Have you ever noticed your teeth were clenched or jaw was tight? Have you been noticing your teeth appear worn down or chipped? Wearing a mouthguard at night will protect your teeth and smile!
Mouthguards are known to be protective and preventive, which goes a long way for patients who have sensitive or weak teeth.
General dentistry practices can administer mouthguards to patients of all ages, children included. Wearing them starting at a young age can prevent serious dental health problems from occurring later on down the line. Ready to learn more?
General dentistry solutions to prevent tooth wear
What are mouthguards?
Mouthguards in general dentistry are protective oral appliances that cover the teeth and gums. They are custom-created in a dental lab to ensure a perfect fit for each patient. Mouthguards tend to be made of materials that bend and move. They offer patients a flexible fit to ensure comfort and safety while the patient is sleeping or playing sports.
How do mouthguards prevent tooth wear?
General dentists administer mouthguards to patients who are at especially high risk of grinding their teeth. Bruxism, the other term used to describe teeth grinding, can do significant damage to the tooth’s enamel. Over time, grinding can cause a weakened enamel, which can lead to cracking, chipping and even sensitivity.
When mouthguards are worn on a regular basis, they can prevent the teeth from rubbing up against one another. The friction of one tooth hitting another is what causes significant wear. If the mouthguard is worn, the teeth will not rub up against each other, but rather the materials of the nightguard, which are safe and soft.
A general dentist will take impressions and digital images of the entire mouth to ensure that an appropriate mouthguard is created. If the patient’s teeth are extremely susceptible to grinding then the mouthguard may have to be thicker. If there is less of a risk, a thinner less bulky mouthguard may be recommended.
General dentists recommend some patients wear their mouthguards during exercise, sporting events or under high-stress situations. In some instances, the patient may be required to have a separate guard for the night time. Nightguards are designed for sleeping purposes and have some slight differences from a traditional mouthguard.
It is recommended that patients clean their mouthguards each day to ensure that bacteria do not build up. A dental cleaning solution can be used to soak the mouthguard in for a couple of hours. Additionally, it is important to be extra gentle and careful with the oral appliance. Because they help prevent tooth wear, it is important to maintain them so that they last for as long as possible.
So talk with one of our fantastic clinicians at your next visit here at Harte Dental! (617) 696-5257. Voted Best Dentist in Milton since 2017!