Closeup of a female boxer wearing a mouthguard to protect her teeth

Signs You May Need a Mouthguard

March 17, 2023 8:00 am

Mouthguards are plastic oral appliances that fit over your teeth. You may benefit from a mouthguard if:

  1. You Play Sports
  2. Participating in sports that can involve physical contact with others, the ground, or equipment can increase your risk of chipping a tooth, biting your cheek, and even knocking your tooth out! Athletic mouthguards help protect your smile and soft tissues from damage during sports like basketball, football, hockey, soccer, and boxing. A mouthguard also provides protection during solo activities like skateboarding and rollerblading. While you can find one-size and boil-and-bite mouthguards at sports equipment retailers, custom mouthguards from your dentist are more comfortable, durable, and protective.

  3. Your Jaw Hurts After Sleeping
  4. Does your jaw hurt when you wake up in the morning? This can be a sign you’re clenching and grinding your teeth as you sleep. Nighttime grinding strains your jaw muscles and wears down your tooth enamel. At Alma Dental Care, we offer nightguards, which are mouthguards worn at night, to reposition your jaw and provide a protective cushion between your upper and lower teeth.

  5. You Have TMJ Dysfunction
  6. Although teeth grinding and TMJ disorder are sometimes linked, they can be separate problems. If you’ve been diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, it means you’re having problems with the joints that connect your jaw to your skull. Symptoms can include stiffness, tenderness, clicking, and popping in your jaw, ringing in your ears, and frequent headaches. With TMJ therapy, we can create a special nightguard that absorbs jaw pressure, reduces the strain on your joints, and helps your muscles relax.

Custom Mouthguards in Petaluma

Mouthguards can be extremely helpful whether you’re playing sports, dealing with nighttime teeth-grinding, or looking to address TMJ issues. Custom mouthguards are designed to fit your smile perfectly so they’re comfortable to wear. Plus, a perfect fit offers optimal protection! As part of our comprehensive dental services, Alma Dental Care offers custom mouthguards. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Serrano, please contact us today.

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