A mouthguard is a protective covering for the teeth that can prevent damage during athletic events, from grinding and clenching of the jaw to wearing braces in more complex cases. It’s crucial for athletes who play contact sports to wear a mouthguard or risk serious injury to their teeth; in fact, many schools require their athletes to wear one while participating in games.

When constructed properly, a mouthguard covers the upper teeth and arches and prevents them from getting broken or damaged during impact with another person, the ground, or a fall. Ideally, it prevents damage to the mouth's soft tissues as well. Contact Bencaz Family Dentistry for more information about getting custom-designed mouthguards today!

Custom-fitted Vs. Over-the-counter Mouthguards

A custom-fitted mouthguard is molded directly from your teeth, so it fits more comfortably than a stock or boil-and-bite guard. While both have their benefits, the custom-fitted option prevents your jaw from shifting out of place when you clench down while wearing your mouthguard. This is especially helpful if you play sports or other activities where contact is inevitable.

Stock and boil-and-bite guards are less expensive but may fit poorly and be uncomfortable to wear. When an over-the-counter mouthguard doesn’t fit properly, you risk wearing it improperly or not wearing the guard at all. This increases the risk of injury to your teeth, tongue, lips, and brain! If you’ve sustained an injury to your face or head or suffer chronic headaches due to teeth clenching, a custom-fitted mouthguard may help reduce or eliminate your symptoms.

Call your dentist today to schedule an appointment for a custom-fitted mouthguard. (This process requires a visit to our office to take impressions of your teeth.) Your dentist can recommend the best type of mouthguard for your needs and help make sure you’re wearing yours correctly.

When Are Mouthguards Used?

• During contact sports, such as football or wrestling.
• Protect the teeth from injury when playing hockey, baseball, basketball, and other recreational activities that pose a risk to teeth and gums.
• To reduce tooth grinding and jaw clenching while sleeping. Many adults wear mouthguards at night to minimize the effects of bruxism, a condition in which the sufferer grinds or clenches their teeth during sleep. This can wear down the tooth enamel and cause other oral health problems. Mouthguards are sometimes also worn by people who snore loudly because of jaw pain associated with this condition.

Our dentist can recommend the best type of mouthguard for your needs and help make sure you’re wearing yours correctly. To learn more about the benefits of mouthguards, contact Bencaz Family Dentistry at 130 N. Hummell Street, Denham Springs, LA 70726 or call (225) 665-2417.