Mouthguards

If you play sports, particularly contact sports, you know just how important it is to wear the protective gear. Shin guards, chest pads, and helmets are all integral for preventing serious issues. Taking care to protect your mouth is also essential. While a helmet can prevent many head injuries, they cannot always protect your mouth. Aesthetic Dentistry of Bend – Thomas E. Wold, DMD can help you to protect your teeth, your intraoral tissues, and your jawbone with a mouthguard.

Protecting Your Mouth During Sports

A mouthguard is a very important piece of protective equipment for those who play sports, especially sports where injuries are more likely to occur. It is designed to protect your teeth, your gums, and your jawbone, preventing serious injuries that can otherwise impact your oral health, your overall health, and your quality of life. A mouthguard is made to fit over your top teeth. It functions to absorb the impact of any facial impacts, providing you with protection from serious harm.

Choosing Your Mouthguard

There are a few different types of mouthguards that are available. These include:

• Stock mouthguards. You can find stock mouthguards at just about any sporting goods store. While they are the most affordable option, these mouthguards are pre-molded. As a result, they may not fit correctly, which can increase your risk for injuries or interfere with proper breathing.
• Boil and bite mouthguards. A boil and bite mouthguard is also widely available. This type of mouthguard is made from a special material that softens when boiled. You then bite into it to create a semi-custom fit.
• Custom mouthguards. A custom mouthguard is one that we create here, right in our office. We take impressions of your mouth, which allow us to create a mouthguard that fits perfectly over your teeth. While it is the most expensive option, a custom mouthguard provides the best fit and uses the highest quality materials.

What Benefits Do Mouthguards Offer?

There are a few different types of mouthguards that are available. These include:

• Protecting teeth from cracks, chips, and other serious damage.
• Preventing tooth displacement and avulsion.
• Protecting the jawbone from fractures and dislocation.
• Protecting soft tissues from lacerations.
• Reducing the risk of concussions.
• Saving money. By preventing serious dental issues, you avoid the need for invasive dental treatments. This helps you to save a significant amount of money.

Mouthguard Care

While mouthguards are designed to protect your mouth, they require proper care to ensure optimal functionality. It is important to rinse your mouthguard under running water before and after each use. The mouthguard should be periodically cleaned with soap and water or brushed with toothpaste. When not in use, store it in a hard, protective case that has ventilation holes. Keep it in a safe location away from pets and small children. Do not store it in your car, or leave it exposed to direct sunlight, as heat and light can cause the material to warp. This will reduce the effectiveness of your mouthguard. Inspect it occasionally for damage and replace it as soon as you notice any.