Mouth Guard Cedar Mill When most people think of mouthguards, they imagine the type of mouthguards worn by athletes playing sports, rather than one used by patients as they sleep. We have all seen sports mouthguards, hanging from the facemasks on football helmets, or by basketball players who take them in and out of their mouths while coming off the bench. Those are not the only type of mouthguards used. Some patients use mouthguards while sleeping. They provide protection when worn, just like sports mouthguards, but they are used for an entirely different reason. While sports mouthguards absorb impacts and save the oral cavity from injury, mouthguards worn at night protect the teeth from a different type of injury. They create a barrier between the upper and lower teeth, so the patient does not grind their teeth while sleeping. When used properly, they can stop the dull ache and the specific pain experienced from teeth grinding. It can also stop headaches. Those patients who have trouble grinding their teeth and would like to find out the details of mouthguards, should come to see us at Barnes Dental. We are always interested in helping our patients with any type of treatment necessary. What is Bruxism?The medical term for clenching the jaw or grinding teeth is bruxism. It might sound strange, but it is a real phenomenon. Mouthguards can easily combat the variety of symptoms experienced by bruxism. They are relatively inexpensive and can provide immediate relief. It is important when considering a mouthguard, to make sure it fits properly. It should completely cover the upper jaw and teeth and needs to feel comfortable when worn. It seems rather obvious, but if a patient has a mouthguard, which hurts when worn, they simply will not wear it. That being said, there is a learning curve of sorts with wearing one. It will take a little while to get used to wearing a mouthguard. There may be a period of time where it is uncomfortable while getting used to it. When worn correctly, mouthguards can help with migraines, TMJ pain, jaw soreness, and with difficulty sleeping. Some patients reported their mouthguards also helped with ear pain, back pain, and neck pain. Types of MouthguardsThere are different types of mouthguards. They all perform the same way however they vary in cost and performance. The difference in cost from the lowest price to the highest price is negligible. The least expensive are known as stock mouthguards and offer a one-size-fits-all option. The boil and bite mouthguards tend to fit a bit better and are a little more expensive. Custom-made mouthguards are considered the best and are made to fit the exact measurements of the patient’s mouth. Any patients experiencing headaches or aches in their jaw should consider having an evaluation done, to determine if they are suffering from bruxism. Come see us at Barnes Dental today for a free bruxism evaluation. You can also contact us at (971) 441-5520. |
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