PREVENTIVE CARE
Dr. Carlos A. Alonso, DDS
Ways to Prevent Oral Health Issues
Besides athletes, many individuals can benefit from using a dental mouth guard. This device can solve a number of problems in the mouth. If you live near Missouri City, TX, the experts at Alonso Family Dental will create a personalized mouth guard for any patient who wishes to protect his or her teeth.
Uses for Mouth Guards
There are many reasons why a person would use a mouth guard.
Protection. When a person engages in contact sports, it is possible for dental trauma to occur. When a mouth guard is used, it will soften the blow of impact and prevent teeth from becoming damaged.Grind Teeth. If a person grinds his or her teeth, it is possible to suffer from headaches, tooth damage, and other facial problems. A mouth guard keeps teeth from touching, which eliminates many of these issues.TMJ Syndrome. Besides teeth, a mouth guard can be used to prevent issues with the jaw. TMJ and other disorders can cause pain in this joint. A mouth guard can align the jaw properly and eliminate discomfort.Different Kinds of Mouth Guards
There are various kinds of mouth guards that a person can select.
Stock. These mouth guards are pre-formed. They are the least costly but do not fit perfectly in the mouth. Also, they provide the lowest amount of protection.
Boil-and-bite. This type of mouth guard can be heated and shaped to fit into a person’s mouth. Even though it bends more than a stock piece, it does not offer maximum protection.
Customized. A custom-fit mouth guard is made by a dentist and fits perfectly in a person’s mouth. Since it fits best, it offers the best comfort and protection of all the mouth guards. However, it is usually the most expensive option.
Caring for a Mouth Guard
After every use, a person should rinse the device in soap and water. Once a week, it should be disinfected with mouthwash. For storage, a mouth guard should be kept in a well-ventilated container. Since hot temperatures can cause damage, a mouth guard should never be left in a hot car or in direct sunlight. Whenever there are changes in the mouth, a new guard should be used. Without changes, a quality guard should last many years.
Consult with Alonso Family Dental
At Alonso Family Dental, we try to improve a person’s oral health and overall well-being. A mouth guard is a device that can preserve tooth structure and help to prevent other health issues. If you have been grinding your teeth, suffering with jaw pain, or need extra protection for your teeth, a mouth guard may be the ideal solution. For more information about a customized guard, schedule an appointment with us today.