Mouthguards: Essential Protection for Athletes
Importance of Mouthguards
A mouthguard is a crucial dental appliance designed to reduce the risk of oral injuries during physical activities, especially contact sports. Accidents can occur in any athletic activity, and without a mouthguard, injuries such as chipped or broken teeth, damage to tooth roots, broken crowns, fractured jaws, and concussions are more likely.
Who Needs a Mouthguard?
Both adults and children involved in sports should be fitted for a mouthguard. This protective gear is essential for anyone participating in contact sports to ensure their safety and prevent serious injuries.
Types of Mouthguards
There are several options available for mouthguards:
Stock Mouthguards:
These are pre-made and can be purchased at sports stores.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards:
These can also be bought at local sports stores and are customized by boiling them and then biting into them to create an impression.
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
The safest and most effective option is a custom-fitted mouthguard, which can be made at our North Vancouver dental office in Lynn Valley.
Here’s how we create a custom mouthguard:
Impression:
We take an impression of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit.
Fabrication:
The impression is used to create a mould, from which the custom-fitted mouthguard is crafted.
This process ensures that the mouthguard covers all your teeth and stays firmly in place, offering maximum protection against injury.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a family member is involved in contact sports and does not have a mouthguard, contact us for a consultation. Our team will ensure you get the best protection to keep your smile safe during any physical activity.
Nightguards: Protecting Your Teeth from Bruxism
Understanding Bruxism
Bruxism, commonly known as sleep teeth grinding, affects an estimated one-third of adults. Symptoms of bruxism include:
- Sore and painful jaw
- Chronic facial pain
- Headaches
- Earaches
Benefits of Nightguards
Nightguards are designed to protect teeth from the harmful effects of clenching and grinding during sleep. These appliances:
- Prevent tooth damage
- Alleviate jaw pain
- Reduce headaches and earaches
How Nightguards Work
Nightguards are made from acrylic material, providing a cushion between the top and bottom teeth. This cushion helps to prevent the damage caused by night-time grinding.
Daytime UseIn some cases, nightguards may also be worn during the day to protect the teeth from clenching and grinding./p>
Get Fitted for a Nightguard
If you suspect that you suffer from bruxism, contact us today to get fitted for a nightguard. Our team will help you protect your teeth and alleviate the discomfort associated with bruxism.
