A mouthguard is a piece of dental equipment designed to protect your teeth. Not only can mouthguards prevent or decrease teeth grinding while you sleep, but they can also be worn when playing contact sports to protect your teeth, gums and tongue against damage from potential injury.
Depending on your oral healthcare needs, it may be necessary for you to consider a mouthguard to help protect your teeth and gums—as well as assist in preventing potential concussions.
Types of Mouthguards
Sports Guards
This mouthguard is used in most contact sports and helps prevent injuries to the teeth, gums, lips and cheeks. It is highly recommended that they be worn in any sport involving potential facial impacts. Some studies even indicate that wearing a sports guard can help prevent concussions from impact-heavy sports.
Night Guards
This type of mouthguard is helpful for those who grind their teeth at night. If left untreated, teeth grinding can lead to complications including worn teeth, headaches, tooth decay and jaw problems. Night guards can be worn on the top or bottom teeth while sleeping. Your dentist will recommend this appliance if they notice signs or symptoms of teeth grinding.
Sleep Apnea Appliances
This appliance resembles bruxism mouthguards; but is different because it covers both the bottom and upper teeth. This type of mouthguard will move the bottom jaw forward relative to the upper jaw to prevent the tongue and associated structures from obstructing the breathing passage while you are sleeping.
Why Should You Wear Mouthguards?
Any athlete can wear a mouthguard, which applies to professional athletes and those who love to play sports for a hobby. A mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be used while playing collision and contact sports like boxing. Despite your best efforts, there is inevitably a higher risk of injury to your teeth and jaw, so it may be best for you to shop mouthguards; Collingwood residents rely on our professionals for customized mouthguards that help keep you safe on the field or court.
Mouthguards should be worn during sports and activities with risk of dental injury. This protective equipment is important even for non-contact sports like gymnastics or skating, where dental accidents can still happen. Sports injuries are unfortunately common, and without protection you could lose one or more teeth in an accident. This kind of injury negatively impacts your appearance, speech, and eating abilities. Properly fitted mouthguards: Collingwood dental professionals recommend that you make use of this important barrier to protect your health during competitive sports activities.
Which Mouthguard Is Best?
Custom-made mouthguards made by your trusted Collingwood dentist are the best because these are made specifically for the patient. Your dentist individually creates your mouthguard for your optimal comfort and fit.
You may have considered a boil-and-bite mouthguard, which you can purchase at a sporting goods store or your local drugstore. These are first softened in water, after which they are inserted into the mouth to adapt to their shape. Stock mouthguards are also an option, however both of these alternatives are not professionally customized for your specific oral structure.
Mouthguards can also be worn over braces, and it is vital for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work to wear a properly fitted mouthguard; otherwise, a blow to the face can damage your brackets. A mouthguard will also provide a barrier between the braces and your cheeks, lips, or gums to help you avoid cutting any tissue here.
Care and Maintenance
Mouthguards must be replaced if you notice signs of wear or damage. Teenagers and children will have to replace their mouthguards more often because their mouths are still growing and changing; our dentist will provide you with a suitable timeline.
You should keep your mouthguard clean and dry between games, and always rinse before and after each use. You can use cool and soapy water to clean your mouthguard but rinse it thoroughly. When storing or transporting your mouthguard, place it in a sturdy container with ventilation so that it remains dry and prevents bacteria growth.
Professional Mouthguards in Collingwood
Mouthguards are effective if you want to decrease teeth grinding or require protection when playing sports. Ask your dentist about mouthguards: Collingwood Family Dental can create a custom mouthguard to ensure you have optimal protection. While one-size-fits-all mouthguards are quick and cheap, they provide little protection. Store-bought mouthguards can be uncomfortable, but custom-made mouthguards from your dentist will fit perfectly over your teeth; it will not impede your speech or ability to breathe.
Professional Mouthguards in Collingwood
If you’ve been considering protective mouthguards, Collingwood Family Dental can help you find the right fit. If you require a mouthguard for athletic purposes, or a night guard to protect against teeth grinding white you sleep, we will discuss your needs and find a solution that works for your optimal oral health!