Mouthguards and Occlusal Splints Port Macquarie
Tailormade Protection for Your Smile
Durable mouthguards and occlusal splints in Port Macquarie that help prevent injuries due to sports or teeth grinding.
Mouthguards: Optimum Protection at Play
Prevention is far better than cure.
Your Port Macquarie dentist recommends that a custom-fitted mouthguard be worn whenever you or your child is playing contact sports. Custom-made mouthguards are the only safe mouthguards.
To have a custom-fitted mouthguard made, impressions of your teeth are taken. The mouthguard is then moulded to the model of your mouth for a custom fit.
Growing kids are recommended to get a new mouthguard every 12 months, or sooner if the old one no longer wears comfortably.
It is also recommended that the fit of a mouthguard be checked every 12 months.
Occlusal Splints: For Teeth Grinding Prevention
Occlusal splints or night guards are also used as a protective measure against teeth grinding or patients who suffer from clenching, which may also lead to TMJ disorder.
An occlusal splint is a removable acrylic oral appliance that is carefully moulded to fit the lower and/or upper arches of your teeth, that aims to decrease the amount of grinding pressure transferred to the teeth and arches.
Your custom-made mouthguards will not restrict your breathing when sleeping and will attempt to protect your teeth from the damages caused by oral grinding. The splint will also guide your jaw into a neutral position, which relieves some of the pressure on the jaw.
Bruxism: What is it?
Bruxism is a common condition where you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping.
It is very common for bruxers to be completely unaware that they are doing this in their sleep but can be known by waking up with tired jaws or tender teeth, where it may be uncomfortable to eat, regular headaches, poor sleeping etc.
Symptoms of Bruxism
- Worn down, chipped, flattened, or broken teeth
- Damaged tooth enamel
- Sensitive teeth
- Frequent toothaches
- Facial pain
- Tongue tenderness
- Insomnia
- Jaw pain or muscle tightness
- Headache or earache due to muscle contractions
Monitor your child for symptoms of bruxism. If he/she complains of facial pain or headaches, and there is no illness, be sure to mention it at his/her next dental appointment.
Mouthguards and Occlusal Splints in Port Macquarie: Care and Storage
Use your case
Your mouthguard should always come with a ventilated case. The case is to protect and store your mouthguard while it is outside your mouth, and the ventilation is to help prevent bacteria from building up in the case.
Clean your case regularly to avoid bacteria build-up inside of it, which can transfer to your mouthguard when you store it.
Wash the mouthguard thoroughly
Keeping your mouthguard clean is imperative, as bacteria, yeast and even mould can fester on the mouthguard, even overnight. Uncleaned mouthguards are a dangerous health risk and can cause certain diseases, illnesses and even worsen what’s already present in your body, such as asthma.
To clean your mouthguard, make sure you wash it the same way you brush your teeth: put some fluoride toothpaste on your toothbrush and gently scrub all surfaces, make sure all debris is removed. Next, rinse it with lukewarm, soapy water and let it air dry in your clean ventilated case.
Mouthguards and Occlusal Splints in Port Macquarie
Mouthguards and occlusal splints provide optimum protection at play and during sleep. Find out what may work best for you. Talk to your Port Macquarie dentist today!
Mouthguards and Occlusal Splints in Port Macquarie
Call us on (02) 6105 9853 or book your appointment online.
We are located at 38 Buller St in Port Macquarie.