Mouth Guards Everything You Need to Know

One of the most protective oral appliances that Springs Dental offers is a custom mouthguard. Depending on the type of device you need, Dr. Pulsipher can fit you for an athletic mouthguard or a bite splint/nightguard to manage teeth grinding and clenching.

These important pieces of equipment can reduce your risk of oral injury, dental emergencies, pain, and complex dental treatments in the future (such as root canals or crowns.)

Not all mouthguards work the same way. Based on your age and lifestyle, your oral health could significantly benefit from investing in a sports appliance or bite splint.

How Do Mouth Guards Work for Sleeping?

Jaw and TMJ pain can often be attributed to teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) while you sleep. The constant tension on the TMJ and the surrounding muscles gradually causes fatigue and long-term discomfort. TMJ pain is often attributed to things like stress, sleep apnea, and injuries.

When you wear a nightguard or occlusal splints as directed, it helps prevent muscle tension at its source. Anytime you’re relaxed or sleeping, your lips should be closed shut together but your teeth should not be touching. If you are subconsciously clenching and grinding them together, it will lead to both joint pain as well as excessive enamel wear.

A bite splint is used to reduce the stress of teeth clenching. It allows the appliance to wear rather than healthy enamel. This protective step limits the risk of broken teeth and dental work. It’ a worthwhile investment, since a bite splint can easily be replaced (and is more affordable to do so) than repairing multiple damaged teeth.

How Does a Mouthguard Work for Sports?

A mouthguard is recommended for any child, teen, or adult who participates in athletic activities where falls, bumps to the mouth, or other head and neck injuries could occur. Such as soccer, basketball, cycling, football, etc.

Protective sport mouthguards can help reduce the risk of facial injuries such as broken teeth and facial lacerations. But they’re also effective against lowering the rate of concussions. Because of the way athletic mouthguards fit over you or your child’s teeth, there’s less of a risk for it to fall out when you need it the most.

You can even customize your sports mouthguards to match the color of your favorite team or school athletic jersey.

Custom vs. Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

Although it is common to see sports mouthguards in the drug store, they are not as effective as having one fitted by our Murrieta dentist.

Oral appliances such as bite splints and athletic mouthguards that are custom-fitted offer greater comfort and protection when you need them the most. They are less likely to fall out on impact and protect your tongue, lips, teeth, and jaws from serious injuries. A stock guard purchased in a store is usually more cumbersome and is quite looser over the teeth, making it hard to wear and more prone to falling out of your mouth.

How Long Should You Wear a Nightguard?

The average bite splint used for grinding or clenching should last between 2 and 4 years depending on how severe your bruxism habit is. To ensure proper protection, we recommend replacing the appliance as soon as it becomes worn.

How Long Can You Wear a Sports Mouthguard?

Adults can usually wear their athletic mouthguard for at least few years before needing to replace it. Children’s mouths grow at an accelerated rate so it is best to replace their mouthguard every year. This will ensure that the mouthguard is fitted properly and provides the protection they need during athletic activities.

Caring for Your Appliance

Be sure to keep your mouthguard in a closed case that is out of the reach of any small children or pets. Do not keep it in a hot car, as the material may warp. We recommend rinsing your mouthguard with lukewarm tap water and cleaning it with a non-abrasive toothpaste or effervescent denture cleanser after each use.

Sports Mouthguards in Murrieta

We offer custom oral appliances for all ages. Contact Springs Dental in Murrieta today to learn more about our custom mouthguards and bite splints.