Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
Worried about your child getting hit in the mouth while playing sports? Or do you or your child clench your jaw or grind your teeth while sleeping? These situations call for custom-fitted mouth guards in Manchester, NH, to offer protection. We offer these devices to help prevent tooth grinding or keep teeth safe from athletic accidents!
What Are Mouth Guards?
They’re oral appliances or devices that cover your teeth, adding a layer of protection from damage. Over-the-counter ones tend to come in different sizes that may not fit comfortably. But our dental team provides custom-fitted ones that are designed to perfectly fit your mouth or your child’s mouth.
Types of Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
Why wear one of these? Some people use them to keep their teeth safe from being knocked out or damaged when playing sports, such as football or hockey. Other people wear one of these devices if they grind their teeth when sleeping. This problem, known as bruxism, can lead to tooth damage and erosion, along with other problems.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding
Do you wake up with your jaw sore or with a headache? You might be clenching your jaw in your sleep. Bruxism can cause oral health issues and other problems — but a custom night guard can stop this from happening! These devices are made to prevent people from being able to grind teeth together, lowering the risk of damage.
Sports Mouth Guards for Protection
Do you or your child play any sports? Some athletic activities have higher risks of getting hit in the mouth with equipment or from collisions with other players. For example, kids can lose teeth or end up with damaged teeth if they get hit with a hockey puck. Wearing a sports mouth guard is a great way to prevent this! These guards cover teeth, giving them added protection from objects or other causes of sports injuries.
When to Consider Getting a Mouth Guard?
Should you explore this as an option? You might want to if you have signs of teeth grinding. Our dentist can go over what to expect and when to wear your guard if you’re in this situation. If your child plays sports, they might benefit from wearing a custom sports guard to keep their mouth safe.
What Benefits Do Mouth Guards Offer?
Wearing a custom-made one provides you with all of the following benefits:
- Reduced risk of tooth injuries during sports
- Lower risk of enamel erosion from grinding
- Reduced risk of jaw pain or headaches from grinding teeth
- Custom-made for a comfortable fit
- Convenient and easy to use
What to Expect from This Process
We start with a consultation to see if you or your child can benefit from a mouth guard. If so, we take impressions that are needed to create a custom-made device to wear. When it’s ready, we’ll make sure it fits your mouth or your child’s mouth and make any adjustments that are needed.
How Long Do You Wear a Mouth Guard?
For a sports guard, you keep it in while playing sports or practicing. If you wear one for teeth grinding, you’ll wear it the whole time you sleep usually. Our dentist can let you know when it’s safe to stop wearing it at night.
Overall, these custom-made mouth guards last for many years before they need to be replaced. Taking good care of them helps them last longer!
How to Care for One?
You can keep your custom-fitted mouth guard in good condition by doing the following:
- Rinsing it to keep debris from accumulating
- Cleaning it regularly as instructed
- Storing it in a clean, safe place
- Using a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it, not an abrasive one
Schedule an Appointment Today for a Mouth Guard!
Does your child need protection when playing sports? Or do you need help with teeth grinding? Our dental team offers custom-fitted mouth guards in Manchester, NH, for sports or sleep. We can make sure you or your child have the best protection from tooth injuries or damage!
