A mouthguard is a protective device that covers your teeth and gums to prevent any injury or damage during physical activities. Mouthguards can be custom-made or purchased over-the-counter, and they can be used for a variety of reasons, including sports, snoring, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mouthguard with Braces?
When you have braces, your teeth and gums are more vulnerable to injury, especially during physical activities such as sports. A mouthguard for kids can provide the necessary protection to prevent any damage to your braces and teeth. Using a mouthguard with braces can also prevent cuts or abrasions to the inside of your mouth caused by the brackets and wires. It is essential to choose the best mouthguard for braces that fits snugly and comfortably over your braces, allowing you to speak and breathe easily.
According to a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the use of mouthguards reduced the incidence of oral injuries by 82% in athletes wearing braces compared to those who did not wear mouthguards (Labella, Smith, & Sigurdsson, 2005). Therefore, it is recommended that anyone wearing braces use a braces mouthguard during physical activities to prevent any potential injury.
What Are the Advantages of Using a Mouthguard for TMJ Pain Relief?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder is a condition that affects the joint connecting the lower jawbone to the skull. Symptoms of TMJ include pain, discomfort, and clicking or popping sounds when opening and closing the mouth. A mouthguard can help relieve the pain associated with TMJ by reducing the pressure on the joint and providing cushioning for the teeth.
A study published in the Journal of Orofacial Pain found that a custom-made mouthguard was effective in reducing pain associated with TMJ (Manfredini, Segù, Arveda, Lombardo, &Siciliani, 2005). Using a mouthguard for TMJ can also help prevent teeth grinding, which is a common symptom of the condition.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mouthguard for Tongue Biting?
Tongue biting is a common problem that can occur during sleep or when participating in physical activities. It can cause pain, discomfort, and even bleeding. Using a mouthguard can provide a barrier between your teeth and tongue, preventing any accidental biting or injury.
A study published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry found that a custom-made mouthguard reduced the incidence of tongue biting in patients with dementia (Nakano, Ikebe, Morii, Takeshita, &Nokubi, 2016).
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mouthguard for Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a condition that involves the clenching or grinding of teeth during sleep or even while awake. It can cause dental problems such as chipped or cracked teeth, as well as headaches and jaw pain. Using a mouthguard for teeth grindingcan help prevent the damage caused by teeth grinding by providing a cushioning effect and reducing the pressure on the teeth and jaw.
According to a study published in the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, using a custom-made mouthguard was effective in reducing the symptoms of teeth grinding (Fernandes, de Sousa, & de Castro, 2013). Therefore, using a mouthguard for teeth grinding can be a viable treatment option for those who suffer from the condition.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mouthguard for Snoring?
Snoring is a common problem that can be caused by various factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and sleep apnea. Using a mouthguard can help alleviate snoring by opening up the airways and allowing for better airflow during sleep.
A study published in the Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine found that using a mandibular advancement device, which is a type of mouthguard, was effective in reducing snoring in patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea (Sutherland, Phillips, Cistulli, &Eisele, 2014). Therefore, using a mouthguard for snoring can be a beneficial treatment option for those who suffer from the condition.
Why a Mouthguard Is an Effective Option for Better Sleep?
Poor sleep quality can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health, leading to fatigue, mood swings, and decreased productivity. Using a mouthguard for sleepingcan help improve your sleep quality by reducing the symptoms of various sleep disorders such as snoring, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea.
A study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that using a mandibular advancement device was effective in improving the sleep quality and reducing the symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (Gauthier, Almeida, & Tsai, 2015).
What Are the Advantages of Using a Mouthguard for sleep apnea?
Sleep apnea is a condition that causes the cessation of breathing during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and other health problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Using a mouthguard for sleep apnea can help alleviate the symptoms by opening up the airways and allowing for better breathing during sleep.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine also found that using a mandibular advancement device was helpful in reducing the symptoms of sleep apnea (Phillips et al., 2019).
What Are the Benefits of Using a Mouthguard for Clenching and Grinding?
Clenching and grinding of teeth, also known as bruxism, can cause dental problems such as chipped or cracked teeth, as well as headaches and jaw pain. Using a mouthguard can help prevent the damage caused by clenching and grinding by providing a cushioning effect and reducing the pressure on the teeth and jaw.
A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation found that using a mouthguard for clenching and grinding was effective in reducing the symptoms of bruxism (Conti, Mancuso, & Petti, 1997).
Why Kids Need Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding?
Teeth grinding is a common problem among children, and it can cause dental problems such as chipped or cracked teeth, as well as headaches and jaw pain. Using a mouthguard for kidscan help prevent the damage caused by teeth grinding by providing a cushioning effect and reducing the pressure on the teeth and jaw.
A study published in the Journal of Dentistry for Children found that using a mouthguard for teeth grinding was effective in reducing the symptoms of teeth grinding in children (Fernandes et al., 2013).
Using a mouthguard for kids can provide numerous benefits for a variety of conditions such as cushioning for braces, TMJ, tongue biting, teeth grinding, snoring, sleep apnea, clenching, and grinding. It is important to choose the best mouthguard for your specific needs, whether it is custom-made or purchased over-the-counter. As evidenced by the scholarly studies we’ve looked at, using a mouthguard can be an effective treatment option for reducing the symptoms of various conditions and improving overall oral health.
Using a mouthguard can also improve the quality of sleep, which can have a positive impact on your overall physical and mental health. Therefore, if you suffer from any of the conditions discussed above or you simply want to protect your teeth and jaw, it is highly recommended that you consider using a mouthguard.
Whether you’re seeking a mouthguard for braces, the best mouthguard for braces, or perhaps a mouthguard for tongue biting or the best mouthguard for TMJ, a mouthguard for grinding teeth, clenching, snoring, sleep apnea, or sleeping, or a kids mouthguard for grinding teeth, you can get all your questions answered at a free initial consultation with us. Dr. Ivanov and the team specialize in orthodontic care and can provide valuable insights on how a mouthguard can benefit you. So, if you want to learn more about how Ivanov Orthodontic Experts can help you or get a mouthguard that meets your specific needs, call us at 786-540-1919 today.
