There are thousands of injuries each year in sports, whether it is on a basketball court or while skating or biking. Injuries to the face in nearly every sport can harm your teeth, lips, cheek and tongue.
A properly fitting mouthguard is an important piece of athletic gear that can protect your teeth and ultimately your smile! You have probably seen them being worn in contact sports such as hockey, lacrosse, football, boxing etc.. Many experts even recommend that a mouthguard also be worn in recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to mouth.
CHOOSING A MOUTH GUARD
There are 3 types of mouthguards:
- the ready-made, or stock mouthguard
- the mouth-formed, or “boil and bite” mouthguard
- the custom-made mouthguard made by your dentist **
** Call us and book your appointment to get your own custom made mouthguard. We offer them at one of the lowest costs of $35, including a storage case. OR FREE with any new patient or complete exam.
The most important part of a mouthguard is that it should have the following features:
- should be resiliant
- tear-resistant
- comfortable
- fits properly
- easy to clean
- should not restrict speech or breathing
CARING FOR YOUR MOUTHGUARD
- After each use, you rinse the mouthguard with cold water or an antiseptic mouth rinse. (you can also clean it with toothpaste and toothbrush)
- Store in a firm, perforated container. (This allows for air circulation and helps prevent damage)
- Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight. (This can distort the mouthguard)
- Monitor it; check for tears or holes, or whether it has become loose fitting. (This can irritate your mouth and lessen the amount of protection it provides)
- Have regular dental checkups and bring your mouthguard along so the dentist can make sure it is still in good condition
