Protecting your smile is essential for maintaining good oral health and confidence. Two key tools that many people overlook are mouthguards and nightguards. Whether you are active in sports or suffer from teeth grinding at night, these devices play a vital role in preventing dental injuries and damage.
In this blog, we will explain what mouthguards and nightguards are, their benefits, and why consulting a professional can help you choose the best option for your needs.
What Are Mouthguards and Nightguards?
Mouthguards and nightguards are protective devices worn over the teeth, but they serve different purposes.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards are typically worn during sports or physical activities to protect teeth, gums, and jaws from injury. They act as a cushion to absorb impact forces that could otherwise cause broken teeth, cuts, or jaw fractures.
There are three main types of mouthguards:
- Stock Mouthguards: Pre-made and available at sports stores, but they often don’t fit well.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Made from a thermoplastic material that softens in hot water, allowing you to shape it to your teeth.
- Custom Mouthguards: Designed by a dentist specifically for your mouth, offering the best fit and protection.
Nightguards
Nightguards are worn while sleeping to protect teeth from grinding or clenching, a condition known as bruxism. Grinding can wear down tooth enamel, cause sensitivity, and even lead to jaw pain or headaches.
Like mouthguards, nightguards can be bought over-the-counter or custom-made by a dentist. Custom nightguards tend to be more comfortable and durable.
Why You Need a Mouthguard or Nightguard
Wearing a mouthguard or nightguard can save your teeth from damage and protect your overall oral health. Here’s why they are so important:
Protection During Sports
Sports-related dental injuries are common, especially in contact sports like rugby, football, boxing, or hockey. Mouthguards reduce the risk of broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and injuries to the lips or tongue.
Athletes who do not wear mouthguards are more likely to experience dental trauma, which can require costly treatments and affect their ability to play.
Preventing Teeth Grinding Damage
Teeth grinding is often unconscious and happens during sleep. Over time, it can cause:
- Worn-down teeth
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Cracked or chipped teeth
- Jaw pain and headaches
Wearing a nightguard acts as a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the damage caused by grinding.
Improving Sleep Quality
Some people find that nightguards help relieve tension in the jaw muscles, leading to better sleep quality and less morning discomfort.
Supporting Overall Oral Health
By preventing damage and injury, mouthguards and nightguards help maintain the structure and function of your teeth and jaw. This can reduce the need for future dental work. Additionally, having a regular check-ups with a Dentist in Wigan or anywhere nearby you can further ensure your oral health is on track.
Custom vs Over-the-Counter Guards: What’s Best?
While it may be tempting to buy a cheap mouthguard or nightguard from a pharmacy, there are significant benefits to getting a custom-made device from a dentist Preston.
Benefits of Custom Guards
- Perfect fit: Custom guards are moulded exactly to your teeth and gums, offering superior comfort and protection.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials, they last longer than store-bought options.
- Better protection: The snug fit ensures the guard stays in place during activity or sleep.
- Personalised advice: A dentist Preston can assess your needs and recommend the best type of guard for your lifestyle and dental condition.
Limitations of Over-the-Counter Guards
- Poor fit can cause discomfort, leading to inconsistent use.
- May not provide adequate protection or prevent grinding effectively.
- Need to be replaced more frequently.
Overall, custom guards offer a better long-term solution, especially if you use them regularly.
How to Get a Mouthguard or Nightguard
Getting a custom mouthguard or nightguard is a simple process when you consult a dentist Preston.
- Initial consultation: The dentist will examine your teeth and discuss your lifestyle, sports involvement, or grinding symptoms.
- Impressions: They will take impressions or digital scans of your teeth to create a precise model.
- Fabrication: The guard is crafted in a dental lab based on your impressions.
- Fitting: You return to the clinic to have the guard fitted, ensuring it is comfortable and effective.
- Care instructions: Your dentist will explain how to clean and maintain your guard.
This personalised approach ensures the best fit and protection for your smile.
Caring for Your Mouthguard and Nightguard
Proper care extends the life of your guard and keeps it hygienic:
- Clean it daily with mild soap and water or a recommended cleaning solution.
- Avoid using hot water which can warp the material.
- Store it in a ventilated case when not in use.
- Inspect regularly for wear and damage, replacing it as needed.
- Bring it to dental appointments for professional cleaning and assessment.
When to See a Dentist Preston About Mouthguards and Nightguards
If you play sports regularly or suffer from teeth grinding, talking to a dentist Preston can provide peace of mind and expert guidance. Signs you might need a mouthguard or nightguard include:
- Frequent headaches or jaw pain
- Worn or chipped teeth
- Clenching or grinding noises during sleep
- Participation in high-impact sports
- Previous dental injuries
Mouthguards and nightguards are essential tools for protecting your smile from injury and damage. Whether you are an athlete looking to prevent dental trauma or someone who grinds their teeth at night, these devices can make a huge difference in your oral health.
By investing in the right protection, you can maintain your teeth’s health and enjoy a confident, pain-free smile for years to come. Don’t wait until damage happens—protect your smile like a pro today.
