When you’re engaged to contact sports such as basketball or boxing, it is very important to make sure that your oral cavity is well-protected. Otherwise, you could end up with a broken teeth or jaw. Fortunately to promote damage control mouthguards are available at your nearest sports store. Mobile Mouthguards suggest that you protect your smile using the type that is recommended by your dentist.
Let’s get to know the type of mouthguards available today.
Stock Mouth Protectors
Stock mouth protectors are readymade and can be worn with ease. They are also cheap and you can actually buy them on your nearest local sports and department stores.
In terms of maximum protection to your teeth, these are not recommended by dentists though. They are not flexible enough to make adjustments and a lot of people even said that they’re having breathing difficulties.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
This type is better than the stock mouth type. It can also be purchased in your nearest sports stores and is usually made of thermoplastic material. Before it is placed in the mouth, this mouthguard must first be softened in a hot water. Using the tongue and finger pressure, it is then shaped around the teeth.
Custom-fitted Mouth Protectors
This is perhaps the best compared to the two protectors mentioned above since it is customised according to the shape of the wearer’s teeth. It is designed by the dentist and made in a dental laboratory.
Custom-fitted mouth protectors are created in a series of steps.
First, the dentist gets the impression of the wearer’s teeth. Using a special material, the mouthguard is shaped over the model. Since making this kind of mouthguard requires more time and materials, it is usually more expensive. However, it guarantees comfort and high level protection.
Most mouthguards are worn over the upper teeth. But for those who wear braces on the lower jaw, dentist may also recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect the lower teeth. An effective mouthguard should be comfortable to wear, is durable, does not trigger breathing and speech difficulties and most importantly, provides high level protection to the teeth.
Use of Damage Control Mouthguards When Playing Sports
Even if you don’t have any dental problems, it is highly recommended to wear a mouthguard when engaging on strenuous sports or any physical activities such as football, boxing and basketball. This approach limits the risk of suffering injuries that affect your mouth, teeth and tongue and other parts of your oral cavity. By wearing an effective mouthguard, you can avoid tooth nerve damage, broken teeth or tooth loss.
Mouthguard over Braces
When you’re wearing braces and you’re engaged to physical activities, your orthodontist would most likely recommend you to wear a mouthguard. Your will be advised on which kind of mouthguard you can use to make sure your teeth are well-protected, at the same time, feel comfortable wearing it while enjoying the activity you’re engaged with.
Maintaining the Effectiveness of your Mouthguard
To clean your mouthguard, here’s a simple step-by-step procedure:
- Use a mouth rinse or cold water to rinse your mouthguard before and after wearing it. Use a toothbrush or a mild soap when cleaning it.
- Place your mouth guard in a perforated container to allow air circulation and prevent damage. Acrylic mouthguards can be kept in clean fresh water.
- If you find any tears or holes on your mouthguard, it’s highly recommended to replace it.
- Always have your dentist check it regularly.