Sporting injuries are the most common reason for a mouthguard. Many dental problems occur from accidents during sporting activities. Problems such as damage or tooth loss, cut lips, or a broken jaw are all related to sporting injuries and can cause further problems to occur within your mouth and jaw.
A mouthguard is there to simply protect your teeth. This is a cheaper and more effective solution than dental treatment. Aggressive sporting activities, where you have the possibility of experiencing a sporting injury, need a mouthguard to be worn at all times. We strongly recommend a mouthguards for sports such as hockey, rugby, boxing and other contact sports.
Mouthguards for teeth grinding is also known as dental splints and is something we offer through our restorative dentistry services.
Mouthguards are available to buy from sports stores; however they are not custom-designed for your teeth. It is strongly recommended to invest in an appropriate mouthguard that will give you the maximum protection from sporting injuries.
The mouthguard supplied by your dentist will be custom-fitted and is specially designed for the fit of your mouth. This increases protection and comfort. The dentist can make sure that the teeth and even the gums are protected by the mouthguard.
It is important to take care of your mouthguard by keeping it in a mouthguard case. This protects them from any damage and allows them to breathe.
It is also important to clean your mouthguard; otherwise, it will start to smell and can lead to bad breath. You should clean the mouthguard after every use. The bacteria and food particles that have built up on your teeth will transfer to the mouth guard.
Brush and scrub the mouth guard like you would your teeth. Some people find that a child’s small toothbrush allows for easier cleaning. Ensure you let it dry to prevent bacteria from building up.
A longer process is to soak it in a solution that keeps the mouth guard fresh and clean. Be sure to ask your dentist which solution to use as some solutions could be too strong and could damage your mouthguard.
Book a consultation with the team at My Dental Care @ West End to discuss your mouthguard options. Start taking care of your teeth when playing sports today!
Contact us today and take that step towards improving your smile and overall oral health.
Mouthguards are protective devices worn over the teeth to prevent or reduce the risk of dental injuries during sports, physical activities, or teeth grinding. They work by absorbing and distributing the impact of a blow or force that would otherwise be absorbed by the teeth, gums, and jaw.
During sports or physical activities, a mouthguard can prevent or reduce the risk of teeth getting chipped, broken, or knocked out due to a blow or fall. They can also help prevent soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks.
For those who grind or clench their teeth at night, a mouthguard can help to reduce the risk of tooth damage or wear, as well as alleviate the symptoms of jaw pain, headaches, and neck pain.
Mouthguards are available in various types, including custom-made, boil-and-bite, and stock mouthguards. Custom-made mouthguards are made to fit the unique contours of an individual’s mouth, providing the most comfortable and effective protection.
The main difference between a store-bought mouthguard and a custom-made one from the dentist is the level of fit, comfort, and protection. Store-bought mouthguards are pre-formed and less expensive, but they may be bulky, ill-fitting, and uncomfortable. Custom-made mouthguards are designed to fit the unique contours of an individual’s mouth, providing the best possible fit, comfort, and protection. They are more expensive but offer the highest level of protection and can last for many years if properly cared for.
Mouthguards offer several benefits, including:
• Protection from dental injuries: Mouthguards can prevent or reduce the risk of dental injuries during sports, physical activities, or teeth grinding.
• Prevention of tooth damage and wear: For those who grind or clench their teeth at night, mouthguards can help to reduce the risk of tooth damage or wear.
• Protection from soft tissue injuries: Mouthguards can prevent injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks during sports or physical activities.
• Improved performance: Mouthguards can help to improve breathing, which can enhance endurance and overall athletic performance.
• Alleviation of symptoms: Mouthguards can alleviate the symptoms of jaw pain, headaches, and neck pain associated with teeth grinding or clenching.
• Cost-effective: Whilst custom-made mouthguards from the dentist can be more expensive, they can prevent costly dental injuries that require extensive treatment.
Overall, mouthguards are an effective and cost-effective way to protect your teeth and prevent dental injuries during sports or physical activities, or if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
Fill in the online enquiry form to book an appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon. Or call today (07) 3846 2548