Mouthguards
Mouthguards provide protection to teeth, lips, mouth, and jaw. We strongly recommend the use of mouthguards for kids who play sports—especially contact sports—and kids who are starting to get their permanent teeth but still grinding their teeth.
Mouthguards and Night Guards
A mouthguard should be considered essential equipment for every athlete who participates in contact sports and activities—adults and children. A mouthguard cushions the blow when you are hit and can prevent serious injuries that may result in a lifetime of oral health problems. Our mouthguards are custom-made from a lightweight material that is comfortable, effective, and can be easily inserted and removed when needed. They do not interfere with your regular breathing or speaking.
Night guards are similar to mouthguards but are worn while sleeping to prevent damage from a disorder that causes you to unknowingly clench and grind your teeth while you are asleep. This disorder is called bruxism, and left untreated, results in teeth fractures, breakages, headaches, and jaw pain. We offer 3-D printing of night guards to quickly get you the care you need.
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What are the types of dental mouthguards?
There are three types of mouthguards, which are listed below:
- Stock mouth protectors that come ready to wear. These are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting goods stores. However, you cannot adjust their fit, they tend to be bulky and sometimes make breathing and talking difficult. Additionally, these types of mouthguards provide minimal protection.
- Boil and bite mouth protectors can also be bought at most sporting goods stores and offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. This type of mouthguard is placed in hot water to soften and then placed in the mouth to shape around the teeth.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards are designed individually and made in the dental office based on your child’s dentist’s instructions. Your child’s dentist will first make an impression of your teeth and then mold the mouthguard over the model. This type of mouthguard provides the most protection and comfort.
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Why are mouthguards important in sports?
There are numerous reasons why wearing a mouthguard when playing sports is important. First mouthguards protect against displacing teeth as they help distribute force over all of your teeth, which prevents one, or two, teeth from bearing the brunt of the blow. They can also protect against injuries to soft tissues and prevent jaw and teeth fractures. And, ultimately, mouthguards may help prevent against concussions as the padding could lessen the force between the upper and lower rows of teeth and lessen the force of the jaw as it pushes on the skull.
Need a Mouthguard?
If you have more questions about mouthguards and night guards, please contact our office and we will be happy to discuss further.
