Ashwin Lewis
Mouthguards are dental appliances that cover your teeth and treat conditions like teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and sports-related injuries. They can be store-bought or custom-made by a dentist. Custom-made mouthguards are more expensive but provide better comfort and protection. If you're experiencing teeth grinding, jaw pain, or headaches, a mouthguard can help alleviate these issues. It's important to consult a dentist to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect teeth from damage caused by grinding or clenching, treat sleep apnea, or protect from sports-related injuries |
| Types | Store-bought (stock or boil-and-bite) or custom-made |
| Usage | Wear during sports or at night while sleeping |
| Effectiveness | Custom-made mouth guards are more comfortable and protective than store-bought ones |
| Cleaning | Rinse with cold water, scrub with a toothbrush and non-alcoholic cleaning solution, disinfect with bleach or mouthwash |
| Storage | Keep out of reach of pets, avoid exposing to extreme heat |
| Replacement | Custom-made mouth guards last longer than store-bought ones, but both types need to be replaced periodically |
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What You'll Learn
Mouthguards can help treat sleep apnea
Mouthguards can be used to treat sleep apnea by moving the lower jaw forward and keeping the airway open. They are effective for some cases of mild to moderate sleep apnea.
Sleep apnea occurs when a person's airway completely or partially collapses during sleep, causing gasping, choking, snoring, lowered blood oxygen levels, and sleep disturbances. It can be caused by blockage of the nasal passages, excess tissue in the upper airway, or the shape of the jaw and airway. Sleep apnea can make conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure worse, and those affected are often chronically tired.
Sleep apnea oral appliances, or mouthguards, move the jaw or tongue forward so that the airway can stay open during sleep. There are two main types of sleep apnea mouth guards: mandibular advancement devices (MADs) and tongue-retaining devices (TRDs). MADs move the lower jaw into a forward position, while TRDs use suction to keep the tongue in a forward position so that it does not collapse back into the airway.
Research has found that sleep apnea oral appliances can provide the following benefits for people with obstructive sleep apnea:
- Reduce the number of pauses in breathing (apneas) or episodes of shallow breathing (hypopneas)
- Significantly improve blood oxygen levels
- Decrease the frequency and volume of snoring
- Reduce daytime sleepiness
Sleep apnea oral appliances can be a safe and effective alternative for people with OSA who do not respond well to CPAP therapy. CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure, devices deliver a flow of oxygen to the back of the throat to prevent collapse and ensure good breathing. However, they are bulky, not always comfortable, and inconvenient for travel.
While oral appliances are a good option for some, they are not always as effective in treating OSA as CPAP. They may also cause side effects such as extra saliva production, teeth shifting and loosening, and bite changes due to the lower jaw shifting forward. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, and it is important to work closely with a healthcare provider when selecting and using a sleep apnea mouth guard.
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They can also prevent teeth grinding
Mouthguards can be an effective solution for preventing teeth grinding, also known as bruxism. This condition can lead to discomfort and dental issues such as worn-down teeth, jaw pain, and headaches. While there is no cure for bruxism, mouthguards can help manage the symptoms and protect your teeth.
There are several types of mouthguards available, but for teeth grinding, a custom-fitted night guard is often recommended. These mouthguards are crafted by taking an impression of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit. Custom-fitted night guards are more expensive than store-bought options, but they offer superior comfort and protection. They are moulded to match your teeth perfectly, ensuring optimal protection from the effects of grinding and clenching.
When choosing a mouthguard, opt for one made from high-quality materials. A good mouthguard should fit snugly and feel comfortable, allowing you to sleep peacefully throughout the night. It is also important to prioritise comfort, especially if you have sleep apnea. Additionally, proper maintenance of your mouthguard is crucial. Rinse it with cold water and gently scrub it daily without toothpaste. Avoid using hot water, microwaves, or dishwashers as they can distort the shape of the guard.
It is worth noting that adjusting to sleeping with a mouthguard may take some time. You may experience excess saliva during sleep, and your mouth may feel dry when you wake up. However, these issues typically resolve within a couple of weeks. Consistency is key—the more you use your mouthguard, the faster you'll adjust to it.
If you are experiencing frequent teeth grinding, jaw pain, or headaches, consult your dentist. They can help determine the extent of bruxism and recommend the best course of treatment, which may include a custom-fitted mouthguard designed specifically for your needs.
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You can buy mouthguards from medical stores
Mouthguards are dental appliances that cover your teeth and can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including teeth grinding, sleep apnea, and sports-related injuries. You can buy mouthguards from medical stores, and they can be categorized into two types: store-bought and custom-made.
Store-bought mouthguards are readily available at local drug stores or online. These include stock mouthguards, which you can use right out of the box, and boil-and-bite mouthguards, which can be slightly customized at home. While these mouthguards are cheaper, they are not as effective as custom-made ones and are not suitable for treating sleep apnea. They also need to be replaced frequently due to their one-size-fits-all design and the material they are made from.
