The teeth, tongue and soft tissues in your mouth are prone to various dental problems, but you should find ways to avoid them. The dentistry world has advanced far and wide and it has introduced more effective, protective devices such as mouthguards. However, these devices come in different types and are worn for different reasons. Stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards and custom-made mouthguards are some of the types of mouthguards available today. Nonetheless, you shouldn't go for any of these mouthguards without the approval of a registered and licensed dentist. So do you know when you should have a mouthguard in your mouth? Read on!

Sports

Certain activities and sports have a high falling risk, and this leads to injuries that impact your dental health and face. With a mouthguard in the mouth, your teeth are protected, and it's hard for them to injure your tongue and lips when playing. Mouthguards are vital if you are involved in sports such as volleyball, cycling, skateboarding, gymnastics, in-line skating, ice hockey, basketball, boxing, field hockey, soccer and martial arts. According to most dentists, stock mouthguards are good for you if you need them occasionally, but boil-and-bite mouthguards are important if you are involved in high-impact sports.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is among the serious sleep disorders that affect people today, and it makes the victim temporarily stop breathing while sleeping. This not only denies your brain adequate oxygen, but it also increases stroke and heart disease risk. Individuals with sleep apnea snore excessively and wake up feeling groggy. A CPAP machine is effective in severe sleep apnea cases, but anyone with mild sleep apnea should go for a custom-made mouthguard. The mouthguard pushes the tongue and lower jaw forward and keeps your airway open.

Teeth Grinding

Clenching and teeth grinding are part of a dental condition called bruxism. It's a movement disorder associated with sleep, and it causes certain dental problems such as sore gums, jaw pain and tooth pain. Seeking the help of a dentist early prevents it from damaging your teeth. Victims of this condition wear a mouthguard while sleeping to separate the top and bottom teeth and ensure they don't damage each other due to the clenching and grinding pressure. Your dentist will help you get a custom-fitted mouthguard if you are a bruxism victim.

You should also go for a mouthguard if you have a serious snoring problem. As illustrated above, a mouthguard is a reliable solution to most devastating dental problems today. With the different mouthguard options in the market today, it's easy to get confused. That's why you shouldn't go for any mouthguard before you consult a qualified dentist to help you choose a mouthguard that is compatible with your dental needs. The dentist will also show you the kind of maintenance the mouthguard requires to remain effective and in good condition for a long time.