Do you think you need mouth guards?
Mouth guards are an important tool to keep your teeth safe. At Olympic Dental, we offer mouth guards for a number of issues in our practice of general dentistry in Sugar Land. Read more to learn if mouth guards can help you.
What are Dental Mouth Guards?
Mouth guards are protective covers that slip on over your teeth. They have been called by various names including night guards, occlusal splints and mouthpieces. Although modern mouth guards are used for many reasons, the first mouth guards were developed for boxing. These early mouth guards offered minimal protection, but they laid the groundwork for modern devices. The first major development came in 1892. At this time, Woolf Krause was a dentist in England. He made mouth guards from a natural rubber resin. It was Krause’s son, Philip, who made the first reusable guard several years later. It was not until 1947 that acrylic resin was used to make a thinner, more functional guard. Today, mouth guards are highly versatile and perform better.
Why Use Mouth Guards?
There are a number of conditions that can benefit from the use of a mouth guard. Your dentist should assess your teeth to first determine if you have any of these conditions. After a definitive diagnosis, you will be able to discuss the effectiveness of mouth guards for your condition.
TMD: This refers to disorders of the temporomandibular joint. This joint connects your skull to your jaw. Some people experience pain or clicking in this joint. Some mouth guards can relieve this pain.
Bruxism: This is a condition wherein you grind your teeth. Teeth grinding can lead to tooth decay, jaw pain, headaches and more. The right guard will create separation between your jaws, which will make grinding impossible.
High impact sports: People who are active in sports may benefit from a mouth guard. These mouth guards can be worn during active play in order to protect against an unavoidable impact. This can keep your teeth from being damaged or knocked out.
Topical medications: Some people need creams or pastes applied to their mouths. This can be unpleasant and difficult. A mouth guard can facilitate the process.
Aesthetic enhancements: You may not need medicated pastes, but you may choose to whiten your teeth at home. If you do this, a mouth guard can be the ideal way to ensure an even application.
What Types of Mouth Guards Are There?
Given the wide range of conditions that can benefit from the use of mouth guards, it is no surprise that there are different guards available. You need to discuss your condition with your dentist to learn which type is best for you.
Stock: Stock guards are bought in the store without a prescription. They require no preparation to use. These are easy to use and affordable, but the lack of customization can make them uncomfortable.
Adapted: These guards can also be purchased without a prescription. However, before use, you should boil the guard. While it is still warm, it can be put in the mouth. This allows it to mold to your teeth. This allows for a somewhat better fit than the stock guards.
Custom: For the best fit, custom mouth guards are ideal. Your dentist will work with you to create a custom mouth guard. To make the guard, the dentist makes a mold of your mouth. The guard is then created from that impression. This way, it is perfectly formed to fit your mouth.
Do You Need a Mouth Guard?
If you think you might benefit from a mouth guard, please talk to Dr. Greg Gor at Olympic Dental. At Olympic Dental, we do not merely provide general dentistry in Sugar Land. Instead, we aim to educate patients about their options when it comes to dental health. Contact the office today for your appointment.