Custom-made mouthguards, on the other hand, are crafted by dentists to fit your exact dental anatomy. They are more comfortable and effective in protecting against teeth grinding, sports-related injuries, and sleep apnea. The process involves taking dental impressions, either using dental putty or a digital handheld wand, and sending them to a dental lab for fabrication. Custom-made mouthguards are more costly, but they last longer than store-bought options.
When buying a mouthguard from a medical store, it is important to consider your specific needs. If you require a mouthguard for teeth grinding or sports, a store-bought option may suffice. However, for treating sleep apnea or if you require a more comfortable and durable solution, a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist is recommended. Additionally, proper care and cleaning of your mouthguard is essential to maintain its effectiveness and hygiene.
In summary, mouthguards are readily available at medical stores, but the type you choose depends on your specific needs and preferences. Store-bought mouthguards offer convenience and affordability, while custom-made mouthguards provide enhanced comfort, durability, and effectiveness, especially for treating conditions like sleep apnea.
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Custom-fitted mouthguards are also available
Mouthguards are dental appliances that cover your teeth and treat conditions such as teeth grinding (bruxism) and sleep apnea. They can be store-bought or custom-made by a dentist. While store-bought mouthguards are cheaper, custom-fitted mouthguards are more comfortable and provide better protection.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by taking an impression of your teeth, which is then used to create a mould. This process ensures that the mouthguard fits your mouth perfectly, offering superior comfort and protection. They are more expensive than store-bought options, but they last longer and are worth the investment for effective, long-term solutions.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are crafted to address specific dental issues, such as teeth grinding or clenching. They are designed to fit your unique dental anatomy, ensuring maximum comfort and protection. Custom-fitted mouthguards are also adjustable, allowing for a perfect fit. This adjustability is particularly beneficial for those with sleep apnea, as the mouthguard can be fine-tuned to keep the airway open during sleep.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are created by dental specialists, who take impressions of your teeth and craft the mouthguard to fit your dental anatomy precisely. This process ensures optimal comfort and protection. The custom-fitted mouthguard is then adjusted to match your bite angle, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. This level of customisation is not possible with store-bought mouthguards, making custom-fitted options superior in terms of comfort and effectiveness.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are crafted to fit your teeth perfectly, providing a comfortable and secure solution for teeth grinding or clenching. They are designed to be worn during sleep, minimising the discomfort and damage caused by bruxism. By wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard, you can protect your teeth, reduce jaw muscle activity, and improve your overall sleep quality.
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Mouthguards need to be cleaned regularly
Mouthguards are an effective way to protect your teeth and jaws from the effects of teeth grinding, jaw clenching, and sports injuries. They are also used to treat sleep apnea, a condition that causes a person's airway to collapse during sleep. However, to ensure that your mouthguard remains effective and durable, it is crucial to clean it regularly.
Mouthguards are worn in the mouth, which means they are susceptible to bacteria buildup from your teeth and tongue. If not cleaned regularly, this bacteria can multiply, leading to infections and bad breath. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate mouthguard cleaning into your daily oral hygiene routine. Here are some tips to help you maintain your mouthguard:
- Rinse your mouthguard with warm or cool water after each use. Warm water helps to remove dirt and prevent plaque buildup.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush dedicated solely to cleaning your mouthguard. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush as it can damage the mouthguard.
- Clean the mouthguard with antibacterial soap, mild, alcohol-free soap, or a non-abrasive toothpaste. You can also create a paste with baking soda and water to remove debris and reduce foul odours.
- Always allow your mouthguard to air dry completely before storing it in its case. Incomplete drying can lead to rapid bacterial growth.
- Deep clean your mouthguard at least once a week. You can use various methods for deep cleaning, such as soaking it in vinegar and hydrogen peroxide, using over-the-counter denture cleaners, or chemical mouthguard cleaners in tablet or powder form.
- Store your mouthguard in a clean, durable, vented plastic case when not in use. Avoid storing it in the bathroom, as the steam and humidity can cause the mouthguard to bend over time.
- Avoid exposing your mouthguard to extreme temperatures, such as direct sunlight or hot water, as it can cause the mouthguard to warp and change shape.
- Bring your mouthguard to your regular dental checkups so your dentist can inspect it for any cracks or signs of wear and give it a deep clean.
- Replace your mouthguard if it causes gum or teeth irritation or develops a persistent bad odour, discolouration, or deformation. Custom-made mouthguards generally last several years, while store-bought mouthguards may need to be replaced every few months.
By following these tips and cleaning your mouthguard regularly, you can maintain good oral hygiene, extend the lifespan of your mouthguard, and ensure its effectiveness in protecting your teeth and jaws.
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