Stress can harm our health. It can also trigger sleep problems, digestive problems, headaches, chest pains, grinding teeth, etc. Clenching or grinding your teeth during the night could result in increased tooth sensitivity and tooth loss. This is where mouth guards can be useful.
Dentistry offers various types of mouthguards based on the condition of your mouth. This blog discusses the different types of mouthguards that are used to prevent snoring and bruxism.
Stock Mouthguard
It is the most sought-after type of mouthguard. It’s inexpensive and readily available in pharmacies and sports shops. They’re mostly designed to protect the top teeth. They are available in various sizes and designs to give you the perfect fit for your teeth.
While they’re affordable and easy to locate, their drawback is that they’re not a perfect fit and could be uncomfortable. It can be hard to breathe or speak while wearing this mouthguard.
Mouthguard Boil and Bite
They’re similar to the stock mouth guards in that they’re cheap and can be purchased at a variety of local drug stores. They are constructed using thermoplastic material which you put in hot liquid to soften. They are also available in one size that can be customised to fit your mouth.
Remove them from the hot water, put them on your teeth, and then bite them to fix them. You can also apply the pressure of your tongue or your fingers to mould it around your teeth.
Custom-made mouthguards
It is not necessary to purchase this protective device from a store. They are designed at the clinic of your dentist and then placed in. A dental mould is made and used to design a mouthguard specific to the tooth structure. Compared to Boil-and-Bite and regular mouthguards, these offer the best fit for the teeth and are more comfortable.
They don’t slide out or fall off during an event or sleep. This type of guard also stop snoring and are the ideal choice if you suffer from sleep apnea. Since they are custom made to the person’s requirement they are more expensive.
How to select the right type of mouthguard?
Keep the following things in mind while selecting a mouthguard. A right mouthguard:
- Ensures that your breathing is easy and you have an easy speech.
- Does not slip or slide during the action.
- Perfect fit and very comfortable.
- Easy to maintain and durable.
- It should be tasteless, odourless and durable and tear-resistant.
If you feel any pain or discomfort after using a mouthguard, consult your dentist immediately and get it sorted out.
Does Mouth Guard Cover the Top or Bottom Teeth?
For people who suffer from bruxism, the mouthguard is worn on the bottom teeth. If you cannot wear a night guard over your bottom teeth for some reason, a dentist can create a customised night guard for the upper ones.
Benefits of using a Mouthguard
Prevent Teeth Damage
Teeth grinding leads to enamel loss. Too much sensitivity can result from enamel erosion. In the end, your mouth can’t tolerate cold or hot drinks and foods. Furthermore, with no enamel protecting your teeth, they are more prone to decay. A mouthguard can protect your teeth from this issue.
Prevents Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) joins the skull to the jaw and influences the muscles you use to chew. This could cause misalignment and headaches. Using a mouthguard helps prevent this disorder and relieves any tension you may cause to muscles.
Prevent Chronic Headaches
Headaches and chronic neck pain are typically the first sign of possible bruxism. The muscles strained in the neck and shoulders, mouth, and jaw cause headaches. A customised night-guard can eliminate headaches since you do not need to tighten your muscles.
We at Post House Dental provide specialised dental treatments for Bruxism and Snoring issues. For more details, visit our website!