to a mouthguard, so it's important to evaluate the underlying cause before recommending treatment.
What are the benefits of wearing a night guard?
One of the main benefits of a night guard is protecting your teeth while you sleep. When you're grinding at night, you may not realize how much pressure you're placing on your teeth.
A night guard creates a protective barrier that can help reduce tooth wear and lower the risk of certain types of damage, including chips or fractures associated with excessive biting forces.
While a night guard doesn't necessarily stop the grinding itself, it can help protect your teeth from its effects.
What is a sleep apnea mouthguard?
A sleep apnea mouthguard is a specialized oral appliance used for certain patients with obstructive sleep apnea. These appliances are commonly called mandibular advancement devices.
They typically fit over the upper and lower teeth and gently position the lower jaw forward. This can help keep the airway more open during sleep.
Sleep apnea appliances should be provided as part of a treatment plan following an appropriate medical diagnosis, with follow-up care to evaluate their effectiveness.
Are snoring mouthguards effective?
Snoring mouthguards can be effective for some patients, particularly when snoring is related to the position of the lower jaw and narrowing of the upper airway during sleep.
By positioning the lower jaw forward, a mandibular advancement appliance may help reduce snoring. However, results vary, and not every type of snoring responds to oral appliance therapy.
Because snoring can also be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, it's important to have appropriate medical evaluation before assuming that a mouthguard alone will address the problem.
Are sleep apnea mouthguards FDA approved?
Some oral appliances used to treat obstructive sleep apnea are FDA-cleared medical devices. The regulatory status depends on the specific appliance and its intended use.
It's also important to understand that using an oral appliance doesn't automatically mean sleep apnea is being effectively treated.
After an appliance is fitted and adjusted, follow-up testing with a sleep physician may be recommended to evaluate whether the treatment is adequately managing the condition.
What is the difference between a custom and store-bought mouthguard?
A custom mouthguard is made specifically for your teeth using impressions or a digital scan. This allows the appliance to be designed around your individual dental anatomy.
Store-bought mouthguards are more generic. Some are boil-and-bite appliances that you soften in warm water and shape around your teeth.
Because they aren't individually fabricated, store-bought guards may feel bulkier or provide less consistent coverage and retention. A properly fitted custom appliance can offer advantages in comfort, fit, and function.
How do dentists make a custom mouthguard?
To make a custom mouthguard, we begin by taking a digital scan or impression of your teeth. That information is used to design an appliance that fits your mouth and addresses the reason you need it.
The appliance is then fabricated, often by a dental laboratory. Once it's ready, you'll return to the office so we can check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
If the appliance is intended for sleep apnea, we also evaluate the position of the lower jaw and coordinate appropriate follow-up care.
How do you properly clean your mouthguard?
It's important to clean your mouthguard regularly to remove saliva, plaque, and other buildup.
After removing it, rinse the appliance and clean it with a soft toothbrush and a cleaner recommended for its material. Some appliances can also be cleaned using compatible denture or appliance-cleaning tablets.
Avoid hot water, which can distort certain materials, and follow the manufacturer's or dentist's instructions for storage. Many appliances should be allowed to dry before being placed in a ventilated storage case, although specific care instructions vary.
When should a mouthguard be replaced?
A mouthguard should be evaluated for replacement when it becomes cracked, develops holes, loses its shape, or no longer fits properly.
The lifespan depends on the type of appliance, its material, how frequently you wear it, and how heavily you grind or clench your teeth.
If you notice significant wear or damage, bring the appliance to your dental appointment so we can determine whether it needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Can a mouthguard help prevent damage from grinding and sports?
Yes, mouthguards can help reduce the risk of certain types of dental damage. Night guards protect teeth from direct contact during grinding and clenching, while sports mouthguards help cushion impacts to the mouth.
For athletes participating in contact sports, including boxing, wrestling, martial arts, and football, wearing an appropriate sports mouthguard can help reduce the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth and injuries to the surrounding oral tissues.
While no mouthguard can prevent every injury, wearing one provides an important layer of protection.
Are there any risks or side effects of using a mouthguard?
Mouthguards are generally safe when they're appropriately selected, fitted, and maintained. However, some patients may experience temporary discomfort, increased saliva, or difficulty adjusting to the appliance.
An appliance that doesn't fit properly may cause irritation, affect the bite, or create other problems. That's why it's important to have a custom appliance evaluated and adjusted when necessary.
How often should you use a mouthguard for sports?
I recommend wearing a sports mouthguard whenever you're participating in activities that put your teeth at risk of injury. That includes both practices and games.
Even when a particular sport doesn't require a mouthguard, wearing one may still be a good preventive measure. The important thing is to use it consistently during activities where impacts or falls could injure your teeth.
What is the difference between a boxing and football mouthguard?
Both boxing and football mouthguards are designed to help protect the teeth and surrounding tissues from impacts.
Boxing mouthguards are typically designed for a secure fit and protection during repeated contact. Football mouthguards may have similar protective features, but some include a strap that attaches to the helmet.
The most important considerations are appropriate coverage, fit, comfort, and using a mouthguard designed for the demands of the sport.
If you’re searching for quality dental care, we’re here to help. Call (619) 377-7586 or email [email protected] to schedule your visit. Our team is committed to keeping your smile healthy.