It’s that time of year again—tax season. As you gather your receipts and documents and take stock of your finances, you may be looking for ways to save money in the future. Did you know that investing in a mouthguard is one way to protect your finances in the long run? Whether you’re an athlete, suffer from teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism), or have sleep apnea, by getting this simple oral appliance, you can prevent costly oral health issues. Our orthodontist in Fort Worth, TX, explains why. 

Protect Your Teeth During Sports

If you or your child participate in sports, a mouthguard is a must-have. Contact sports obviously pose a risk, but so does any situation where you could get hit by equipment or another participant. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), dental trauma prevalence in athletes who don’t wear mouthguards is between 48% and almost 60%. For those who wear mouthguards, the prevalence is only between 7% and 8%. 

Cracked or broken teeth can require expensive restorative procedures like dental crowns or even implants. You may also wind up needing the emergency services at Lake Country Orthodontics to fix broken braces or address injuries. By investing in a mouthguard, you can save yourself the pain and expense of a dental and orthodontic emergency.

Prevent Damage from Bruxism

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a common condition that can cause serious damage to your teeth and orthodontic appliances. Over time, the constant grinding and clenching can:

• Wear down your tooth enamel
• Cause tooth sensitivity
• Result in tooth fractures
• Lead to jaw and ear pain
• Contribute to misalignments 
• Inflame your temporomandibular joint
• Damage braces and orthodontic appliances
• Prolong orthodontic treatment

Wearing a mouthguard at night protects your teeth from these damaging effects. A bruxism night guard creates a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding. The mouthguard also changes how you hold your jaw while you sleep, relaxing it and preventing clenching. As a result, you can save yourself money on future dental and orthodontic procedures. 

Address Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that causes millions of people to stop breathing while they sleep. This can lead to a variety of health issues, with the Mayo Clinic linking it with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. While there are various treatments for sleep apnea, a special mouthguard is a non-invasive and cost-effective option. This oral appliance helps prevent obstruction of your airway. 

By wearing a sleep apnea night guard, you can keep your breathing consistent and prevent the need for expensive treatments or surgeries. Plus, by reducing your risk of related health conditions, you potentially save money on other healthcare costs. This is a sound investment in both your financial security and your future health. 

Visit Our Orthodontist in Fort Worth, TX

Investing in a mouthguard may seem like an extra expense, but it can actually save you money in the long run. With your past and future finances on your mind this tax season, consider consulting Lake Country Orthodontics about mouthguards in Fort Worth, TX. This small step protects both your teeth and your wallet. Make an appointment today.