Although playing sports is a fun activity, losing a tooth during the course of a game is not fun at all. In fact, it can lead to lasting problems.
For that reason, many coaches and sports teams recommend the use of mouthguards for all players. While any mouthguard offers protection, over-the-counter products are simply not as protective and effective as a custom mouthguard provided by your dental team.
When You Should Wear a Mouthguard
To protect your mouth, a mouthguard is essential from childhood on, whenever participating in sports. Whether the sport is high, low, or even no-impact, there are risks to your teeth that just aren’t worth taking. These include:
- Tooth loss
- Lip and cheek lacerations
- Tooth root damage
- Fractured jaw
Wearing a mouth guard reduces the potential for the most common dental injuries - by a whopping 60 times.
A custom fitted mouthguard can be extremely important for those wearing braces or with fixed bridge work. Experiencing a blow to the mouth can damage any orthodontic appliance, and damage bridge work. A mouthguard also creates a protective barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, helping you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.
While only considered as a requirement for body-contact sports like football, hockey, or boxing, whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or playing tennis, serious dental injury can still occur. Why not prevent a potential injury with ease, simply by wearing a mouthguard?
Mouthguards Work Best When Custom-Made
Whether your child needs a mouthguard for sports play or you could use one for your weekend team, custom mouthguards work better than generic mouthguards.
Just like you, your teeth are unique. So having a custom-made mouthguard naturally provides the best support and protection for your mouth. It will fit your teeth properly, dispersing the force of an impact across your mouth. That takes impact pressure off a single tooth, preventing tooth breakage or loss.
A custom mouthguard will also fit your mouth better than a generic mouthguard. This makes it easier to keep it securely in place without creating stress for your jaw and jaw muscles.
What is Involved in Making a Custom Mouthguard?
Making a custom mouth guard is not difficult. To create a properly fitting, custom mouthguard, your dentist will either:
- Make a mold of your mouth through impression
- Create a 3D scanned mouth image to design and build your mouthguard
Once an impression is made, your dentist will mold your mouthguard using a special material. While a custom-made mouthguard is more expensive than a generic, store-purchased mouthguard, the comfort and protection it provides are superior.
Replacing Mouthguards
No matter how your mouthguard is made, it’s important to replace it regularly. It’s a good idea to replace your mouthguard before the start of each playing season or on an annual basis. Afterall, mouthguards can wear down and become deformed from regular use. And, the mouth can grow and teeth change over time. It’s always important to have your mouthguard fit well for the best benefit as well as comfort.
Want to Learn More About Mouthguards for Sports?
If your child plays a sport that may require a mouthguard, or if you want to learn more about how mouthguards for sports can help you, reach out to us today. We’re ready to help!
