How Mouthguards Prevent Tooth Damage and Jaw Pain

A mouthguard fits over your teeth like a shield, helping absorb impact and limit damaging pressure on the jaw. They are often used for sports, nighttime grinding, and clenching. When you choose mouthguards in Colchester, VT, your dentist can design a guard that fits your bite, protects enamel, and makes everyday activities like playing, sleeping, and exercising more comfortable and secure.

How Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth

During contact sports or even a simple fall, your teeth can hit each other with considerable force. A mouthguard acts like a shock absorber, spreading the impact across a soft, cushioned surface instead of directly into enamel and bone.

This reduces the risk of:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Knocked out teeth
• Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and tongue
• Damage to existing crowns or fillings

Well-fitting guards are especially important for patients with orthodontic appliances or multiple restorations, because those surfaces can be more vulnerable during a hit.

Preventing Jaw Pain And Muscle Strain

Mouthguards are not only for athletes. Many adults clench or grind their teeth at night or during times of stress. Over time, this constant pressure can strain the jaw joint and muscles, leading to:

• Morning jaw soreness or stiffness
• Headaches around the temples
• Worn, flattened, or cracked teeth
• Clicking or popping in the jaw

A night guard creates a thin, even layer of material that separates the top and bottom teeth while you sleep. That even layer spreads pressure across the teeth and can ease stress on the jaw joints and surrounding muscles. For some patients, this makes it easier to wake up feeling more relaxed and less sore.

Types Of Mouthguards And Why Fit Matters

There are several kinds of guards available in stores and from dental offices. Common options include:

• Stock guards that come pre-shaped and ready to wear
• Boil-and-bite guards that are softened and molded at home
• Professionally made guards from your dentist

If you have ever searched for mouthguards near me, you have probably seen many over-the-counter choices. These can be a starting point, but they may feel bulky, loose, or difficult to speak with. A poor fit can reduce protection and make you less likely to wear the guard consistently.

Mouthguard Benefits At A Glance

• Helps prevent broken or knocked-out teeth
• Reduces cuts to cheeks, lips, and tongue
• Can lessen jaw joint and muscle strain
• Protects dental work like crowns and bridges
• Encourages confidence during sports and sleep

Because every bite is different, professionally made guards are shaped to your teeth and can be adjusted for comfort over time.

What To Expect With A Custom Mouthguard

Getting a professionally made guard is a simple process for most patients. At the first visit, your dentist takes a digital scan or impression of your teeth. This record is used to create custom mouthguards that follow the exact shape of your bite.

Once the guard is ready, you return for a quick fitting. The dentist checks that it seats fully, stays in place, and does not interfere with breathing or speaking. Small adjustments can be made chairside for better comfort.

For people who play in local leagues, enjoy outdoor sports around Colchester, or sleep at night, dental mouthguards in Colchester, VT, can fit more comfortably and last longer than many store-bought options when cared for properly.

When To See A Dentist

Consider asking your dentist about a mouthguard if you:

• Play contact or high-intensity sports
• You grind or clench your teeth, particularly while you are asleep.
• Notice chips, cracks, or flattening of tooth surfaces
• Wake with jaw soreness or frequent headaches
• If you have invested in crowns, veneers, or implants, you want to protect

A consultation allows your dentist to check your teeth and jaw joints, discuss your activities and habits, and recommend the type of guard that fits your needs.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Mouthguards are a simple, effective way to shield your teeth and jaw from everyday stresses, whether you are on the field, in the gym, or asleep at home. A well-fitting guard can help prevent fractures, protect dental work, and ease jaw strain, all while supporting long-term oral health. If you are considering a guard for yourself or a family member, the team at Colchester Dental Group can help you explore options and choose a comfortable solution that fits your routine.