WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOUTHGUARDS

Protecting your teeth from cosmetic injury with a mouthguard is one of the most responsible things you can do for your dental health. However, not all mouthguards are the same, and if you play sports, having the right mouthguard is crucial. Therefore, you need to make an appointment with Biltmore Commons Dental Care to find the right mouthguard. The proper fit will keep your teeth safe, and prevent any cosmetic injuries. Here are several other things to keep in mind

Essential facts about MouthGuards

WHY MOUTHGUARDS ARE IMPORTANT

According to the American Dental Association, nearly one-third of cosmetic dental emergencies are because of sports-related injuries. Contact sports like soccer, boxing, volleyball, basketball, football, and hockey are the most common culprits of teeth and gum injuries. In the heat of the game, it’s not uncommon for flying elbows, objects, and sporting equipment to make contact with the face. This is why a mouthguard is crucial and can help absorb some of that impact. Furthermore, a mouthguard can help protect your teeth from each other, especially if you clench your jaw during a hit. 

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A MOUTHGUARD

For a mouthguard to work correctly, it’s highly recommended that you get one custom-made to fit your mouth and the shape of your bite. This will provide the ultimate protection during any physical sport. A decent mouthguard is durable and made of tear-resistant material that is comfortable and still allows you to speak when it’s being worn. Additionally, any mouthguard you choose should fit snugly in place and should never feel loose. The best way to tell if your mouthguard is right for you is to try and remove it with your tongue or without assistance from your hands. If you can remove your mouthguard without your hands, you need a new one that fits better. 

TYPES OF MOUTHGUARDS AVAILABLE

There are a few different types of mouthguard options available to you. They are:

• Stock Mouthguards: The “one-size-fits-all” option is rather inexpensive. Unfortunately, many of our patients learn rather quickly that this choice is uncomfortable and makes it difficult to talk or breathe during a game or match. Furthermore, stock mouthguards do not offer the best protection for your teeth, and you can still suffer some cosmetic dental injury. 
• Boil and Bite Mouthguards: Slightly better than stock mouthguards, the boil and bite options can be molded better to your teeth and bite. By boiling the mouthpiece, you loosen the thermoplastic material. Then you put it in your mouth to get a mouthguard that somewhat fits the shape of your bite. However, boil and bite mouthguards are still rather uncomfortable and don’t offer as much protection as a custom-made guard. 
• Custom-Made Mouthguards:As we mentioned above, a custom-made mouthguard from our dental office is the only sure way to prevent a cosmetic injury. We take a mold of your mouth and then produce a mouthguard that is shaped explicitly to you. This not only gives us control over the comfort, but it also gives us control over the fit. We also use durable materials that you won’t get with a store-bought guard.

COME SEE US ABOUT YOUR MOUTHGUARD TODAY

When the athlete in your family needs a custom-made mouthguard, come see us at Biltmore Commons Dental Care in Phoenix, AZ. We will take everything into consideration, including the sport and the athlete’s age. As a family-friendly dentist, we take pride in offering residents high-quality dental care, including restorative dentistry, teeth whitening, and emergency care. To schedule an appointment, call (602) 249-2227.