Mouth Guards
What are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards are oral appliances which are used to cover an individual’s teeth and gums. These are worn to minimize the risks of injuries, trauma, grinding, wear and tear and occlusal grinding to the teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, face and jaw. These guards are used to mitigate grinding and tension of both arches against one another to combat clenching.
Mouthguards can be used by athletes in sports where contact and injury can cause damage and trauma to the jaw. They are used as a protective device and as a shock absorber of force and impact to that area of the face and head.
What are the Uses of Mouthguards?
Other uses of mouthguards, such as night guards are used due to stress, friction during the movement of the joint, arthritis, and wear and tear from the tightening of the facial muscles. These occlusal guard hard appliances, also known as night guards and can be worn during sleep to lessen the side effects of bruxism, a condition of involuntary grinding.
In order to resolve these issues, the dentist can take an impression of a single arch and this model can be sent to a dental laboratory. There, the laboratory creates the nightguard, which is custom-fit to the exact shape of the patient’s mouth and positioning of the teeth. Wearing the mouthguard, especially at night works to cushion the arches and provide relief from the grinding and clenching.
Sleep Apnea
What is Sleep apnea ?
Sleep apnea is a very common condition, which occurs when an individual stops breathing for a period of time ( about 10 seconds) during sleep.
What causes Sleep Apnea?
In adults, oftentimes sleep apnea is associated with weight-related issues, the size and position of the tongue in relation to the alignment of the jaw, and the position of sleep. The relaxed nature of tongue and throat muscles during sleep, can cause the airway to be blocked. For patients laying directly on their backs, there have been significant increases in the occurrence of sleep apnea.
In children, it can often be due to enlarged tonsils or adenoids and certain dental conditions. It is imperative that anyone displaying signs of obstructive sleep apnea – especially loud snoring and night time awakeness – receive appropriate medical evaluation and treatment.
What are some symptoms of sleep apnea ?
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Loud and excessive snoring
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Daytime sleepiness
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Noticeable episodes of breathing that stops during sleep
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Waking by gasping for air or choking
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Dry mouth and throat
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Sore throat
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Insomnia
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Fatigue
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Headaches
What do we do to treat sleep apnea ?
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Once a dentist suspects sleep apnea, the patient will be sent to a sleep laboratory to monitor their sleep patterns. Upon official diagnosis of the sleep apnea condition, the dentist is able to treat it. A Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device is used to ensure the patient is obtaining adequate oxygen supply by breathing appropriately. The patient will wear a mask that is secured around their nose and mouth, to allow the movement of air.
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Some patients may also be eligible for an oral appliance therapy, which is a mouthguard that positions the patient properly. An impression of the mouth is taken, and a mouthguard is designed to keep the jaw in an outward position, to prevent the blockage of the airway and the back of the throat. If any combinations of these symptoms sound like you, give us a call today to find out how to correct it!
Call us today or stop by our experienced team to work with you and find out which oral care products are right for you!
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