Mouthguard is a dental tool which is used to cover your teeth in order to protect them and your gums, too. If a patient decides to order customized mouthguards for the teeth, then this means that he or she will benefit from better protection as they fit effectively with his or her teeth, compared to an over-the-counter mouthguard.
Night mouthguards have the ability to ease bruxism – teeth grinding. However, it is recommended for both kids and adults to wear mouthguards during contact sport or even activities, such us: biking.
Keep reading and find out more about mouthguards and their usage.
Mouthguards are dental tools which are used to cover your teeth. The duty of a mouthguard is to protect your teeth, gums, tongue along in case of a trauma which might be caused by teeth grinding or sport injuries.
Both children and adults might be in need of a mouthguard. Your dentist might recommend a mouthguard for you or your child, if:
When you hear about a mouthguard you should know that there are just two main categories of it:
These types of dental devices serve for different purposes and will look and feel differently, as well. Furthermore, there are other different ways that a patient can get a mouthguard.
The types of mouthguards, are as follow:
A dentist is going to use a mold of your teeth in order to create a customized mouthguard which will fit your teeth and mouth comfortably. Custom-fitted mouth protectors might have a more expensive price, but they provide the best fit and protection for every patient. A customized mouthguard will be created particularly for your personal needs for whatever the reason. Whether it is for protection from an unexpected trauma during an athletic competition or for night usage in case of grinding teeth. A customized guard measured from your dentist is the greatest quality of a mouthguard and does the best job in the protection of your teeth and mouth.
This type of mouth protector is made from a thermoplastic material which you can shape at your home in order to fit your teeth perfectly. You can soften the mouthguard by placing it in hot, but not boiling, water. Then, you must place the softened mouthguard into your mouth and use your fingers to press it onto the molars as well as front teeth. When you feel that your mouthguard is in the right position, you must bite it down for about 20 seconds. Afterwards, you can remove the device and run it under cool water. In continuity, you can repeat the steps we mention above in order to reshape the mouthguard to best fit in your teeth and gums.
Adjustable night mouthguards in many cases include sliding parts which rest between the patient’s teeth while he or she sleeps.
This kind of one-size-fit-all mouthguard is performed and available for usage at any time. This happens as a result of the fact that they are not created especially for patient’s teeth and therefore they rarely fit well to the teeth. The bulkiness and poor fit of those mouthguards can make people’s breathing a difficult process. Stock mouthguards provide the least teeth and gums protection of all mouthguard types.
If you desire to purchase custom-fitted mouthguards then you should know that they are only available from a dental professional. However, you can purchase stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards online or even at drugstores (pharmacies) or even sporting goods stores.
Repairing and replacing missing teeth can be an expensive and painful procedure. Wearing a mouthguard in the process of an athletic activity can help the patient avoid:
Mouthguards contain bacteria which are picked up from the patient’s mouth. This is why patients must make certain to clean their teeth effectively before putting a mouthguard in. In order to clean the mouthguard, consider the following tips:
The lifespan of a custom-fitted mouthguard depends on the frequency of its usage and how much “wear and tear” it takes. Although, a mouthguard can last several years with a proper cleansing and maintaining proper care. In spite of that, a large number of people find it necessary to replace a mouthguard more often than the required time. Moreover, you must know that it is necessary to bring your mouthguard with you on your dental checkups where your dentist can detect it for any cracks or other signs of wear.
On the other hand, over-the-counter mouthguards are not as durable as custom-fitted mouthguards. It might be required to replace them every few months. Both children and teens might be required to replace their mouthguards more often as a result of the fact that their teeth and mouth grow constantly.
Mouthguards assist in the protection of everyone’s teeth, braces, dental implants as well as dental bridges from any unexpected or wear damage. Although, custom-fitted mouthguards are the one that work best for every patient, because they fit the specific shape of the braces or dental implants.
The majority of mouthguards that are for a sport usage fit the upper teeth. These mouthguards stick out more than the bottom ones and this puts them at risk for impact. Furthermore, if you have dental braces, your dentist might recommend a lower mouthguard, as well.
Mouthguards are not just efficient for the protection of your teeth, but they also serve as a cushion for the jaw in order to alleviate muscle ache. Although, unless you decide to visit a professional dentist you cannot diagnose the existence of bruxism – teeth grinding. It is difficult to understand that the headaches, tooth sensitivity, or even TMJ come as a result of teeth grinding and clenching in your sleep. Apart from that, the dentist will definitely recommend you to use a custom-made mouthguard and it is impossible for you to get it without the help of an oral hygiene specialist.
City Dental Clinic provides a wide range of dental care services, including general, restorative, orthodontics as well as cosmetic, among many others. Our specialized staff will advise you wisely on whether you are in need of a mouthguard and at the same time treat any dental conditions that you might be experiencing. Contact us today and schedule an appointment.
