As you push the bit of polymerized rubber into your mouth, you may wonder why. No, the coach isn’t hazing you, or being mean, or even that overprotective for that matter.
He knows something you may not know about mouth guards, and just how vital they are in protecting your mouth.
For Your Own Good
In any sport, the rough-and-tumble nature of fighting over points can lead to impacts and unexpected violence. Mouth guards provide a layer of insulation between your teeth and each other, acting as a shock absorber to reduce the likelihood of chipping or avulsing (losing entirely) your teeth. It also protects your tongue from unintentional biting, which is important due to how sensitive the tongue is.
For Your Own Bed
And they’re not just for sports, but for people who need extra help sleeping safely and comfortably at home. Many people worldwide grind their teeth in their sleep, which wears away at the enamel and dentin, leading to more sensitive and weak teeth.
They in turn send up pain signals more often and may even chip and crack easier than most. A mouth guard for use at home is a non-intrusive method to apply the same protection that athletes enjoy to make sure you nod off with a smile.
There are also people who find mouth guards vital for their own safety and good recovery after certain procedures, to keep them from picking at the site of the treatment or accidentally damaging the still-healing region.
Whether you are an avid sportsperson or your talent is in sleeping, or even someone who needs extra care after your last visit, you can’t go wrong with a mouth guard. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment and see about starting to wear one, give us a call. We’d love to discuss your options and make sure you leave with a good fit!
