What to Look for When Shopping for Mouth Guards

dental guard

Mouthguards look similar in shape. However, every mouth guard has unique functions. For instance, your dentist will not recommend a similar design for sports and teeth grinding. At West End Dental, Edward Kim MS, DDS, and his team recommend mouthguards to solve many dental problems, including sleep apnea and bruxism (teeth grinding). The devices come as stock or custom-made. While stock mouthguards might be your preferred option when looking for a single-use protector, a customized mouthguard might protect your teeth for quite some time.


How to care for your mouth protectors?

Your mouthguard is crucial in keeping your mouth healthy and your teeth intact. Therefore, proper care of your mouthguard is essential. After getting one, your dentist may advise you not to chew the protector as it may weaken it, making its protection job difficult. Other recommendations your dentist may suggest to help protect your mouthguards include:

  • Rinse your mouth protector thoroughly in warm water before and after use.
  • Clean your mouth protectors with a toothbrush and warm water to remove plaque and bacteria accumulation.
  • Air your mouthguard on a clean surface, far from pets, to allow it to dry effectively. Whenever the device is not in use, keep it inside its storage case.
  • Ensure the device is completely dry before you store it to prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria.

What factors should you consider when shopping for sleeping mouth guards?

After a deeper understanding of how mouthguards can help with sleeping problems like snoring, apnea, and bruxism, knowing what you are looking for in the mouth protectors can help you make an informed decision. Therefore, before buying the device:

Look for a mouth guard that comes with a protective case. Since your mouth protector needs regular cleaning, you might need a sterile case or environment to minimize the chances of airborne bacteria finding their way into your device and eventually into your oral cavity. Additionally, when shopping for your night guard, you may also check out for mouthguard cleaners. The cleaning tablets that quickly dissolve in water create a perfect solution to soak your device, cleaning the protector from plaque and other elements. Should you opt for stock models instead of custom-made mouthguards, look for trimmable devices that you can easily trim with a pair of scissors.

What is the process of getting a mouthguard?

Before suggesting a mouth protector, your dentist will thoroughly evaluate the condition of your teeth to ensure you do not have underlying issues. The medical expert may also take impressions of your teeth during the appointment. After taking impressions, your dentist will take them to the lab, where the technicians will design your mouthguard. When your protectors are ready, your dentist may call you in for a fitting and final adjustment before handing them over to you.

Mouthguards come in different sizes and designs. Therefore, it might be helpful to discuss your needs with your dentist before getting one. The dental expert may help recommend a mouthguard that best suits your situation. For inquiries on mouth guards, consult your dentist or schedule a dental appointment to discuss how you can benefit from the mouth protectors.

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