Mouth guards are used to protect the teeth from injury, but they’re not just advised for children who play sports. Active adults should wear mouth guards, too. 

The most common mouth guards can be purchased at sporting goods stores, but they’re often bulky, uncomfortable, and can’t be adjusted. The dentists at Legacy Dental Arts in Eagle River, Alaska, specialize in custom fitting their patients’ teeth with mouth guards that offer advanced protection.

Here are some reasons a patient of any age may need to be fitted for a mouth guard by a dentist.

Sports

Those who play contact sports should be fitted for mouth guards to protect their teeth from injury. Hockey, football, soccer, lacrosse players, and other active athletes are prone to injuries that cause chipped, cracked, or missing teeth and nerve damage. Recreational activities like skiing and snowboarding can also warrant a mouth guard.

Teeth Grinding

Dentists can custom-fit patients who grind their teeth at night with dental appliances that prevent tooth damage or loss. Nocturnal bite plates or bite splints cover teeth and absorb the impact that can cause teeth to prematurely wear away, crack, or break.

Sleep Disorders

Dentists can fit patients with special mouth guards that help alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea and snoring. These mouth guards position a patient’s jaw to allow for more airflow at night.

Mouth guards prescribed by a dentist often only cover the upper teeth, but some mouthpieces cover the lower teeth. If you play sports, grind your teeth, or have a sleep disorder, the dental professionals at Legacy Dental Arts can examine your mouth and recommend the best solution. Call (907) 622-7874 or visit their website.