Custom Mouth Guards Offer Benefits to Many Dental Patients
While restorative dentistry services can help to save a tooth that has been damaged by decay, erosion, or injury, it is always best to care for the teeth and prevent these problems from developing. Brushing and flossing are vital to the health of the teeth and are a necessary part of any good oral hygiene routine. But what about protecting the teeth from external damage, such as that caused by injury or abrasion? To protect the teeth from this type of damage, a custom-fit dental mouth guard can be extremely helpful. Although typically thought of as a piece of sports equipment, a mouth guard can actually protect the teeth in a number of ways, making many of Dr. Patrick Tanner’s South Ogden patients ideal mouth guard candidates.
Mouth Guard Candidates
The custom-fit mouth guards that are offered by Dr. Tanner are fabricated based on the specific measurements of each patient, providing them with a comfortable and secure fit. This allows patients to wear these pieces while they sleep or while they participate in sporting events. Mouth guards protect and shield the teeth against damage and are a great option for the following types of patients:
- Patients who are physically active: As most people are aware, mouth guards are a piece of athletic equipment that can protect the teeth in the case of a facial blow or injury. However, when it comes down to it, mouth guards are far under-used by athletes. Mouth guards should not only be worn by those participating in contact sports, but are ideal for any athletic activity, including biking, skating, baseball, and soccer.
- Patients who grind their teeth: Teeth grinding is one of the most harmful oral habits. Unfortunately, many patients grind their teeth while they sleep and do not even realize that they have this habit until the teeth show signs of damage. A mouth guard worn at night can prevent patients from clenching or grinding the teeth and wearing down tooth enamel.
- Patients who suffer from temporomandibular (TMJ) disorder: Patients who suffer from TMJ disorder often experience headaches, discomfort of the jaw muscle, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth completely. Although there are many possible causes of TMJ disorder, the use of a dental mouth guard has been shown to alleviate the symptoms for many patients. A mouth guard can prevent teeth grinding, hold the teeth and jaw in proper alignment, and relieve pressure on the TMJ.
- Patients with obstructive sleep apnea: Like TMJ disorder, there are many causes of sleep apnea, and not all can be treated with a mouth guard. However, patients who have been diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (where the airways are blocked) can benefit from a dental mouth guard. Because the mouth guard will hold the jaw and teeth in proper alignment, it can also open up the airways, allowing for free and easy breathing while a patient sleeps.
Patients who suffer from any of the above conditions should discuss their situation with Dr. Tanner to learn if a custom-fit mouth guard can benefit their teeth and oral health.
Contact Us
Dr. Patrick Tanner is dedicated to providing patients with dental services that allow them to maintain the health and beauty of their teeth. If you are interested in preserving (or improving) your smile, contact us at your earliest convenience to learn more about our comprehensive range of dental treatments.
