Hi, this is Dr. Virginia H. Ellis over here at Virginia H. Ellis DDS Dental Corp. Today, I am going to be talking about mouthguards and night guards.
What is a mouth guard and why might someone need one?
A mouth guard is essentially a protective dental barrier made out of a special type of plastic. You wear it to protect your teeth against grinding and clenching. Grinding occurs when you involuntarily and subconsciously grind your teeth during sleep, wearing them down or cracking them. It can also damage your gums and bone sockets, causing gums to recede and exposing root surfaces. Similarly, clenching involves biting down hard, which can also cause damage to your teeth and gums. A mouth guard acts as a plastic custom-made tray that cushions and redirects destructive forces away from your teeth.
What are the most common types of mouth guards?
There are two kinds: night guards and sports guards. All types of night guards are available, and I'll be referring to them as night guards instead of mouth guards. Some are tiny, known as NTI, which I generally don't recommend. I use them to diagnose jaw joint disease issues, determining if the cause is neuromuscular or bony. If bony pain persists. Most of the time, 80-90% of cases, a night guard solves joint or muscle tenderness issues. I recommend a fully hard night guard that covers the entire mouth. When properly made, these guards become essential as they prevent grinding and clenching forces from causing soreness, headaches, and damage to your teeth, gums, jaw joints, and muscles.
What is a mouth guard for teeth grinding and how does it work?
When you're grinding, I adjust the custom-made molds so that you bite in a way that redirects destructive forces along proper vectors. This regulation prevents damage to your teeth, gums, joints, and muscles from improper directional loading forces caused by grinding and clenching.
How can a mouth guard help with TMJ disorders?
A mouth guard helps by reducing unhealthy forces on the teeth, gums, and jaws, redirecting them to appropriate areas. Sometimes misaligned teeth or jaw anatomy direct clenching and grinding forces improperly, causing damage. A mouthguard corrects this.
What is a sleep apnea mouthguard and how does it help with breathing during sleep?
A sleep apnea mouth guard is different. It advances the jaw forward, creating an airway opening to improve breathing during sleep. Although it may change your bite, addressing sleep apnea, which can cause serious health issues, is crucial. Breathing at night is vital, so opting for a sleep apnea guard is recommended despite the possibility of a bite change.
What are the benefits of a night mouth guard for sleeping?
The benefits of a night guard include protecting your teeth from cracking. I once woke up with half of a molar missing due to grinding, which led me to pursue dentistry. Night guards improve sleep quality and reduce headaches caused by tense muscles.
What is the difference between a custom mouthguard and a store-bought one?
The difference is significant. A custom mouthguard fits you precisely, much like a custom suit, while store-bought ones do not. Teeth are unique like fingerprints, so a generic guard won't fit well. Custom guards are precisely made, whereas store-bought ones can cause issues, as I saw with a patient who developed inflammation and had to seek treatment at UCSF. Investing in a custom mouthguard is crucial for your health.
How does a dentist create a custom snore or sleep apnea mouthguard?
The process involves taking molds of your upper and lower teeth and a bite registration. These are sent to the lab, where custom mounts are made. After about two weeks, I fit the guard, adjusting it to your bite through various movements until it fits perfectly.
How do you properly clean a mouth guard?
It's simple. Use a soft toothbrush with cold or warm water—not hot—to brush the guard, especially the sides and underside. Avoid toothpaste, as it builds up. Use unscented soap, rinse, and let it air dry. Don't close the case to prevent mold growth. We also offer a special cleaning bath during checkups.
How often should a mouth guard be replaced?
The hard type of night guard I make usually lasts three to seven years, but many last up to ten years with proper care. The main reason for replacement is damage by pets, so keep it away from them. Avoid sun exposure and handle it carefully to prevent breakage.
Can mouthguards help prevent dental damage during sports or while grinding teeth?
Yes, but they differ. Night guards protect against grinding and clenching, while sports guards protect against high-impact forces in contact sports. Sports guards are softer and thicker, designed for activities like boxing, basketball, and lacrosse. They don't protect against grinding like night guards do.
When should someone consider using a mouthguard for sports like football or boxing?
Many sports require mouthguards, like football and lacrosse, where players are checked for them before games. Other sports, such as hockey, boxing, cheerleading, gymnastics, and track and field, also benefit from mouthguards due to the risk of dental trauma. Wearing a sports guard significantly reduces the risk of losing teeth in these activities.
How does a boxing mouthguard differ from a football mouthguard?
Boxing mouthguards are inserted directly into the mouth, similar to basketball. Football mouthguards are designed differently, attached to the helmet with a plastic string. While boxing, basketball, and lacrosse don't have this feature, hockey might benefit from it due to the high incidence of dental injuries. Remember, investing in a custom night guard is worthwhile for your health and the longevity of your teeth.
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