Mouth Guards

If you’re in the market for a mouth guard, whether it’s for your student-athlete or to protect your teeth from grinding at night, purchase yours from a professional. The team at Issaquah Dental Care in Issaquah, Washington, offers custom-designed mouth guards that protect your teeth and mouth while delivering maximum comfort and an optimized fit. To learn more, contact the practice online or over the phone to schedule your consultation.  

Who needs a mouth guard?

Mouth guards are beneficial to:

Athletes

Athletes primarily use mouth guards. Mouth guards, which are typically worn over the top teeth, protect against injuries and trauma. Mouth guards decrease the likelihood of things like:

• Chipped and fractured teeth
• Tooth loss
• Nerve damage to a tooth
• Injuries to the lips, tongue, and gums

Bruxism sufferers

Individuals who suffer from bruxism, a condition characterized by teeth grinding or clenching, particularly at night, can find relief with night guards. 

Signs you grind or clench your teeth at night include:

• Tight or painful jaw muscles
• Chronic facial pain
• Grinding sound at night
• Rhythmic jaw muscle contractions
• Swelling on one side of the jaw

Night guards are simply mouth guards that you wear at night to protect your teeth from the effects of grinding them together.

Why should I get a custom mouth guard from a dentist?

While there are some cheaper options, such as mouth guards you can pick up from a sporting goods or big box store, you can’t substitute quality.

Store-bought mouth guards are known to cause issues like:

• Difficulty speaking
• Difficulty breathing
• Poor fit
• Discomfort
• Inferior protection

Custom mouth guards, on the other hand, are comfortable and protect your teeth well. To create a custom mouth guard, the team at Issaquah Dental Care makes an impression of your teeth, then uses special technology to create an exact mold.

How should I care for my mouth guard?

Regardless of why you get one, all mouth guards require the same basic care. 

Cleaning

Always either rinse your mouth guard or wash it with a toothbrush and cool, soapy water before and after you use it.

Storage and transportation

To protect your mouth guard from damage and to promote air circulation, store it in a hard, perforated container. If your mouth guard is made from acrylic, store it in fresh, clean water. 

To keep it from losing its shape, shield your mouth guard from high-temperature environments.

Examination

Regularly examine your mouth guard for signs of wear-and-tear, like holes. If your mouth guard becomes uncomfortable or loose, make an appointment at Issaquah Dental Care for a replacement.

If you or your child require the protection of a mouth guard, don’t sell yourself short with store-bought protection. Instead, invest in yourself with a customized mouth guard from the compassionate team at Issaquah Dental Care. To find out more, schedule an appointment online or over the phone today.