At McLevin Dental, we understand that oral health care is not one-size-fits-all, especially when it comes to patients with specific medical conditions like epilepsy. For individuals living with epilepsy, dental care needs to go beyond the basics of cleanings and check-ups. One of the most importantand often overlookedtools for protecting oral health is a custom mouthguard designed specifically for seizure-related risks.
Why Mouthguards Matter for Patients with Epilepsy
Seizures can sometimes lead to sudden, involuntary muscle contractions, including jaw clenching or biting. This can result in serious dental injuries such as:
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
Tongue, cheek, or lip injuries from biting
Dislocated or broken jaws in severe cases
Wear on teeth from repeated seizures involving jaw clenching
A custom mouthguard offers critical protection by cushioning the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth during a seizure.
How Dental Injuries Happen During Seizures
Seizures, particularly tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizures, can involve intense muscle contractions. If a seizure occurs unexpectedly, the force of jaw clenching can cause teeth to crack, fracture, or even break completely. Soft tissue injuries like tongue biting are also common and painful.
While it’s a myth that you should place an object in someones mouth during a seizure (this can be dangerous), wearing a mouthguard outside of seizure activityparticularly during sleep if nocturnal seizures are commoncan help prevent injuries from unanticipated seizure activity.
Types of Mouthguards for Epilepsy Patients
1. Daytime Mouthguards
For individuals prone to frequent daytime seizures, a comfortable, discreet mouthguard can help protect teeth during high-risk times or activities.
2. Nighttime Mouthguards
Nocturnal seizures are common in epilepsy. A nightguard can protect the teeth during sleep when seizures may occur without warning.
3. Emergency Bite Guards (When Appropriate)
Some medical professionals recommend specially designed emergency bite guards to be used in controlled circumstances. However, inserting anything into the mouth during an active seizure is not recommended without medical guidance.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
Store-bought, over-the-counter mouthguards may seem like a quick fix, but they often dont fit well and can cause discomfort, gagging, or limited effectiveness. A custom mouthguard made by your dental team offers significant benefits:
Precise Fit: Molded exactly to the patients teeth and mouth for maximum comfort.
Durability: Made from high-quality materials designed to withstand repeated biting forces.
Comfort: Less bulky, easier to breathe and speak with compared to store-bought options.
Safety: Provides more effective protection without shifting or causing choking hazards.
How McLevin Dental Designs Custom Mouthguards
Step 1: Consultation
We begin with a detailed discussion about the patients seizure history, frequency, and specific concerns. This ensures we create a mouthguard suited to their lifestyle and medical needs.
Step 2: Digital or Physical Impressions
We take precise impressions of the patients teeth to create a mold. This guarantees a snug, secure fit.
Step 3: Fabrication
The mouthguard is fabricated using durable, medical-grade materials designed for strength, comfort, and safety.
Step 4: Fitting and Adjustments
Once the mouthguard is ready, the patient tries it on. Our team ensures it fits perfectly, making any necessary adjustments for comfort.
Step 5: Education and Maintenance
We provide instructions on when and how to use the mouthguard, along with tips for cleaning and maintaining it.
Additional Dental Considerations for Epilepsy Patients
Beyond mouthguards, patients with epilepsy often require specialized dental care, including:
Monitoring for medication-related side effects like gingival hyperplasia (gum overgrowth), a common side effect of some anti-seizure medications.
Preventive treatments like fluoride varnishes and dental sealants to protect teeth from decay.
Flexible appointment scheduling to accommodate medical needs or minimize stress triggers.
Communication with caregivers to understand seizure patterns and make the dental experience as smooth and safe as possible.
Our Commitment to Patient Safety
At McLevin Dental, patient safety is our top priority. We work closely with patients, families, and healthcare providers to create a safe dental environment for those living with epilepsy. Our team is trained to:
Recognize signs of seizure activity
Know appropriate first aid responses if a seizure occurs during a visit
Offer a sensory-friendly, calm environment to reduce stress that can sometimes trigger seizures
Living with Epilepsy: Protecting Your Smile
A well-fitted custom mouthguard is not just a protective deviceits peace of mind. It helps individuals with epilepsy participate in daily activities, sports, and restful sleep with less worry about dental injury.
Mouthguards are a small investment that can prevent painful injuries, costly dental repairs, and long-term oral health problems.
Conclusion
Living with epilepsy presents unique challenges, but protecting your smile doesnt have to be one of them. At McLevin Dental, we specialize in creating custom mouthguards for epilepsy patients in Scarborough, designed to keep teeth safe and protected.
If you or a loved one lives with epilepsy and are concerned about dental injuries related to seizures, contact McLevin Dental today. Our compassionate and experienced team is here to provide custom solutions that prioritize both your safety and your comfort.