When You Need a Mouth guard From a General Dentist

A general dentist may recommend a mouth guard to protect the teeth from damage that can occur from teeth grinding, sports injuries, or physically strenuous jobs. Grinding can be difficult to treat, but a patient can be helped by a thin mouth guard on the upper or lower teeth to prevent friction from occurring. Other types of mouth guards, such as those made for contact sports, keep the teeth and surrounding soft tissues safe during tackles and falls.

Over-the-counter mouth guards versus custom mouth guards

Mouth guards are available without a prescription or a dentist’s appointment, but these generic models will likely not fit the patient’s mouth perfectly. Dental appliances that are not custom-made may cause chafing, mouth sores, and an overall feeling of discomfort for the patient. Over-the-counter guards may suffice as a temporary protective appliance for the teeth, but patients who suffer from moderate to severe bruxism or who need a more comfortable guard for long hours of sports practice can benefit from talking to a general dentist about being fitted for a quality mouth guard that will last for years.

Types of mouth guards general dentists can prescribe

While mouth guards can be crafted to fit over a patient’s top or bottom teeth, the style, thickness, and material is decided upon by the general dentist. The dentist collaborates with the patient to decide which type of guard is the most appropriate.

Mouth guards for those with medical concerns

Patients who suffer from tooth grinding, or bruxism, may contend with frequent headaches as well as jaw soreness and stiffness. While bruxism patients may think that these uncomfortable and often painful symptoms are a fact of life, many are not aware that teeth grinding can lead to more severe concerns like temporomandibular joint pain and cracked teeth. Grinding is unlikely to permanently damage teeth in the short term, but if the friction continues over weeks or years, tooth enamel and even the teeth themselves can be worn down.

Patients who are at higher risk for damaging teeth as a result of bruxism may be prescribed a thicker guard than those who have a milder form of the condition. These mouth guards can be worn at any time of day, but they are most often worn at nighttime when grinding cannot be consciously controlled.

Mouth guards for athletes

Individuals who play sports with a high risk of injury, such as football, hockey, basketball, and boxing, can benefit from wearing a mouth guard. This type of guard is designed to protect the tongue, inner cheeks, lips, and gums as well as the teeth during intense periods of physical activity. Sports mouth guards are generally bigger than nightguards as they are designed to safeguard against dental trauma. Younger athletes may be interested to know that sports mouth guards often come in a range of colors.

Conclusion

Dental appliances have a reputation for being bulky and irritating to wear; however, custom guards can be sculpted to provide maximum comfort for the patient. Consult with a general dentist to ascertain whether a mouth guard is the right choice for your lifestyle and dental needs.

Request an appointment or call Dallas Laser Dentistry at 469 838 5292 for an appointment in our Dallas office.