My Child's Crown Fell Out. What Now?
Is a lost crown a dental emergency for your child? Whether it happens during mealtime, playtime, or while they sleep, don’t panic. Learn what steps to take now—and when to call the dentist.
4 Dental Health Benefits of a Mouthguard
Most people think of mouthguards as something only athletes wear. But these simple devices can protect your teeth in more ways than you might expect. Whether you grind your teeth at night or play contact sports, a mouthguard can make a significant difference in your oral health.
The experienced pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, are here to help you determine whether a mouthguard might be beneficial. Let’s explore four important dental benefits of using a mouthguard and why your dentist might recommend one.
1. Mouthguards prevent tooth damage
One of the most important benefits of using a mouthguard is its ability to protect your teeth from physical trauma. It’s like a cushion for your mouth. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can prevent chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth if you're involved in sports or other high-impact activities.
Even if you aren’t an athlete, accidents happen. You could fall, get hit by something unexpected, or even bite down too hard while sleeping. A mouthguard absorbs the impact, keeping your teeth safe from unnecessary damage.
2. They reduce the effects of teeth grinding
How often do you wake in the morning with a sore jaw or a dull headache? You may suffer from a condition called bruxism, which means you’re grinding your teeth in your sleep. Night teeth grinding is a condition that is more common than you’d think, and it can cause serious dental issues over time.
Night guards, which are a specific type of mouthguard for nighttime wear, are designed to minimize the pressure from grinding. They create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, protecting your enamel, reducing jaw tension, and helping you sleep more comfortably. Over time, this barrier can also save you from expensive dental work caused by worn-down teeth.
3. Mouthguards help prevent jaw disorders
Chronic clenching or grinding affects more than just your teeth. It also puts stress on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. That stress may lead to pain, clicking, and sometimes difficulty opening your mouth.
A mouthguard can relieve some of that pressure, keeping your jaw in a more natural position while you sleep, reducing the strain on the TMJ. For people with mild-to-moderate TMJ issues, a custom night guard can often significantly reduce symptoms.
Don’t ignore jaw pain. It’s more than an annoyance. It could be a sign of a deeper issue that a mouthguard might help manage.
4. They protect dental work and braces
If you’ve invested in dental treatments such as crowns, bridges, veneers, or braces, protecting them is a wise move. Mouthguards act as a shield, protecting your dental work from sudden force or grinding.
Orthodontic patients, especially teens with braces, benefit significantly from wearing mouthguards during sports. Even a minor hit to the mouth can cause serious injury or undo months of orthodontic progress. Dental injuries are not just painful; they can be costly and frustrating, too.
Using a mouthguard may be just a simple step, but it’s a simple step that can preserve your investment in your smile.
A custom fit makes all the difference
Though over-the-counter mouthguards are available, a custom-made one from our team offers better protection and comfort. It fits your teeth precisely, stays in place, and allows for easier breathing and speaking. If it feels good, you’re more likely to use it regularly.
So, whether you're dealing with nighttime grinding or just trying to avoid dental injuries, a mouthguard might be your best defense.
A small investment with long-term benefits
Protecting your teeth doesn’t have to be complicated. A mouthguard is a small tool with huge benefits. It helps prevent damage, reduces grinding and jaw stress, and keeps your dental work safe.
Call our office or book an appointment online, and let us help you decide if a custom mouthguard is right for you.
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