Wearing mouthguards can protect your smile
Patients in Manteca, California, who are interested in protecting their smiles will routinely book appointments with their dental team for cleanings and evaluations. However, some patients may want to learn about using dental mouthguards to protect their teeth and gums from damage. Some mouthguards are also used for treating sleeping disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea. The dentists at the Family Dental Center talk about the types of mouthguards available and which one might be appropriate for your needs.
What types of mouthguards are available with a quality dental practice?
There are several types of mouthguards that are available at the Family Dental Center of Manteca, California.
- Sports mouthguards. Sports mouthguards are custom-made and are created to fit over your upper and lower teeth to protect them from injury. These are commonly used in situations where patients proactively participate in high-contact sports such as ice hockey, football, and soccer.
- Bruxism nightguards. Dental mouthguards also help prevent jaw pain, headaches, and migraines caused by tooth grinding or clenching during sleep. This condition, known as bruxism, can damage natural teeth and dental restorations. A dental mouthguard worn at night, typically called a nightguard, can reduce the symptoms and problems associated with clenching and grinding of the teeth.
- Oral appliance therapy for TMJ/TMD. Patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint disorder may be told by their dentist that they can benefit from oral appliance therapy. That is the use of a customized mouthguard worn at night to reduce tension in the jaw joint and, in turn, reduce the common problems associated with this condition, including muscle and joint pain around the jaw joints on either side of the mouth.
- Oral appliance therapy for obstructive sleep apnea. Patients who have obstructive sleep apnea deal every night with interrupted sleep. This condition causes a blockage in the airway that can make it challenging to get to the deeper, more restorative levels of sleep during the night. With a special mouthguard for OSA, patients can eliminate using a cumbersome CPAP machine and instead wear an appliance. That maintains an open airway and can significantly improve a patient’s quality of life!
How do I learn more about protecting my smile with dental mouthguards?
Dr. Mircea Mitu and George D’Louhy of the Family Dental Center can provide information on using a dental mouthguard for maximum protection against damage to your teeth and gums. If you live in Manteca, CA, call (209) 420-1205 to schedule a consultation with our team at 521 East Center Street.