Top Facts Worth Knowing About MouthGuards

Research by the American Dental Association suggests that about 15 million Americans suffer from sports-related dental injuries each year. For this reason, if you play contact sports, you may want to contact your dentist about getting a customized mouthguard.

While a mouthguard won’t prevent an accident, it protects your teeth and mouth by reducing the impact of a blow during sports. Sports injuries can cause oral injuries such as knocked-out, chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. You can also suffer jaw damage and soft tissues injuries to your tongue, lips, cheeks, and gums. Wearing a mouthguard will also protect your mental health, as some oral injuries can be traumatic.

Mouthguards are also effective in reducing the harmful effects of teeth grinding and clenching at night. It prevents enamel erosion, teeth damage, jawbone pain, and headaches. In general, wearing a mouthguard is the best way to protect your smile and overall well-being. Below are seven facts that you need to know about mouthguards.

• Mouthguards come in different types.  

When considering mouthguards, you have three primary options. Stock mouthguards are the cheapest option available in the drug store near you. Unfortunately, these mouthguards are generic and therefore can be ill-fitting, bulky, and might not offer the best protection.

Next, you can opt for boil-and-bite mouthguards. They are available in a nearby sports or drugs store and can be customized by boiling and biting on them. They are more expensive than stock mouths and offer better protection and comfort.

Lastly, we have customized mouthguards. Your dentist customizes these mouthguards according to your mouth structure. They offer the best protection, comfort, and long-lasting results. Custom-made mouthguards are your best option to protect your smile against sports and bruxism injuries.

• Mouthguards protect more than your teeth.

While mouthguards prevent dental injuries such as teeth chips, knockouts cracks, and fractures, they also avert jawbone damage, concussions, and soft tissue injuries. Some of these injuries can be serious and could cause the need for dental emergencies and or even destroy your athletic career. Visit a dentist near you right away if you have a dental emergency.

• You only need a mouthguard for top teeth.

Generally, you may only need mouthguards on your lower teeth. However, this is an exception to specific sports such as boxing. Wearing a mouthguard on top teeth alone helps you breathe better, improving your performance during the game. Visit our dentist in l4z, 2v4 to determine if you need mouthguards on both jaws.

• You should replace your mouthguards every six months or if they get damaged.

Over time, your mouthguard can get damaged or wear out and tear. Such a mouthguard can’t offer sufficient protection during sports or for bruxism. For this reason, experts recommend replacing your mouthguard immediately after they get damaged or every six months when it begins to show wear and tear.

• You must clean your mouthguard.

Good oral hygiene is essential when using mouthguards. Before wearing your mouthguard, ensure you brush and rinse your teeth. It will prevent trapping food particles and bacteria under the mouthguards, which can cause bad breath and increase your risk of cavities and gum disease. Similarly, you must clean your mouthguard after every use and store them in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated container.

• You can get mouthguards with braces.

Even with braces, you should still wear a mouthguard for contact sports. It will protect you against oral injuries and prevent your braces from slipping out or breaking from sports injuries. Your dentist will create a customized mouthguard that fits over your teeth and braces without causing discomfort or interfering with your treatment.

• Mouthguards save you money in the long run.

The initial cost of getting a customized mouthguard from your dentist is way cheaper than that of treating injuries from sports accidents and bruxism. For instance, if you knock out your tooth, you may have to invest in a dental implant, which is a lengthy, expensive, and invasive treatment. Getting a mouthguard for bruxism and sports will protect your smile as well as your wallet. Also, I wouldn’t recommend going for stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards because they cost less than a customized one from your dentist.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in customized mouthguards in Mississauga, ON? Contact Dr. Jeff Levman to book your appointment.