Mouthguards

Whether you or a loved one are amateur or professional athletes engaged in high-intensity or contact sports, consider your mouthguard a necessary component of your sports gear. Studies show that athletes are 60 times more likely to sustain dental injuries if not using protective sports mouthguards.

Your sports mouthguards will safeguard your smile by absorbing the forces of a sudden impact or accidental blows to your face. That helps reduce the chance of injury to the teeth, lips, and gums. Moreover, the protective oral appliance will stop you from accidentally biting your tongue or soft tissues.

If you grind and clench your teeth in your sleep, you may have a condition known as bruxism, which can wreak havoc on your oral health. It usually results from stress, anxiety, an abnormal bite, or crooked teeth. Patients often report morning headaches, jaw and neck discomfort, worn teeth, and tooth sensitivity. Many aren't aware that they grind their teeth while asleep until a family member or significant other alerts them or if signs of tooth wear are identified during routine dental exams.

If you have bruxism, your smile is at risk. Chronic teeth grinding and clenching place an incredible amount of pressure on your teeth and cause significant tooth damage and wear. Wearing a night guard during your sleep will help absorb the grinding and clenching forces, preventing damage to your teeth.

Keep in mind that you should never wear sports mouthguards and night guards interchangeably. Sports protectors are made of a thick, soft material designed to absorb shocks. They cover the teeth from the biting surfaces to below the gum line to provide the best coverage and protection. Night guards, on the other hand, cover only the teeth to protect their chewing surfaces. They are created from a strong yet thin material that readily withstands the forces of teeth grinding and clenching.

There are several types of mouthguards available for purchase at your local drugstore or sporting goods store. Stock mouthguards are premade mouth protectors that come in different sizes and are ready to wear. However, these store-bought oral appliances are usually bulky and uncomfortable, with an improper fit.

Boil and bite mouthguards, also available for purchase over-the-counter, are a little better because they are customizable. You'll place them in hot water then mold them to your teeth for a better fit. Unfortunately, these mouthguards aren't very comfortable and don't usually fit very well.

Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center is proud to offer custom mouthguards created from impressions of your teeth using cutting-edge technology and techniques. We'll fabricate your sports mouthguard or night guard to the specifications of your mouth, ensuring the best fit, comfort, and protection.

Contact Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center in Ponte Vedra, FL, for more information about protecting your smile during sports or in your sleep. Dr. Blackmon and his team are committed to delivering quality, custom-fitted mouthguards for the best possible protection. Trust your smile to our specialist. Call us and schedule your appointment today!