Providing protection to your teeth is important. Our teeth are strong, but they’re still vulnerable to internal and external forces, especially while playing sports. Therefore, having a mouthguard is a great solution to consider in order to prevent dental accidents and injury.
If you’re interested in learning more about receiving mouthguards near you, get in touch with our local dental practice today. Our Davie dentists will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Choosing the Best Mouthguard for You
Not only is a mouthguard a means of prevention, but it also helps preserve your teeth and reduces the risk of any harm happening to your tongue, gums, and jaw as well.
A mouthguard may be especially necessary if you have braces. Your metal brackets and wires may damage the soft tissues of your cheeks, gums, and lips if you experience a hit during a high-contact sports game like football, basketball, hockey, and boxing. Mouthguards can also be used to reduce unhealthy habits such as teeth grinding or clenching.
Fortunately, there are a few ways you can go about finding the right mouthguard for you. Some questions you can ask yourself to help narrow down your choices include the following:
- Does my mouthguard feel comfortable?
- Is my mouthguard too bulky?
- Does my mouthguard give my teeth enough room to move?
Additional factors that play a large role in helping you choose the best mouthguard are the price, the type of material that’s used, and the amount of protection that you require. Furthermore, if your dental device doesn’t fit you properly, it won’t be comfortable and you most likely won’t wear it.
Custom Versus Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
It’s always a wise idea to speak with a dentist near you to discuss what avenue is best suited to your oral health.
Customized mouthguards are typically recommended as opposed to buying over-the-counter devices. When you come in, your dentist will perform a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums and may take some x-rays to establish a baseline of your oral hygiene and understand the extent of treatment that is needed. Next, they’ll take molds of your teeth using a special putty. These are sent off to the dental lab where your device is fabricated. This takes a few weeks to do but once it’s ready, you’ll be good to go!
Although most mouthguards are designed to fit over your upper row of teeth, you can receive a guard for your bottom row as well. Let your dentist know about your preferences so they can work accordingly.
In comparison, over-the-counter (OTC) mouthguards utilize the “boil and bite” method. Boiling your mouthguard helps soften up the material so that it can mimic the shape of your teeth and gums. Unfortunately, the plastic that’s used can be too hard or too thin, which means that your teeth may not receive the proper cushioning that they need. That said, these are affordable and easy to find at your local drugstore or from a retailer online.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
Whichever route you decide to pursue, taking care of your mouthguard helps to keep bacteria from forming. Some simple measures you can do are:
- Scrubbing your mouthguard with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Keep your mouthguard in a container when you’re not using it.
- Check for holes or tears.
- Keep your mouthguard away from hot water, the sun, children, or pets.
- Have your dentist inspect your mouthguard during your regular checkup.
Are you interested in finding a durable, reliable mouthguard in Davie? Call or come into our dental practice today! Here at Regency Square Dental, our staff are look forward to helping you address your oral health needs, whatever they may be. Visit our website to book a consultation and get started!