Mouth guards protect teeth from sports injuries and teeth grinding in Petaluma, CA
Sports and athletic activities are a large part of many children’s and adult’s lives. While sports are an important source of physical activity and provide many team-building and other life skills, there is no denying that they can be dangerous at times. A hit to the face by a ball, equipment, or even another player can have life-long consequences for oral health. At North Bay Smiles, we offer custom-made mouth guards to protect children and adults in the Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Santa Rosa, Novato, and neighboring CA communities.
How a sports mouth guard protects you or your child
A well-made, custom-fitted mouth guard does much more than just protect the teeth during falls, hits to the face, or other types of collisions. Mouth guards minimize the amount of force being placed on sensitive tissues in several ways:
- The mouth guard prevents the teeth from biting down too hard, which can prevent injuries to the tongue, cheeks, and teeth
- It shields the lips from being cut by the teeth
- It reduces the force that is transmitted from the jaw to the base of the brain, reducing the risk of concussions or other traumatic brain injury
In addition, sports mouth guards can minimize the prevalence of jawbone fractures, gum and soft tissue injuries, tooth fractures, and neck injuries. Mouth guards are widely recognized as an important part of athlete safety and are often required during a variety of sports such as basketball, martial arts, football, baseball, hockey, and many others.
Mouth guards for teeth grinding and clenching or snoring
Do you find that you regularly wake up with jaw pain, facial soreness, or headaches? Do you have uneven wear and tear on your teeth? If so, you may suffer from bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding while you sleep. Clenching and grinding is involuntary and everyone does it to a certain extent, but some people may clench and grind their teeth more intensely or for longer periods than others, at which point it can begin to cause negative symptoms and damage your teeth and their supporting structures.
The underlying causes of bruxism can vary, but it can frequently accompany stressful periods in our lives. While this is most common among adults, we have been seeing more teenagers and young adults who grind their teeth due to the pressures of our modern lifestyle—such as playing competitively on sports teams and getting into a good college. A custom night guard can help reduce the forces placed upon teeth when you or your child clench and grind at night, which will protect the teeth from damage and help alleviate painful symptoms.
In addition, some patients who chronically snore can benefit from a custom night guard. These are made to place your jaw in a strategic position while you sleep, preventing the tissue collapse that can cause snoring to occur.
Dr. Szyperski will talk with you about your symptoms and perform a thorough evaluation to help you determine whether a night guard for bruxism or snoring is right for you.
Benefits of a professionally made mouth guard
A simple walk through your local grocery store or online search will reveal just how many options there are when it comes to mouth guards. In general, there are three types:
- Stock mouth guards that are one-size-fits-all
- Boil and bite mouth guards that you mold to the teeth after submerging the mouth guard in hot water
- Custom-made mouth guards that are specially fabricated by the dentist for you or your child’s unique mouth
Custom-made mouth guards, while more expensive than the other options, offer the best protection due to their precise fit and superior construction. They are molded to the patient’s teeth, do not impinge on the gums, and provide better support than the options available at a store. In addition, they are less likely to impede breathing, speaking, and drinking water in the same way that over-the-counter options do, and are more comfortable to wear – which means that you or your child is less likely to avoid wearing it. As an additional benefit, patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment can also use their mouth guard as a retainer rather than needing two dental appliances.
To talk to Dr. Szyperski about the benefits of a professionally made mouth guard and whether it is right for you or your child, call North Bay Smiles today! (707) 306-8001
All about night guards at North Bay Smiles
What are night guards?
A night guard is an acrylic appliance custom-made to fit over your teeth. It is used to protect the teeth from damage caused by clenching and grinding.
Grinding is a nocturnal involuntary parafunction that is caused by stress.
Our teeth are not meant to come together unless we are chewing.
What are signs you require a night guard?
One would be soreness of the muscles when you wake up in the morning.
Teeth that are breaking, fractures, and stress lines in the teeth.
Sometimes your dentist needs to tell you that they see evidence on your teeth.
Who is the ideal candidate, and do night guards work?
We are all candidates as we’re all under some stress these days.
Yes, they work because they separate the teeth and minimize the damage.
Feel free to contact us at North Bay Smiles to learn more about professionally made night guards.
Mouth Guards FAQs
Is a custom nightguard or sportguard worth it?
We all love saving money. When it comes to your mouthguard, you may be tempted to pick a generic mouthguard from your drugstore, but that isn’t the best option. Your mouth is unique so that a one-size-fits-all solution won’t cut it. A dentist-provided mouthguard costs more, but it’s worth the investment.
The benefits of a custom mouthguard include:
- It’s made-to-measure for a snug fit
- It’s crafted with durable, long-lasting materials
- A custom fit provides superior protection and comfort
Can I use a nightguard as a sportsguard, and vice versa?
It’s clever, but don’t think about it. Mouthguards may look the same, but each serves a different purpose. A nightguard is designed to manage grinding forces while you sleep. A sportsguard is made to absorb high-impact trauma during athletic activity. Using one in place of the other may reduce protection and increase your risk of injury. If you grind your teeth and play sports, you may need both.
Which sports require a mouthguard?
An athletic guard is a valuable tool for anyone engaged in sports, whether for fun or professionally. Consider a sports guard if you participate in contact sports such as rugby, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, football, or hockey. You may also need a sports guard for solo but high-risk activities such as skiing, cycling, skating, and gymnastics. As a rule of thumb, wear a sports guard for any activity with a risk of falls, collisions, or flying objects.
How long does a mouthguard last?
It depends on the material used and the frequency of use. Most mouthguards can last 1-3 years or more. However, athletic guards may need to be replaced sooner due to wear, growth changes in children, or bite adjustments. If your mouthguard needs replacement, don’t delay. Remember, your appliance provides the needed protection when it’s in good shape.
How do I maintain a mouthguard?
Good maintenance keeps your mouthguard healthy and strong. Rinse it with cold water after each use. Use gentle motions to clean it with a mild soap solution and a soft toothbrush. Avoid hot water or direct sunlight exposure, as heat can damage the material. Store it in a ventilated case to keep it dry and protected. Lastly, always bring your mouthguard to your dental check-up so we can inspect it for wear or damage.
Does insurance cover the cost of a mouthguard?
That depends on the type of nightguard. Your insurance may cover about 50% of the cost of a nightguard since it’s deemed medically necessary. However, sports nightguards are typically not covered as they are considered optional. Our team will review your coverage and advise on the applicable benefits.
How much does a custom mouthguard cost in the Petaluma area?
The cost varies depending on whether you need a nightguard or a sportsguard and the materials used. Generally, the cost ranges from $300 to $1,000, but this is just a guideline. Our office will share a cost breakdown during your consultation. Rest assured, we’ll only move forward once you are clear on costs.
Who offers quality mouthguards in Petaluma, CA?
A mouthguard is a simple but powerful tool for protecting your smile. Whether you need a nightguard or a sportsguard, you can trust North Bay Smiles for high-quality appliances. Call (707) 306-8001 and let's discuss your mouthguard options.
