Many people think a mouthguard is just for professional athletes. In reality, a dentist often suggests these tools to help kids and adults protect their smiles from injury or wear. If you are looking for a dentist near you, it might be because you have noticed pain in your teeth or jaw.
A mouthguard is a soft but strong plastic cover that fits over the teeth. While you can buy basic ones at a store, custom mouthguards near you are made by a professional to fit your mouth exactly.
1. You Play Sports with Contact
If you play soccer, basketball, or karate, your teeth are at risk. A fall or a hit to the face can cause a “dental avulsion.” That is the medical word for a tooth getting knocked out. A custom guard acts like a helmet for your teeth. It spreads out the force of a hit so the teeth do not crack or break.
2. You Wake Up with a Sore Jaw
Do you wake up and feel like your face is tired? This is often a sign of jaw clenching symptoms. When you are stressed or deep in sleep, you might press your top and bottom teeth together very hard. This puts a lot of pressure on the “temporomandibular joint” (the hinge that connects your jaw to your skull). A custom mouthguard keeps the jaw in a relaxed position so the muscles do not get sore.
3. You Notice Teeth Grinding at Night
Teeth grinding at night is a common problem called “bruxism.” Because this happens while you sleep, you might not know you are doing it. However, a dentist will see the signs. Over time, grinding rubs away the “enamel,” which is the hard outer layer of the tooth. If the enamel gets too thin, teeth become sensitive and can even start to look flat or chipped. A guard creates a barrier so the teeth rub against plastic instead of each other.
4. You Have Frequent Headaches
Morning headaches right near the temples are a big clue. If the jaw muscles are working hard all night because of clenching, it causes tension that leads to pain. If a professional cannot find another reason for your headaches, the issue might actually be happening in your mouth.
5. You Have Dental Work to Protect
If a patient has braces, crowns, or porcelain veneers, a mouthguard is very important. These dental treatments are costly and take time to repair or replace. A custom-made guard helps protect them from damage. It also prevents the brackets of braces from cutting the inside of the cheeks during sports. For proper fit and safety, it is best to look for custom mouthguards near you from a dental clinic.
Why Custom is Better Than Store-Bought
You might see mouthguards at a sporting goods store that you boil in water and bite. These are called “boil-and-bite” guards. While they are cheap, they often feel bulky. They can make it hard to breathe or talk.
A custom guard is different. A dentist takes an “impression” (a mold) of the teeth. This mold is used to create a guard that stays in place perfectly. Because it fits better, it provides much better protection for the “alveolar bone” (the bone that holds your teeth) and the gums.
Protect Your Teeth With A Custom Mouthguard at Landmark Dental
We provide mouthguards made using dental impressions for a secure and comfortable fit. Our custom mouthguards help prevent teeth grinding at night, reduce jaw pain, and protect enamel from damage. We also help support the jaw joint and lower pressure during sleep or sports activities. Book an appointment with us today for a dental check-up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
Most kids need a new one every year because their mouths are still growing and losing baby teeth. Adults can often keep the same one for several years if they take good care of it.
Is it hard to breathe while wearing one?
Because a custom guard is thin and shaped exactly to the roof of the mouth, it is much easier to breathe and speak with than a store-bought version.
How do you keep a mouthguard clean?
It should be rinsed with cool water after every use. It is best to brush it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap, then keep it in a sturdy plastic case with air holes.
Can a mouthguard be worn with braces?
Yes. In fact, it is highly recommended. A dentist can design a guard that protects both the teeth and the metal brackets so the lips do not get cut during physical activity.