Teeth are resilient to daily wear and tear, but sports activities and bruxism (teeth grinding) can damage them. A mouth guard is a preventive and cost-effective solution that protects the smile. They can save teeth from accidents that could have a high price tag, or prevent damage due to chronic bruxism. The benefits of a mouth guard apply to young patients as well as adults, and it’s important to consider the health implications of obtaining a mouth guard before the smile is affected by permanent damage.
Athletic Mouth Guards
Whether you or a loved one is active, an athletic guard may save your teeth from an accident. During high-risk activities such as football or gymnastics, teeth protection should be considered to prevent extensive dental damage. This ensures that teeth are preserved for lasting oral function.
Occlusal (Night) Guards
Bruxism is a condition of chronic jaw clenching that is tied to stress and anxiety. At night, this condition exerts large amounts of pressure on your teeth and can break crowns or fillings, and even fracture healthy teeth. Symptoms include sore jaws and teeth, headaches, or muscle issues around the head and neck. Needless to say, bruxism can cause you to sleep poorly, affecting your daily activities.
A night guard, which is a mouth guard designed to allow for comfortable sleep, diverts pressure from clenched jaws. This protects teeth from damage and will diminish the other symptoms you feel. You can increase the effectiveness of this treatment by relaxing before bed with breathing exercises or other stress-relieving activities. An occlusal guard may also eliminate snoring and minor cases of sleep apnea, ensuring a better night’s rest altogether.
Custom Night Guards from Distinctive Smiles of Baton Rouge
A custom appliance from your Baton Rouge dentist is much more comfortable than over-the-counter brands or even boil-and-bite guards. They are designed to your unique smile and fit comfortably. Obtaining one is a simple process, first your dentist examines your smile, then takes impressions that are used to fashion the appliance. This process makes custom mouth guards comfortable and easy to wear for any sports activity or to inhibit the effects of bruxism.
Sancerie O’Rourke-Allen offers custom night guard services in Baton Rouge. If you or a loved one needs a defense against dental damage, contact us today. Schedule your consultation!