Is It Time to Invest in A Mouthguard?

There are many reasons why people consider getting a mouthguard, and many good reasons why they should. Whether it be due to the cost, the effort, or something else, people requiring one often forego getting it for too long, in the meantime leaving themselves vulnerable to just the kind of damages and injuries that a mouthguard could help prevent. Many people often mistake the cost of mouthguards, when it’s in fact quite a cost-effective, long-lasting investment.

Townsville Dentist is here to give you the information you need about mouthguards so that you can make an educated decision for the health of your teeth.

Why would I get a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is simply a plastic protection guard that’s moulded to fit over your teeth perfectly. You may have received one once your braces came off, or while playing sports. The reasons why people need mouthguards are varied but come down to protecting their teeth from impact injuries, and non-impact injuries.

Impact injuries are often sports injuries such as getting a ball, an elbow, or a foot to the face. These injuries can lead to severe dental damages such as broken, loosened, or knocked out teeth, and damages to gums, tongues, and more. If you play high-impact sports professionally or even recreationally, a mouthguard could be the best sports equipment you invest in.

Non-impact injuries are slow damages to the dental health overtime that can come from bruxism (teeth grinding). Chronic bruxism (grinding your teeth every night) can have negative effects on your teeth as they wear down the enamel. If you’ve recently chipped a tooth for seemingly no reason it may be a sign that your tooth grinding is beginning to become more serious. Often, people aren’t aware that they grind their teeth at all, allowing them to be susceptible to slow wear over time. If a friend or loved one has told you that you grind in your sleep (or you wake up with jaw ache or headache), it may be time to talk to your dentist. While a mouthguard can’t stop you grinding, it can prevent tooth damage.

A dentist providing mouthguards

The Townsville Dentist is dedicated to helping more people in Townsville, Queensland, and country-wide take proper care of their teeth and prevent unnecessary wear. If you’d like to learn more about mouth guards, or any other service we provide, feel free to book an appointment.