You know mouthguards play an important role in contact sports, but did you know that you can benefit from wearing one off the field? If you’ve been told you clench or grind your teeth or are one of the 90 million Americans who snore or have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), the solution might be a custom-fitted mouthguard. Bruxism & TMJ Do you often wake up with sore jaw muscles or a headache? How about general aching in the face, head, or neck? If so, there might be more to these symptoms than life’s everyday stressors. Bruxism is a condition that causes you to grind, gnash or clench your teeth. People with bruxism may unconsciously clench their teeth throughout the day or clench or grind them while sleeping. Over time, untreated bruxism can lead to tooth pain and loose or chipped teeth. In some instances, parts of the teeth are literally ground away, and the surrounding bone and gum tissue are destroyed. It can also lead to painful jaw issues, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ). Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard prevents grinding by separating your top and bottom teeth. This alleviates muscle tension caused by clenching, which can prevent jaw problems from developing and help relieve any existing jaw pain. Snoring & Sleep Apnea Beyond poor sleep, snoring and sleep apnea can have long-term health consequences such as high blood pressure, heart conditions, and stroke. However, a custom mouthguard or oral appliance can help alleviate snoring and sleep apnea. Instead of simply covering your teeth, a mouthguard for sleep apnea works by pushing your lower jaw and tongue forward, keeping your airway open, thus reducing the air resistance that leads to sleep apnea and snoring. Some types have a strap that goes around your head and chin to re-adjust your lower jaw. Braces & Mouthguards Mouthguards can be worn with braces, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Mouthguards are made to fit against your teeth to provide protection; however, when you have traditional braces, brackets, and wires on the surface of your teeth block ...
