When they hear the words “mouth guard” from their dentist, Nepean residents may picture something like in a classic boxing film: a spunky underdog popping a little piece of plastic into his mouth before standing up to the champion, and it protecting his teeth from the other man’s fists. But Nepean dental clinics actually craft mouth guards for a few different purposes, both related and unrelated to sports, and not just for boxers. Everyone from hockey players to gymnasts to people who grind their teeth at night can benefit from a mouth guard, though it pays to know the different kinds.
Stock vs. Custom-Made
You don’t necessarily have to visit your local Nepean dental clinic to get a working mouth guard. Many sports equipment retailers and drug-stores carry ready-made guards that can protect your teeth from damage. However, these guards obviously don’t offer equal coverage to everyone, as people’s mouths come in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. In fact, many people may find a pre-made mouth guard to be entirely unhelpful. By having a custom guard made by their dentist, Nepean residents can rest easy knowing that their teeth are protected more fully.
Sports Guards
While your dentist in Nepean offers both, there is an important distinction between a sports guard and a dental guard. A sports guard is recommended for anyone who participates in contact sports or other activities that include a risk of sudden blows to the face. The guard fits over the upper teeth and gums, and is designed to cushion impacts to the jaw. Along with boxers, these are commonly used by those who play hockey, football, lacrosse, or soccer, as well as some cyclists, skateboarders, and gymnasts. For people with braces or permanent retainers on their bottom teeth, mouth guards can also be fashioned that cover these teeth as well.
Dental Guards
Bruxism, or excessive teeth-grinding or jaw-clenching, is a serious condition that can severely damage a person’s teeth and jaw. Many sufferers do it at night, and therefore have very little ability to prevent it. While a dental mouth guard will not prevent its wearer from grinding their teeth at night, it will minimize the damage to teeth and jaw by preventing friction between the top and bottom teeth from causing wear and tear. By having a dental guard made specifically for your teeth at your local Nepean dental clinic, you can get a good night’s sleep without worrying about the damage you may be doing to your teeth, and you really can’t put a price on that.
If you are looking for a mouth guard and want the added protection that a custom-made guard can provide, contact your local dentist in Nepean today!
