Waking up with jaw pain or constant headaches can quickly become part of your daily routine. If you’re clenching your teeth at night or playing contact sports, your teeth are more at risk than you think.
While these problems might seem small, they can turn into something serious, like cracked teeth, jaw joint disorders, or long-term enamel damage.
It’s frustrating when you’re trying to protect your health but aren’t sure where to start. The pain, the dental visits, and the repairs add up; that’s where a mouth guard in Saskatoon becomes more than just a plastic piece, it becomes your shield.
What Exactly Is a Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard is a soft, custom-made appliance that you place over your teeth. It is made of tough, flexible plastic and is intended to cushion your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Some are for nighttime or sleeping, particularly for those who grind their teeth or clench their teeth (bruxism). Others are sports mouth guards and are worn while playing high-impact sports.
There are three general types:
• Stock Mouth Guards: Ready to wear and pre-fabricated, but usually uncomfortable.
• Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards: Moulds at home for a more comfortable fit.
• Custom Mouth Guards: A dentist designs these based on your teeth and the shape of your mouth.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mouth Guard?
Using a mouth guard offers more than just protection; it also prevents you from any kind of long-term dental problem, which can be painful. A few common benefits of mouth guards are as follows:
• Prevention of Tooth Damage: No more chipped, ground-down, or cracked teeth due to grinding or sports injury.
• Jaw Protection: Releases tension on the jaw muscle and joint, thus minimizing the risk of TMJ disorders.
• Better Sleep Quality: If you grind or clench during sleep, a guard can ease tension and allow for improved sleep.
• Improved Focus During Sport: Knowing your mouth is protected allows you to concentrate better during physical activity.
Without a mouth guard, a small impact of any kind or even grinding during the night can lead to major damage.
When Should I Wear a Mouth Guard?
It’s a valid question, and the answer depends on your habits and lifestyle.
• You should use a mouth guard when:
• You grind your teeth at night while sleeping
• You experience jaw pain or frequent headaches while sleeping
• You engage in contact or high-impact sports such as hockey, football, or martial arts
• You engage in sports with braces
• You suffer from sleep apnea or snore occasionally
If any of the above-discussed situations sound familiar, it’s high time you stopped by your dental clinic to talk over your choices.
How Is a Mouth Guard Made?
You must have special mouth guards professionally fitted. A dentist in Saskatoon will make impressions of your teeth, send them to a laboratory, and produce a guard that moulds to the shape of your mouth. This provides you with the optimal comfort and functionality.
Wash the mouth guard and keep it in a well-ventilated case. Also, periodic visits to the dentist allow you to keep the guard fitting after some time.
Do You Need One
Yes, it is important to wear a mouthguard if you need to protect your teeth, sleep, or need protection when playing sports. A small appliance can keep you from having big dental problems. See it as an investment in yourself, not a plastic piece.
For bruxism or a hockey game, mouth guards are protection that you didn’t realize you needed until too late.
Wrapping Up!
Each crack, ache, or chipped tooth is a quiet warning you can’t neglect. The damage might not show up today, but it will!
Guard Your Smile Before It’s Too Late
At Brighton Dental, we offer patients of all ages the proper fit and protection they require. Schedule your appointment today and enjoy the comfort, security, and peace of mind you’re entitled to.