Mouthguards
At Port Washington Family Dentistry, we offer custom-made mouthguards and night guards to ensure comfort, protection, and effective prevention of dental damage.
Mouthguards and Night Guards
A mouthguard is essential for every athlete in a contact sport and physical activities, regardless of age. A mouthguard softens impacts and can prevent serious injuries that could cause expensive and painful oral health issues. Our mouthguards are custom-made from lightweight materials, ensuring they are comfortable and effective. They do not interfere with your regular breathing.
Night guards are similar to mouthguards but are worn while sleeping to prevent damage caused by bruxism. Bruxism is a disorder that can cause people to unknowingly clench and grind their teeth while asleep. Untreated it can result in teeth fractures, breakages, headaches, and jaw pain.
If you’re waking up with a sore jaw or headaches, or you’ve noticed chips or flattening of your teeth, a consult with Dr. Adam Lysak is recommended. The sooner the problem receives attention, the less damage there will be. Often a carefully calibrated night guard will eliminate the symptoms while protecting your precious enamel.
We invite you to learn more about mouthguards by visiting our office or calling us at 262-284-9011.
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What types of dental mouthguards exist?
There are several types of dental mouthguards available to meet different needs. Custom-fitted mouthguards, created by your dentist, offer the best fit and protection for sports and recreational activities. These are designed specifically for your teeth and mouth, ensuring maximum comfort and effectiveness. Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear but may not fit as well or provide as much protection. Boil-and-bite mouthguards, available at most sporting goods stores, offer a semi-custom fit by softening in hot water and then molding to your teeth. Additionally, there are specialized mouthguards for night-time use, known as night guards, which help prevent teeth grinding and clenching during sleep.
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What are the options for treating TMJ?
Treatment options for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders vary based on the severity and specific symptoms. Common treatments include:
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding hard or chewy foods, practicing stress-relief techniques, and performing jaw exercises can help alleviate symptoms.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can reduce pain and inflammation.
- Mouthguards: Custom-fitted night guards or splints can prevent teeth grinding and relieve pressure on the jaw joint.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises and therapies to strengthen jaw muscles and improve joint function.
- Dental Treatments: Correcting bite issues with orthodontics or restorative dental work.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to repair or replace the TMJ.
Your dentist or healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate treatment based on your individual condition.
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Why are mouthguards important for athletes?
Mouthguards are important for athletes because they provide critical protection for the teeth, gums, and jaw during sports and recreational activities. They help prevent dental injuries such as chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, and damage to the soft tissues of the mouth. Additionally, mouthguards can reduce the risk of jaw fractures and concussions by absorbing and distributing the force of impact. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard ensures maximum comfort and effectiveness, allowing athletes to focus on their performance while minimizing the risk of serious dental injuries.
Need a Mouthguard?
If you have more questions about mouthguards and night guards, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
