Mouth guards are dental appliances that protect your teeth from injury. They are ideal for wearers who grind their teeth at night and some sports participants. What many people do not realize is the potential for devastation or damage occurring to their teeth without this protective measure. Below you will find an explanation of how custom mouth guards protect teeth from grinding or sports injuries and the reasons you may want to obtain custom mouth guards in Coral Gables.
What Are Mouth Guards?
A mouth guard is a soft yet durable dental appliance that covers teeth and gums. They provide a protective barrier between your teeth and any potential damage to them. Dentist in Coral Gables, FL, will recommend mouth guards for patients who:
- Have bruxism or other clenching habits.
- Participate in sports like football, boxing, ice hockey, or basketball.
- Are at risk for tooth trauma or jaw problems.
Mouth guards can be bought in stores, but custom mouth guards made by a dentist offer the best fit and protection.
How Mouth Guard Works
The mouth guard helps by absorbing and distributing the impact from any impact. This could be a contact sport or the pressure caused from grinding your teeth. In both situations, we can see how it offers protection to the teeth
| Problem | How the Mouth Guard Helps |
| Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) | Prevents tooth wear, cracks, and jaw pain by cushioning teeth. |
| Sports Injuries | Reduces the risk of broken teeth, cuts to the lips, and jaw fractures. |
When made correctly, a mouth guard fits snugly over your teeth. It prevents your upper and lower teeth from hitting each other, which avoids damage to the enamel (the hard outer layer of the tooth).
Benefits of Mouth Guards
Wearing a mouth guard has many great benefits. Here are some of them:
| Benefit | Description |
| Protects Teeth | It will help prevent teeth from getting chipped, broken, or knocked out during sports. |
| Saves Money | It costs much less to get a mouth guard than it does to repair/fix a broken tooth! |
| Reduces Jaw Pain | For people who grind their teeth, a mouth guard can help relieve jaw pain and headaches. |
| Protects Soft Tissues | Keeps your lips, cheeks, and tongue safe from being bitten or cut. |
| Prevents Headaches | Grinding teeth can cause tension headaches, which a night guard can help prevent. |
Custom Mouth Guards vs. Store-Bought
Store-bought mouth guards are less expensive, but they commonly do not fit well. If they do not fit well, they can be uncomfortable and not ultimately helpful at all.
Custom mouth guards are constructed by a dentist in a dental office near you! The dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a perfectly fitting mouth guard. This better fit has a number of advantages:
- More comfort
- Better protection
- Easier breathing and speaking during sports
- Longer durability
Mouth Guards for Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding often occurs while asleep at night, and many people are unaware that they grind their teeth! After a while, grinding can lead to:
- Worn-down teeth
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Chips or loose teeth
A custom night guard will help relieve some of the pressure off of your teeth and jaw and prevent long-term damage.
Mouth Guards for Sports Injuries
Sports always put your teeth at risk; an unexpected elbow, ball, or fall can mean major damage. A sports mouth guard is there to:
- Absorb the impact
- Reduce the risk of losing a tooth
- Protect your jaw from fracture
- Prevents injury to your lips, cheeks, and tongue
Coaches and dentists recommend that all athletes wear mouth guards for games and practices.
Why Choose a Dentist for Your Mouth Guard?
A dentist can create a mouth guard that matches your exact dental structure. They will:
- Take a detailed impression of your teeth
- Use high-quality materials for durability
- Ensure the guard is comfortable and secure
Visiting a dental office near you for a custom mouth guard ensures you get the right protection for your needs.
Final Thoughts
A mouth guard is an investment in your dental health and particularly in case you grind your teeth or you participate in contact sports like hockey. Remember, it is better than suffering serious damage and having to spend more money on restoration.
Custom mouth guards made by a professional dentist offer the best protection, comfort, and durability.
Furthermore, if you want to keep your teeth safe and secure, then, talk to a dental office near you about getting one.
Protect Your Teeth With Custom Mouth Guards!
Gables Sedation and Family Dentistry provides quality and gentle dental care for children, adults, and seniors. We offer multiple dental services, including preventive care, restorative care, mouth guards, cosmetic dentistry, and more. We use modern tools and dental techniques to help you keep your smile healthy as well as strong!
Call us today to book your appointment and let us help you protect your teeth and have a healthy mouth!
