The advantages of mouthguards

Mouthguards are an essential part of oral health care. They can protect your teeth from injury during high-impact sports and activities while also helping patients who deal with night-time teeth grinding and clenching, or snoring. With Dr. Trish Barsanti, patients of the Arcata, California community, and beyond can obtain custom mouthguards for their unique needs.

What types of mouthguards are available? 

There are three primary types of mouthguards that are used for our patients:

• Sportsguards. Patients who participate in high-impact sports such as basketball, football, and soccer will want to protect the teeth and gums from damage if there is a blow to the mouth or jaw. Sportsguards can keep teeth from being chipped, cracked, or knocked out when an impact occurs to the face and mouth. The sportsguards available with Dr. Trish Barsanti are custom mouthguards made using impressions of the teeth to ensure proper fit and function.
• Nightguards. Patients who have a condition known as bruxism that causes unwanted clenching and grinding of the teeth at night are encouraged to ask about our customized nightguards.. Clenching and grinding of the teeth can cause unwanted wear, resulting in pain and discomfort around the jaw joint upon wakening. Protecting these teeth is easy with a nightguard. That is an appliance that fits into the mouth that patients can wear when they sleep to cushion the teeth and reduce the risk of damage. 
• Snoreguards Patients who have snoring without sleep apnea can benefit from a custom device called a snoreguard. This device gently moves the lower jaw forward, keeping the airway open during sleep. This improves airflow for the patient, and allows for quiet, snore-free sleep.

Which one do I need? 

Patients involved in sports will want to consider sportsguards for protecting the teeth and gums while practicing or playing. These same patients may need a separate appliance for bedtime if they struggle with clenching and grinding the teeth or snoring while they sleep. Our team will evaluate you to determine your unique needs. 

How do I learn more about professional-grade oral appliances? 

Dr. Trish Barsanti is an experienced and skilled dental professional in the Arcata, CA community who can help patients learn more about the use of mouthguards, nightguards, and snoreguards as a preventive step to protect their smiles. If you want to learn more, call the Barsanti Dental Group team at (707) 388-3880 to request a consultation visit and initial appointment.