Did you know that more than five million teeth avulsions experienced every year are due to sports injuries? Furthermore, according to a recent study, athletes who don’t wear a mouth guard are 60 times more likely to get dental injuries. So, yes mouth guards as vital if you want to maintain your teeth and jaw healthy. Moreover, the American Dental Association reports 200,000 injuries can be prevented if athletes would wear a mouthguard.
A variety of mouthguards are available, but we recommend the custom-made sports version which is designed to fit your mouth and dental design.
What are Custom-Made Sports Mouth Guard?
Custom-fit mouth guards are created by our dental team based on your mouth and teeth impression using a thermoplastic material. These devices are personalized and the dentist can adjust the thickness depending on your level of teeth clenching and grinding. Although these guards are fitted in your upper teeth, they can also be fitted on the bottom teeth in certain situations.
These custom-made mouthguards are versatile and can be used either for sports or night time protection.
Custom-made mouth guards differ from the store-bought as they offer complete protection and are either made at the dental office or in the lab.
Who Should Wear the Sports Guard?
The American Dental Association advises that all athletes wear sports guards. However, these guards are also recommended for people who suffer from bruxism– unconscious clenching and grinding of the teeth. This behavior can wear your teeth, leading to tooth loss. Furthermore, it can lead to Temporomandibular Joint Disorder which can at times cause joint dislocation, inflammation, and swelling.
Functions of the Mouth Guards
Custom-made sports mouthguards have various functions;
- Prevents bruising and lacerations as it acts as a buffer between the soft tissues, cheeks, lips, and teeth
- Protects against dislocations or tooth fractures by cushioning the teeth from direct impact
- They act as shock absorbers between the upper and lower jaw and reduces neurological injury.
How Long Do They Last?
Custom-fit mouth guards are durable and can last for a few years. Additionally, they don’t lose their shape as long as you take care of them properly by following these tips;
- Don’t chew your guards. Chewing compromises, the material, creates tears and rips which not only affect its effectiveness but also creates spaces that can promote bacterial growth.
- Store the guards safely in a plastic case to avoid dirt or damage. Plus, don’t expose them to prolonged sunlight or other sources of heat.
- Clean them properly with water or wipe them with an antibacterial agent. Don’t use toothpaste, a toothbrush, or mouthwash as they cause damage. Instead, use a denture cleaner to keep the mouth guard clean.
Importance of Wearing Mouth Guards
Injury protection and prevention is the cornerstone function of mouth guards.
Dental injuries are mostly caused by high-impact sports activities. These injuries can result in the loss of teeth and at times concussions.
A custom-fit mouthguard can significantly reduce the incidence of a concussion and also mandibular jaw injuries. Furthermore, the mouth guard relieves stress on the anterior teeth thus reducing shock energy.
Benefits of Mouth Guards
A properly fitted sports guards offer a variety of benefits:
- They provide a proper fit. Unlike store-bought mouth guards that are general and one size, custom-fit are unique. They are designed to fit your teeth, jaw, and mouth. The mouthguards are designed depending on your dental history and the type of sport you are engaged in.
- It offers maximum protection. A sports guard not only protects not your teeth but also your braces and implants.
- They are comfortable. Since the sports guard is made from your impression of your teeth and mouth, they will fit your mouth and makes breathing, swallowing and talking easier.
Get Your Sports Guard Today
If you are looking for affordable mouthguards in Morristown, NJ, come to our dental clinic. We not only for we make strong and durable mouthguards, but we also have a variety of services too including dental bonding.