What are Mouth Guards?
A custom mouth guard can be made by general dentist, Dr. Camelia Cooper at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft in Frisco, TX for patients who play sports and patients who grind the teeth at night. For sports, a mouth guard will reduce the patient's chance of getting a concussion, it will protect the jaw and soft tissue, it will cushion any impact against the teeth, and it will prevent neck and jaw injuries. Teeth grinding (bruxism) and jaw clenching at night cause about 10 - 15% of adults to wake up with headaches, tooth pain, jaw pain, and swelling. A custom mouth guard can be created for sports or night, depending on the patients needs, but a mouth guard fitted by Dr. Cooper will be more comfortable and protective than a mouth guard that is bought over-the-counter. A high quality, custom fit mouth guard can help patients protect themselves from more serious and expensive dental problems.
What are the benefits of mouth guards?
Mouth guards custom-made by Dr. Camelia Cooper and her team at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft are the most effective way to guard against dental injuries that may result from playing high-contact sports and alleviate symptoms from teeth grinding at night. While mouth guards can be purchased over the counter, mouth guards prescribed at our Frisco, TX office are associated with a number of excellent benefits, including:
- Specialized for your mouth only
- Minimizing tooth and jaw pain or trauma
- Protecting against teeth damage, bites, and soft tissue injuries
- Alleviating headaches caused by teeth grinding
- Better protection than store-bought options
- Preserving braces and dental restorations
- Made from high-quality materials
- Reducing jaw strain
- Long-lasting
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Am I A Candidate For A Mouth Guard?
Candidates for custom mouth guards include individuals who engage in high-contact sports such as football, soccer, and hockey and those who suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism) or jaw clenching during sleep. Dr. Cooper can tailor-make mouth guards to fit the unique contours of a patient's mouth, offering more comfort and protection than over-the-counter alternatives. These custom devices are essential for athletes of all ages looking to prevent dental trauma and injuries and individuals seeking to alleviate the adverse effects of teeth grinding, including headaches, tooth pain, and jaw discomfort. Whether for sports or nighttime use, a custom-fitted mouth guard by Dr. Cooper is a preventive measure against more serious and costly dental issues.
What Should I expect?
Once the patient decides to get a mouth guard, they will schedule an appointment with Dr. Cooper at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft to have impressions of the upper and lower teeth made. The impressions will be sent to a dental laboratory where a custom-fit mouth guard will be crafted for the patient. Once the mouth guard is returned to Sweet Tooth Dental Loft, the patient will come in to have their mouth guard fitted by Dr. Cooper.
How do I care for my mouthguard?
The mouth guard can last for several years with proper home care. The patient should clean the mouth guard before and after each use. Depending on the type of material used when making the mouth guard, Dr. Cooper will give the patient more specific care instructions. Patients should bring their mouth guard to all future dental appointments at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft so Dr. Cooper can check for general wear and decide when it needs to be replaced.
Mouth guards FAQs
Who should use a sports mouth guard?
Mouth guards at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft can be used by children and adults who participate in contact sports. These include football, soccer, ice hockey, and lacrosse. They can also be used by people who participate in recreational activities like skateboarding and rollerblading. They're a great way for people of all ages to prevent dental trauma and injuries.
How often should a mouth guard be replaced?
A sports mouth guard could last many years if it is properly cleaned and stored. However, it will need to be replaced if it gets worn down or damaged beyond use. Remember to bring your mouth guard to all dental exams in Frisco, TX, so we can examine the appliance and make sure it still fits comfortably.
How do you clean a sports mouth guard?
Sports mouth guards should only be cleaned with warm water and nonabrasive soaps. A brush can be used to remove food particles, but the appliance itself shouldn't be scrubbed or scraped with sharp objects because this could damage the appliance. Dr. Cooper can provide easy guidelines about care during an appointment.
Can wearing a mouth guard improve athletic performance?
While the primary function of a mouth guard is to protect the teeth and jaw during sports, some athletes find that wearing a mouth guard can help with their overall performance. By promoting better breathing patterns and reducing the risk of oral injuries, athletes may experience less distraction and increased focus during their activities.
Is it necessary to wear a mouth guard on both the upper and lower teeth?
Typically, mouth guards are designed for the upper teeth to provide the most effective protection against trauma and injury. However, in some cases, such as for individuals who wear braces on their lower teeth, Dr. Cooper may also recommend a mouth guard for the lower teeth. During your consultation, Dr. Cooper can assess your specific needs and determine the best protection strategy for your mouth.
How does a night guard differ from a sports mouth guard?
Night guards and sports mouth guards serve different purposes and are designed accordingly. Dr. Cooper at Sweet Tooth Dental Loft can help determine which type of guard is best suited for your needs, whether you're an athlete or experiencing symptoms of bruxism.
Relief and Protection
If you are one of the 30 – 40 million Americans who wake up with headaches or mouth pain, ask Dr. Cooper about a custom night guard that can protect your teeth from grinding and clenching. For athletes, a custom mouth guard from Sweet Tooth Dental Loft in Frisco can also protect the teeth from expensive dental damage.
