Have you heard the dentist near you recommend you wear a mouthguard to prevent accidental injuries to your teeth when involved in contact sports or recreational activities of any kind? It is suggested that you strongly follow the recommendation because the results of not doing so can be shattering.

Imagine what would be the case if you suddenly lost a couple of your front teeth to an accident of any kind? Everything including eating, speaking, and smiling would be affected. Knowing how to prevent injuries to your teeth, mouth, and face is particularly important if you are participating in organized sports or recreational activities.

Mouthguards are also recognized as mouth protectors and aid to cushion a hit to the face to decrease the risk of broken teeth and damages to your lips, tongue, jaw, or face. They generally cover the upper teeth and are great to protect the soft tissues in your mouths such as your tongue, lips, and cheek. The teeth on the top jaw take the brunt of the trauma because they are protruding more than the lower teeth. The teeth of the lower jaw are protected because they are placed further back.

When Should a Mouthguard Be Worn?

When the matter relates to protecting your mouth an essential piece of athletic gear is a mouthguard states the Mechanicsburg dentist who also mentions that it should be a part of your standard equipment from an early age.

Collision and contact sports like boxing are high-risk sports for the mouth but any athlete can experience a dental injury even in non-contact sports like skating and gymnastics

Types of Mouth Guards That Can Be Chosen

The best mouthguard is one custom developed for your mouth by the dentist. However, if you cannot afford a custom-developed mouthguard you should still be wearing a stock mouthguard or a boil and bite mouthguard that are available at drugstores. Learn more about the options available for you:

Custom-developed. These are developed by the dentist in Mechanicsburg, PA, personally for you. They are more expensive than the other varieties because they are individually created to fit you comfortably.

Boil and bite. These mouth guards can be purchased at many drugstores as well as sporting goods stores and may offer you a better fit than stock mouth guards. They must be boiled in water before inserting into the mouth and allowing them to adapt to the shape of your mouth. The instructions provided by the manufacturer must be followed stringently and some boil and bite mouth guards have earned the Seal of acceptance from the ADA.

Stock mouth guards. These are the expensive variety and are prefabricated and ready to wear. Unfortunately, they do not fit very well in most cases. They can be bulky and cause difficulties with breathing.

Protecting Your Orthodontic Appliances

A properly fitted mouthguard in Mechanicsburg may be an important appliance for people who are wearing orthodontic appliances like braces or having fixed bridgework. An impact to the face has the potential to damage the braces and their brackets. A mouthguard can also function as a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips to help you avoid injuries to the soft tissues in your mouth.

Discuss with your dentist or orthodontist when selecting a mouthguard that can provide adequate protection. Some mouth guards only protect the upper teeth but your dental professional may suggest you use a mouthguard on the lower teeth as well if you have braces on them

Caring for and Replacing Mouth Guards

You can discuss with your dentist about the right time for replacing your mouthguard but if it is showing signs of wear and tear you should replace it immediately. Children and teenagers may need to replace their mouth protectors frequently because they are mouths are still developing and changing.

Care must be provided to the mouth guards by keeping them clean and dry and rinsing before and after use every time. Brushing the mouthguard with toothpaste is suggested as well as regularly cleaning them with cool soapy water before rinsing them thoroughly. The mouthguard must be taken to the dentist during regular dental checkups for an evaluation. The dentist can give it a thorough cleaning. The appliance must never be left in the sun or hot water or places easily accessible to pets.

If proper care is not provided to this appliance after purchasing one from the dentist in Mechanicsburg the money invested can be considered as a waste as it would not serve the needs of the user

Recent Blogs