When you think of the word “guard,” the first thing that comes to mind is probably protection. So, when you hear the term “mouth guard,” you might think of protecting the mouth; in fact, you are right. A mouth guard is a layer that protects the teeth. In this article, we will discuss mouthguards, their types, functions, and the conditions in which they are needed. We will also discuss why people suffering from some dental conditions or teeth grinding are advised to wear a mouth guard. Lastly, we will answer the most frequent queries related to the topic and discuss how to clean mouthguards.
What is a Mouth Guard?
A mouth guard is an oral device available in various shapes, materials, and designs, each serving specific functions. Some mouth guards provide a protective layer for teeth and are placed entirely inside the mouth, while others, like sports mouth guards, have partially external parts. These devices are customized to address specific health conditions or preventive measures, such as those prescribed for sleep apnea and snoring. The choice of mouth guard depends on its intended purpose, whether for protection from trauma or preventive measures.
What are Mouth Guard Types?
When you think of a mouthguard, you shouldn’t consider it as a one-size-fits-all device. Instead, think about different sizes and shapes for each mouthguard. Some mouth guards aim to protect teeth, while others, like sleep mouth guards, reduce snoring, teeth grinding, or relieve sleep apnea complications.
Mouth guards are suitable for all ages, prescribed by dentists and sleep specialists. They can be recommended for the upper or lower teeth. Here are the key types and their uses:
Stock Mouth Guard: Stock mouth guards are the most used type. They can be found in pharmacies or sports gadgets and equipment stores and come in a wide variety of sizes. They are cost-effective and protect the teeth. However, since they are not custom-made, they are often not very comfortable; It can be difficult to speak comfortably. While they may be a quick fix, they may not be the most convenient option.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guard: This type of mouth guard is also considered affordable. You can find it in drug stores. Boil and bite mouth guard entails boiling the mouth guard until it softens, then biting on it to adjust it to your bite, hence the name. It gives you a better fit than the stock mouth guard, especially if you follow the instructions carefully.
Custom-Fit Mouth Guard: Custom-fit mouthguards help with sleep apnea, snoring, and teeth grinding, protecting teeth and enhancing oral health. Though more expensive, they offer unmatched effectiveness. Dentists take impressions, often digitally, and send them to a lab to create a custom guard tailored to your teeth’s anatomy.
Mouth Guard Functions
Mouth guards are not all made from the same material and don’t serve the same purpose. Overall, they can be classified into two main categories: protective and medical designed to limit damage caused by a condition (night guards). Below are the functions for each case:
- Sport’s Mouthguards: One of the main functions of mouth guards is to protect your teeth; if you are involved in contact sports such as ice hockey or boxing, a mouth guard is a must, where there is frequent physical contact with other players. Moreover, if you are engaging in recreational activities like skateboarding and biking, which may pose a risk of mouth injury, you would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
- Sleep Mouthguard: This type of night guard doesn’t protect the teeth; instead, it’s designed to alleviate the effects of common sleep-related conditions such as sleep apnea or snoring. If you have sleep apnea, your doctor might prescribe a CPAP machine with its sleep mouth guard for nightly use, while the one for snoring is a custom-fit mouth guard.
- Bruxism Mouthguard: This is an umbrella term for a mouth guard for teeth grinding and clenching. If you have this habit, your doctor may advise a dental night guard to prevent tooth damage, but in some advanced cases, not only a dental night guard but also a day teeth-grinding mouth guard is needed.
- TMJ Mouthguard: TMJ disorders impact the jaw muscles and ligaments, leading to headaches and jaw pain. You may also experience grinding and clenching, exacerbating the symptoms. In some cases, a custom-fit mouth guard can help alleviate teeth grinding and gum disease.
At Dentspa, our highly skilled team can help you choose and design the right custom-fit mouth guard. For immediate assistance, please message us on WhatsApp.
How to Clean Mouth Guard?
A mouthguard is a dental device that is used daily, so it needs to be cleaned regularly. Whether it’s for teeth grinding, sleep apnea, snoring, or sports, it’s important to clean it after each use to prevent oral health issues such as bad breath or gum disease, which can result from bacteria buildup. Here are the steps to clean your mouth guard.
- Rinse once you take it off: After removing your mouth guard, wash it with cool or warm water to remove any saliva and food particles that might stick to it.
Gently Brush it: After rinsing, gently brush your mouth guard using a regular toothbrush without toothpaste, as it can be abrasive. You can also use a separate soft bristle brush to clean your mouth guard daily with unscented dish soap or regular castile soap, as it won’t scratch the mouth guard. - Let it Dry: After cleaning your mouth guard, prior to storing, allow it to dry completely for up to 30 minutes on a clean surface to avoid any possible cross-contamination.
Store it: Now that your mouth guard is dry completely, it’s time to store it in the night guard special case. It’s better to avoid storing it in the bathroom to prevent cross-contamination and to keep it away from steam and humidity to keep its shape. Your nightstand is a good spot, but make sure to keep it out of children’s reach.
Clean your mouth guard monthly with a non-abrasive denture cleaner. Place it in a glass container, fill with warm water, and let the cleaner dissolve. Follow the cleaning time indicated in the instructions. Avoid hot water, as it can alter the size and fit.
Conclusion
Cleaning your mouthguard is crucial for your oral health. Be sure to wear it only after brushing and flossing your teeth. Additionally, it’s equally important to brush and rinse your mouthguard after wearing it. Remember that storing it while still damp can lead to problems, as any remaining water may encourage bacterial growth. Consequently, bacterial growth can negatively impact not only your teeth and gums but also your overall health.
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