If you’ve played sports, you already know what mouthguards are. However, many people think mouthguards only protect against sports injuries. That’s not the full picture. The type of mouthguard matters, and so does your goal. For example, some mouthguards protect athletes. Others support sleep-related problems. If you’re searching for mouthguards in Carlsbad, this guide explains the main types and how people use them.
🏈 Mouthguards For Sports: Why They Matter
Mouthguards can reduce the risk and severity of dental injuries in sports and recreational activities. That’s why the American Dental Association encourages using a properly fitted mouthguard for activities that could cause mouth injuries.
😴 What is Sleep Apnea?
Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder that is linked to shortness of breath while sleeping. Many patients snore, but snoring is only the most common outward sign. Other symptoms can be more serious. Over time, untreated sleep apnea can increase health risks, including cardiovascular strain.
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type. Your airway can narrow or collapse while you sleep. As a result, breathing pauses can disrupt deep sleep. Some older estimates describe OSA as affecting “over 10 million Americans.” More recent public health messaging from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine cites at least 25 million U.S. adults with OSA.
Because sleep apnea can be serious, clinicians use different treatments. For mild cases, oral appliances may help. In fact, the AASM/AADSM clinical guideline supports oral appliance therapy for adults with OSA who prefer it or cannot tolerate CPAP.
That’s where mouthguards Carlsbad for sleep-related breathing issues can come in—when they are properly designed and custom fit for that purpose.
🦷Mouthguards Carlsbad: Different Types of Mouthguards
Depending on what you need, you have several mouthguard options. Each type differs in how it is made, how it fits, and what it can do.
🥊 Stock Mouth Protectors
These are pre-made mouthguards designed to protect teeth from impact. You can find them in sporting goods stores. They use a plastic-like material. However, they often fit poorly. As a result, they may make speaking harder and can sometimes affect breathing. Because of the fit issues, dentists generally do not recommend stock protectors for sleep apnea concerns.
🔥 Boil-and-Bite Mouth Protectors
These are also pre-made. However, they can fit better than stock protectors. They use a thermoplastic material that softens in hot water. Then you place the guard over your teeth and shape it with your tongue and fingers.
Even so, boil-and-bite guards still have limits. They do not match the precision or comfort of a professionally made appliance.
🧩 Custom-fitted Mouthguards (in Carlsbad)
Custom-fitted mouthguards are oral appliances made by a dentist. Dentists use them for several needs, including sports protection, teeth clenching, and sleep-related issues. A custom fit improves comfort and retention. In addition, it helps the appliance do its job more effectively.
For mild obstructive sleep apnea, a dentist may recommend a custom oral appliance. Smiles for Health also offers a dedicated Sleep Apnea Treatment service, which often includes oral appliance therapy for mild to moderate cases.
Custom appliances used for sleep apnea can include:
➡️ Mandibular Repositioning Devices
This type repositions the lower jaw forward during sleep. By moving the jaw forward, it can help open the airway. Therefore, it may reduce snoring and breathing pauses for some patients. This is one of the most common oral appliance designs used in sleep apnea therapy.
👅 Tongue Retaining Devices (Mouthguards Carlsbad for Snoring)
These appliances hold the tongue in a forward position. For some people who snore, the tongue contributes to airway blockage. So, a tongue retaining device can help reduce obstruction by controlling tongue position.
✅Summary About Mounthguards in Carlsbad
Choosing the best mouthguard is not only about convenience or cost. You should also consider fit, comfort, adjustability, and function. Therefore, it helps to consult a dentist—especially if you want a guard for grinding, jaw discomfort, or sleep apnea symptoms.
If you’re exploring, schedule a visit with Smiles for Health. We can help you match the right appliance to your goals—whether that’s sports protection, clenching control, or sleep support.
