Why Your Family Dentist Might Recommend Mouthguard

For many people, maintaining strong teeth involves more than just flossing, brushing or visiting the family dentist on a regular basis. Even though your tooth enamel is stronger than bone, it still needs to be protected from accidental breakage and wear. That is why family dentists often suggest mouthguards for their patients who are active in contact sports. They can also help the ones who grind their teeth at night or have sleep disorders or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems. Read on to learn more about the benefits of mouthguards.

Family dentist and mouthguards

Mouthguards are coverings that are worn over the teeth. They are usually effective in protecting the mouth and teeth. There are different types of mouthguards available. These include custom-made mouthguards, stock mouth protectors and boil and bite mouth protectors. A custom-made mouthguard is made by the dentist specifically for the patient. These mouthguards are individually created for fit as well as comfort.

Mouthguards are designed to only cover the upper teeth. In some circumstances, the dentist may also make a mouthguard for the lower teeth. It is vital for a person to get advice from a dentist before opting for any type of mouthguard. A good mouthguard should be able to resist tears and be comfortable and easy to clean. It should also not restrict breathing or speech. A dentist may recommend a mouthguard for a variety of reasons. Here are some of the main ones.

Sport-related dental injuries

Accidents may happen during any physical activity. It is vital to take steps to limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to the tongue, lips and soft tissues of the mouth. A mouthguard is often recommended for both adults and children who play contact sports. These include boxing, soccer, football, basketball, field hockey, ice hockey or lacrosse. But it can also help people who participate in non-contact sports like gymnastics. It can also be ideal for people who take part in recreational activities like mountain biking and skateboarding.

These activities and sports many pose a risk of injury to the mouth. A patient may, in turn, benefit from wearing a protective mouthguard. Mouthguards often help people avoid broken or chipped teeth, nerve damage to the tooth and even tooth loss. The dentist can determine the mouthguard that will suit a patient.

Braces

A properly fitted mouthguard can be beneficial to a person who wears braces or has a fixed bridgework. The brackets and other fixed orthodontic appliances can be damaged due to a blow to the face. A mouthguard is also helpful because it provides a barrier between the braces and the lips or cheeks. This might help a patient to avoid injuries to the cheeks and gums.

Takeaway

A mouthguard can help minimize the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the face, tongue, lips or jaw. People who participate in organized sports should regularly wear mouthguards to prevent injuries. A mouthguard can also help protect braces and other fixed appliances. If you want to find out more about how a mouthguard can help you or your children, talk to your family dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.roderickgarciadmd.com or call Roderick A. Garcia, DMD PC at (505) 634-5029 for an appointment in our Albuquerque office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.