Protective mouthguards can be a crucial safety tool for athletes and those with dental injuries. Protective mouthguards can help prevent further damage to your teeth and help limit jaw pain. Mouth guards are customized to each patient’s teeth in order to keep them secure. Sunset Dental knows that customized guards that are properly cared for can help patients of all ages have better oral health.
Why Should I Wear A Protective Mouthguard?
Typically, people believe that mouthguards are needed for those who are playing sports. While athletes can benefit from wearing mouthguards, they are not the only ones who can benefit from their protection. Here are some reasons to consider visiting your dentist for a mouthguard.
Prevent Dental Injuries: The reason that athletes wear mouthguards is to prevent dental problems caused by harsh contact or falls. Mouthguards are a type of cushion that can help keep your teeth intact. Sports like hockey, football, basketball, or rugby can lead to broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, jaw fractures, and tissue issues.
Prevent Concussions: Those who play sports, and who are prone to seizures or falls can prevent concussions by wearing a mouthguard. Some recent studies suggest that when a mouthguard fits properly, it can absorb some of the shock and distribute the force so that a concussion is less likely.
Stop Teeth Grinding: Also known as Bruxism, grinding your teeth can cause your enamel to wear down prematurely and lead to sensitive teeth. Most people grind their teeth while they sleep, so it can be hard to prevent yourself from doing it. Protective mouthguards can make a barrier between upper and lower teeth that will prevent you from grinding off crucial enamel.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Protection: Mouthguards can act as a type of cushion for your teeth. Those who experience jaw problems or TMJ can limit their pain by wearing a mouthguard while lying down. It can also help reduce pressure on the teeth caused by clenching and grinding.
Orthodontic Protection: Those with braces can also benefit from wearing a protective mouthguard while playing sports or participating in risky behaviors. This can protect your brackets from cutting your lip or other tissue.
Different Types Of Mouth Guards
Two types of store-bought mouthguards can help protect you while participating in sports or slight tooth discomfort;
- Stock Mouthguards
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
The third type of mouthguard will need to be created by a dental professional to ensure that you get optimal protection. Custom-fitted mouthguards are the best way to protect your teeth if you are playing a contact sport.
Custom mouthguards are made with a mold in a dental office and then created by filling the mold with comfortable plastic. These can also be used to help treat sleep apnea in addition to other dental issues.
The Importance Of Mouthguards
Wearing a protective mouth guard helps prevent structural damage to your teeth and helps you keep your smile intact. Your smile can impact your confidence, so keeping your smile perfect can affect your quality of life. Mouthguards will help limit injury in your teeth, tongue, and tissue as well as save you money by avoiding dental procedures.
For the highest level of comfort and protection, visit our office in Sunset, UT for a custom mouthguard fitting. Our protective mouthguards are created for optimal protection of your mouth with a thin plastic. This makes them comfortable to wear and allows for easy communication.
Caring For And Maintaining Your Mouthguards
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are needed if you want to keep your mouthguard in good condition. Just like your natural teeth, protective mouthguards need to be brushed or washed with mild soap and warm water to kill germs and remove food particles. If you keep up with your oral hygiene, you will protect your mouthguard from having bacteria growth.
It is important to store your mouthguard properly to avoid damage. Keep it in its ventilated container to allow air to circulate through the case and around the mouthguard. This will also protect from bacterial growth. Keep your mouthguard out of the sun to help prevent distortion and keep it molded to your tooth shape.
If your mouthguard has experienced damage or does not fit correctly, visit our team at Sunset Dental. We can help fix mouthguard issues or fit you for a new one.
It may seem like a hassle to wear a mouthguard, but you only get one set of adult teeth. Don’t leave your teeth susceptible to damage or breakage, get a protective mouthguard from a professional.
Who should wear a protective mouth guard?
Anyone participating in sports or recreational activities with a risk of falls or physical contact should wear a mouth guard. This includes high-impact sports like football, hockey, and boxing, as well as non-contact activities like gymnastics, mountain biking, or skateboarding where dental injuries can still occur.
How does a mouth guard protect my oral health?
A mouth guard acts as a shock absorber, distributing the force of an impact across a larger area. This helps prevent broken or chipped teeth, lip and tongue lacerations, and damage to the jaw. It also provides a protective barrier for patients who wear braces or have fixed dental work like bridges.
Why is a custom-made mouth guard better than “boil-and-bite” versions?
Store-bought “boil-and-bite” guards often feel bulky, can interfere with breathing or speaking, and may become loose during activity. A custom-fitted guard from Sunset Dental Care is created from a precise impression of your teeth, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit that offers superior protection and stays in place when it matters most.
How long does a custom mouth guard typically last?
While custom guards are made from durable materials, they do wear down over time and may need to be replaced every season or year. It is especially important for children and teenagers to have their guards checked regularly, as their mouths are still growing and the fit may change as new teeth come in.
What is the best way to care for my mouth guard?
To keep your mouth guard clean and functional, you should rinse it with cold water or a mouthwash after each use and clean it periodically with mild soap and a toothbrush. Always store it in a firm, perforated container to allow for air circulation and keep it away from high temperatures—such as hot water or direct sunlight—to prevent the material from warping.