Sports Mouthguards Whenever you participate in sports where you are likely to injure your mouth, it is essential you wear a mouthguard. Sometimes you see players wearing helmets to protect the head but do not bother wearing mouthguards. Injuries from contact sports can cause serious damage to the mouth. If you do not put in protective gear like a sports mouthguard, you could end up with broken teeth, torn lips, chipped teeth, or entirely knocked-down teeth. A mouthguard is a handy piece of equipment for anyone engaging in activities that could result in injuries to the mouth, tongue, teeth, or gums. Our dental team at Magnolia Family Dental fabricates customized mouthguards to offer you the protection you need. Whether it is hockey, basketball, soccer, football, handball, wrestling, boxing, or gymnastics, you need to consider wearing a mouthguard.Types of Sports MouthguardsWhen choosing a mouthguard, make sure that it fits comfortably with a snug fit and is resilient enough to withstand impact. It also should be tear-resistant. Your sports mouthguard should not limit speech and breathing. There are three types of these mouth protectors available and they are stock mouthguards, boil and bite guards, and customized mouthguards. Stock mouthguards are the least expensive but less effective compared to others. They are normally pre-fabricated, so they may not provide a comfortable fit. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are a bit more effective compared to stock guards, however, they cannot outperform custom-made mouthguards. To wear them, you first need to boil the pieces in water before biting into the plastic to ensure proper fitting. Custom-made mouthguards have a unique design to ensure they fit properly. When constructing these oral protective pieces, our dentist makes an impression before creating the piece over a teeth model. Because they are customized to fit you, they offer great comfort and ensure optimal protection. Replacing Sports MouthguardsIt is a good idea that you replace the mouthguard after every sporting season because they tend to wear down over time, often making them less effective. If you are an adolescent, you should realize that your mouth continues to grow, therefore you will need to replace the mouthguard frequently to ensure a perfect fit. Visit our dental office to consult with our team every six months so that you can have your new mouthguard fabricated as needed. In addition to replacing the mouthguard, make sure that you also clean them to eliminate food debris, bacteria, and plaque that may have formed on their surfaces during the time you were wearing them. When cleaning them, avoid using toothpaste because it can cause micro scratches that can form good areas for bacteria and plaque to hide. Use warm water to rinse the appliances when you have taken them out. Clean your mouthguard piece with a gentle antibacterial soap using a soft toothbrush. A mouthguard can make the difference between going home with a cut lip or knocked-out tooth and getting home with your entire arch of teeth or gum tissues intact. Get a customized mouthguard today to protect yourself whenever playing sports. Reach out to our team at Magnolia Family Dental or contact us at (662) 929-0080 to schedule an appointment. |
Office:1305 Church Rd E Southaven, MS 38671-9711 Phone:(662) 929-0080 Hours:Mon: 10am - 7pm Tue - Thur: 8am - 5pm Fri: 8am - 12pm |
