There are two common ways in which we damage our teeth: grinding and clenching, and playing sports. Both types of damage can be prevented — or at least lessened — with the help of sports guards or bite appliances.
- Grinding/clenching: When you clench or grind your teeth while your sleep, dentists refer to this as "bruxism." It can result in chipped teeth, damaged fillings, painful headaches, and can even loosen your teeth. We can fit you with a special night guard that will protect your teeth from breaking down while you sleep.
- Sports: Playing a sport is wonderful for your health, but can leave your teeth vulnerable — particularly in contact sports such as hockey and football. We can fit athletes with sports guards to protect their teeth during physical activity.
Talk to us today to learn more about sports guards and bite appliances ...
FAQs
- Can you talk while wearing a sports guard?
- Absolutely. We recognize that teammates need to be able to communicate during a game. Wearing a sports guard may muffle your speech slightly at first, but soon it becomes a comfortable part of your mouth.
- How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
- People often realize they grind their teeth because they regularly wake up with tooth pain, jaw pain, or a headache. Talk to us if you suspect you may be grinding or clenching at night, and we'll evaluate your teeth to see if a bite appliance would be beneficial.
- I often hear my child grinding their teeth at night. Should they be fitted for a bite appliance?
- Bite appliances are not usually suggested for children with primary or mixed dentitions, as they can restrict the growth of their jaw and the normal exfoliation of their teeth. But please speak to us about your child's grinding habits, as there may be other ways we can help them.
