Caring for your teeth sometimes requires more than just brushing and flossing on a daily basis, though that’s certainly a good place to start. Certain appliances are useful for keeping your teeth healthy and even relieving pain. Mouth guards are one of the most commonly used appliances among adults as well as children and teens. They’re used for a number of reasons, and if your Catonsville dentist recommends a mouth guard, you should make sure that you’re using it when and how your dentist tells you to use it. Wondering why your dentist might recommend a mouth guard? We’ve got some answers for you!
Uses for Mouth Guards
- Treating TMJ (tempormandibular joint disorder) – TMJ is just a fancy way of saying “a jaw problem that causes pain.” TMJ can happen for a variety of different reasons, including injury, arthritis, or a tendency towards grinding your teeth. Either way, TMJ can be a painful condition for your jaw muscles. A mouth guard (usually worn at night for TMJ) will help you reduce the tension and strain in your mouth, helping to relieve headaches and jaw pain caused by TMJ.
- Sports – Certain sports are more dangerous for your teeth than others. Sports that require a lot of contact or balls are especially dangerous. Without a mouth guard, you run the risk of losing your teeth if the sport gets too rough. It’s important to wear your mouth guard from the time you step on to the field or court until you come off of it. You’ll want to avoid damaging or losing an adult tooth at all costs.
- Avoid wearing – Grinding your teeth is not only bad for your jaw, but it’s also bad for your teeth themselves. If you grind your teeth too much, you’re going to wear down the enamel. Your teeth become much more susceptible to bacteria and decay when your teeth don’t have enough enamel on them. Wearing a night guard will help you to avoid grinding and clenching your teeth in your sleep, when you have less control over it.
Custom Mouth Guards
If you have clenching or grinding problems, it’s time to make an appointment for a custom mouth guard. You can contact Leikin & Baylin Dental Care of Catonsville, Maryland by calling 410-747-1115 or visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Source: Your Dentistry Guide
Disclaimer: The writer of this article is not a medical professional. Information contained herein has been collected from sources believed to be reliable, and every precaution has been taken to ensure its accuracy. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care.