Mouth Guards

What are mouth guards?

Mouth guards are custom oral appliances that protect your teeth from chips, cracks, and other potential damage. They also provide a safe and effective way to address common sleep-related issues like snoring and sleep apnea.

If you lead a physically active lifestyle or grind your teeth, a mouth guard can preserve your oral health for years to come.

What are the types of mouth guards?

At Brooklyn City Dental, the team offers several types of mouth guards, including:

Sports mouth guards

Sports mouth guards protect your teeth and gums during physical activity. They’re beneficial for people who play contact sports like hockey, football, and rugby. Wearing a sports mouth guard can significantly lower the risk of impact injuries like chipped or knocked-out teeth.

Mouth guards for teeth grinding (bruxism)

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw while sleeping, the team might recommend a mouth guard for bruxism. Wearing a mouth guard at night provides a layer of separation between your upper and lower teeth. That prevents damage to your tooth enamel and lowers the risk of tooth pain, headaches, and sore gums.

Mouth guards for sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a disorder that causes you to stop breathing during sleep. Without proper treatment, it increases the risk of more serious health problems like heart disease and diabetes. A mouth guard for sleep apnea pushes your lower jaw slightly forward, allowing for proper airflow and a restful night’s sleep.

Will a mouth guard benefit me?

To determine if you’re a candidate for a mouth guard, the team at Brooklyn City Dental reviews your dental health history and conducts an oral exam.

Afterward, they ask about your lifestyle and symptoms, including if you play sports, grind your teeth, or regularly wake up feeling groggy. Following a comprehensive evaluation of your needs, they can make a recommendation. 

What does getting a mouth guard involve?

If the team determines that you’re a good candidate for a mouth guard, they take impressions of your teeth. They then send your impressions to a dental laboratory that manufactures a mouth guard to fit your teeth perfectly. 

You return to the office about a week later and try your mouth guard on. The team makes adjustments as necessary and provides you with care instructions.

To learn more about mouth guards, request a consultation at Brooklyn City Dental. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online.