Mouthguards and Night Guards in Winnipeg

Mouthguards are worn over your teeth. They’re designed to protect your teeth, face, jaw, and lips.

Unfortunately, some realize the value of a mouthguard only after experiencing a dental emergency.

Being active in sports puts you at higher risk for broken teeth or mouth damage. You can minimize mouth injury in the event of a sporting accident by wearing a mouthguard. It will protect your teeth from a hard hit, fall, or extreme pressure.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

Athletes participating in sporting events which involve collision and high contact benefit from wearing mouthguards. But even those participating in low- to non-contact activities like gymnastics will find a mouthguard beneficial.

Types of Mouthguards

You’ll find mouthguards in stores but choosing a mouthguard that’s customized for you at the dental office is more advantageous. Let’s explore the available mouthguard options:

• Customized. These mouthguards are custom-made for you by your dental team. Your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and sends it to the dental lab. Once the mouthguard is ready, you drop by the office for a fitting. Since the mouthguard is specially made for you, it also feels snug and comfortable. It may be more expensive than other options, but it’s more effective in protecting your mouth.
• Boil and bite. Chances are you’ve already seen this type of mouthguard in athletic or drug stores. Boil and bite mouthguards need to be placed in boiling water for it to soften. Then you insert it in your mouth and it forms to the shape of your mouth.
• Pre-formed mouthguards. They’re ready to wear but the downside is they might not feel comfortable. Since they’re made in one size only, they can be too big for your mouth and may also affect your speech and breathing.

When choosing a mouthguard, look beyond price. Think of it as an investment in protecting your oral health and see which option is most feasible.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

You may need to replace your mouthguard once it’s worn or poor-fitting. In this regard, kids may need mouthguard replacements more often as their mouth is still developing.

• Keep your mouthguard dry when not in use.
• Clean your mouthguard regularly. Use only cool water to prevent the material from getting deformed.
• Place the mouthguard in a sturdy container with airflow vents.
• Keep your mouthguard where pets can’t access it.

Night Guard

If you grind your teeth and often experience headaches or jaw pain when you wake up, you may have a condition known as bruxism.

The causes of bruxism aren’t clear but there are factors that may contribute to it. This includes stress, insomnia, and an abnormal bite – just to name a few.

Teeth grinding or clenching can be difficult to diagnose as it happens during sleep. In fact, some people aren’t aware they do this.

Bruxism can lead to other dental issues that may require restorative procedures if not addressed. It may also result in tooth loss in extreme cases.

Wearing a night guard can protect your teeth from the damages caused by grinding. A night guard is customized for you at the dental office.

Unlike store-bought options, custom night guards are durable yet comfortable, soft, and fit your teeth exactly. And they don’t interfere with your breathing.

Interested in Getting a Mouthguard or a Night Guard?

Protect your teeth at rest or play. To learn more about custom mouthguards, book an appointment today with one of our friendly dentists.