If you are having problems with your teeth involuntarily grinding, gnashing or clenching, especially during your sleep, then you definitely need a mouthguard to protect your mouth, teeth, and gums.
Basically, a person that suffers from involuntary teeth clenching, gnashing and grinding has a sleep disorder called Bruxism. Bruxism, according to studies is caused by sleep apnea, and other inconsistent sleep patterns. While Bruxism might not pose a major threat in its early stages, as the condition persists, it will cause significant damage to your mouth, teeth, and gums that will ultimately lead to expensive treatments.
According to dental experts, protecting the mouth via a mouthguard in the early stages of Bruxism can prevent the condition from worsening, as well as keep the teeth, gums and mouth protected at all times. Furthermore, having a guard can also provide additional benefits such as preventing headaches or minimizing (if not eliminating) snoring.
There are many types and kinds of mouthguards available on the market. If you don’t have any ideas on which type of mouthguard will be the best for you, here are 5 Tips that will surely be able to help you choose the one that will best suit you!
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Make sure that it is made of comfortable materials
The very first thing that you should check when selecting a mouthguard is if it’s comfortable enough for your mouth. (The size and materials are the basis for this test.) There are many dental shops that offer different sizes, some even have adjustable sizes that can always fit your preferences. As for the materials, you can basically choose from different thickness and smoothness.
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Daytime mouthguard
If you like to have a mouthguard during the daytime, then you want a mouthguard that will allow you to talk, eat and drink. A 1-mm thick mouthguard will do the trick! While experts advise you to remove your mouthguard during meals, there will always be circumstances when you can’t remove them. Thus, get the thinnest 1-mm guard for daytime use.
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Moderate mouthguard
For moderate cases of teeth grinding, clenching and gnashing, a moderate mouthguard which is usually as thick as a coin (2 millimeters) will be your best choice. This type can offer you enough protection for your teeth and gums while giving you enough comfort in your sleep.
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Heavy Bruxism mouthguard
For cases of severe Bruxism, or teeth grinding, clenching and gnashing (those that cause wounds or bleeding in your mouth) a thick mouthguard will only be your choice. This type of guard is at least 3mm thick. They are almost comparable to an athlete’s mouthpiece. So, along with the protection it will give to your mouth, you will also need some time to get used to it.
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Read reviews
Last but not the least, no matter which product you buy, it is very important that you read reviews about the manufacturer and the model of the nightguard. A simple search on the internet will quickly guide you to reviews about the particular product. So, if you want some in-depth reviews on some of the best mouthguards you can read our reviews here.
Since 2009, Susan Said… WHAT?! has been your guide to a life filled with style, from must-have health and beauty, fashion and accessories, to gorgeous gardens and interiors, plus the latest products for parties, weddings, and events of all kinds. The site was named one of the Top 50 Beauty Blogs in the World by RebateZone.