Mouthguards

Engaging in competitive or recreational sports without a mouthguard significantly increases the risk of injury to your teeth and soft tissues. The American Dental Association recommends using mouthguards for over 25 different sports. While over-the-counter ‘boil-and-bite’ mouthguards are inexpensive, they often don’t provide a secure fit, reducing their effectiveness. Custom-made mouthguards offer superior protection and comfort.

At Desert Pearl Dentistry, we begin by taking an impression of your teeth to create a custom mouthguard made from strong, durable resin. The result is a snug, comfortable fit that allows you to speak normally while providing the protection you need during your sporting activities. With proper care, your custom mouthguard will last for multiple seasons.

Book an Appointment

Woman in a white robe holding a clear custom nightguard, made by a Rancho Mirage dentist

When Teeth Grinding Becomes a Problem

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, often happens during sleep, though it can also occur during the day from stress or TMJ disorders. Over time, this habit wears down enamel and can lead to jaw pain and headaches. A custom mouthguard, also called a nightguard, offers a straightforward way to protect your teeth from this damage. Here is what to know about the financial, health, and safety sides of leaving bruxism untreated.

Untreated Oral Health Problems Come With Real Costs

This figure comes from a federal report on oral health published by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. It shows how much time is lost nationwide when dental problems go untreated, a reminder that small problems are easier to manage before they grow larger.

What Waiting Costs You

Ignoring bruxism can wear down enamel and crack teeth, and this kind of damage often needs a crown or filling to repair, costs that are avoidable with early treatment. A custom nightguard is a one-time appliance, and if repair work is ever needed, Desert Pearl Dentistry offers financing through CareCredit, Cherry, and Proceed Finance to help manage the cost.

“Research estimates that employed adults collectively lose more than 164 million work hours due to oral health problems or dental visits.”

AHRQ, 2022 National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report (via National Library of Medicine)

Grinding Can Affect Your Daily Well-Being

This guidance comes from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, part of the National Institutes of Health. It explains how bruxism can affect more than your teeth if it goes unmanaged.

How Grinding Affects Your Health Over Time

Left untreated, bruxism can lead to ongoing jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep. Getting fitted for a nightguard starts with a simple impression of your teeth, the same process used for every custom mouthguard at Desert Pearl Dentistry, and a short consultation is often all it takes to find out if one is right for you.

“If left untreated, frequent and severe bruxism can have a broader impact on your well-being, leading to chronic jaw pain, headaches, and disrupted sleep.”

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH), Ask the Expert: Bruxism (Tooth Grinding)

Grinding Can Damage Teeth and Existing Dental Work

This information comes from StatPearls, a peer-reviewed medical reference published through the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It explains how ongoing grinding can affect the health of your teeth and jaw joint over time.

Protecting Your Teeth From Lasting Damage

Ongoing grinding can crack enamel and damage crowns, fillings, or other dental work already in your mouth. A custom nightguard is made from durable resin and shaped from an impression of your own teeth, so getting evaluated early helps protect the natural teeth and dental work you already have.

“…can cause considerable damage to teeth and dental work, resulting in morning jaw pain or fatigue, temporal headaches, and restricted motion of the temporomandibular joint.”

StatPearls, Bruxism Management (National Center for Biotechnology Information)

Invest in Your Oral Health

Whether you’re an athlete looking to safeguard your teeth during sports or someone dealing with bruxism, a customized mouthguard is an excellent investment in your oral health. For a mouthguard fitting, contact Desert Pearl Dentistry in Rancho Mirage, CA, and schedule your consultation today!