Mouth Guards in North Hollywood
Whether you or your child participate in sports or suffer from nighttime teeth grinding, a well-fitted mouth guard can provide essential protection. At Pacific Dental Group, we offer a range of mouth guards to safeguard your teeth from injury and prevent long-term dental issues caused by clenching and grinding.
Why Wear a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards cover the upper teeth to protect against impact, reducing the risk of broken teeth, cuts, and bruising inside the mouth. They also help prevent injuries for individuals with braces by moving soft tissue away from the teeth, minimizing the chance of lip or cheek injuries.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children wear mouth guards during any recreational or sports activity where there is a risk of oral injury. However, they are just as important for adults who engage in high-contact sports or suffer from teeth grinding at night.
Types of Mouth Guards
There are several types of mouth guards available, each offering different levels of comfort, protection, and fit.
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and ready to wear, making them the most affordable option. However, they are often bulky, provide a poor fit, and can interfere with breathing and speech. Due to these limitations, we do not recommend stock mouth guards for reliable protection.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
Boil-and-bite mouth guards offer a better fit than stock versions and can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are softened in boiling water and molded to fit your teeth. While they provide more protection and comfort, they do not offer the same level of customization and durability as professional mouth guards.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
For the best protection, comfort, and durability, we recommend custom-fitted mouth guards. These are made specifically for your teeth using impressions taken in our office and crafted at our dental lab for a precise fit. A custom mouth guard provides superior protection against sports-related injuries, allowing you to breathe and speak comfortably while keeping your teeth safe.
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
In addition to sports guards, we also offer night guards for individuals who grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can lead to excessive tooth wear, jaw pain, and frequent tension headaches. If left untreated, it can cause significant damage, including chipped, flattened, or cracked teeth.
Common signs of bruxism include:
- Chronic jaw pain or tightness in the morning
- Frequent headaches, especially after waking up
- Worn-down or chipped teeth
A custom night guard is designed to fit comfortably while preventing damage to your teeth and reducing jaw strain. Unlike store-bought options, professionally made night guards are more durable and tailored to your bite for maximum effectiveness.
Protect Your Smile with a Custom Mouth Guard
If you or your child need a reliable mouth guard for sports or night grinding, our team at Pacific Dental Group is here to help. We provide high-quality, custom-fitted solutions for optimal protection and comfort.
