Mouthguards are recommended to protect teeth when you or your child are participating in contact sports. But why choose a custom mouthguard over the ones you can find at the drugstore? Dr. Angela Wingate of Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, a dentist in Garner, NC, explains what you need to know.
The Truth About Boil and Bite Mouthguards
Boil and bite mouthguards are the type that is usually available at the local drugstore. They promise to be a one size fits all solution to protecting your teeth. But these mouthguards can cause more harm than good. They’re bulky and you have to keep them in your mouth by clenching down on them. This makes it hard to talk to teammates on the field or have a quick water break.
Constant clenching and grinding also puts stress on your jaw and the surrounding muscles. It can result in headaches, face pain, and other issues. TMJ can develop because of you having to constantly clench your teeth throughout games and practices.
The Benefits of a Custom Mouthguard
With a custom mouthguard, you don’t have any of these issues. It’s perfectly fitted to your teeth and designed to be comfortable. Because it’s snugly fitted to your mouth, you’re able to speak freely and take water breaks when you need to. You also don’t have to worry about it falling out, so you don’t have to clench your teeth constantly to keep it in.
Mouthguards do more than prevent you from having a dental emergency, such as a broken or cracked tooth. It can also prevent you from taking a trip to the emergency room for a concussion. Mouthguards soften the blow of your upper and lower jaw coming together when you get hit. This helps to prevent more serious injuries to your head and jaw.
The Process of Getting a Custom Mouthguard
Getting a custom mouthguard is a pretty simple process. When you come to your appointment, we’ll take a mold of your teeth. This is what the mouthguard will be made of. You’re able to choose from a variety of colors to personalize your mouthguard if you’d like. The mold will be sent away to be crafted.
When the piece is ready, we’ll make sure it fits the way it’s supposed to in our office. We also want to make sure you take care of the mouthguard properly. It should be rinsed with an antibacterial rinse after each used and deep cleaned each month. When not in use, keep it in a case that’s ventilated, so that it gets the air it needs to keep dry.
Custom Mouthguards at Your Garner, North Carolina Dentist
Do you think a custom mouthguard is needed for your participation in sports? Call us or schedule an appointment online to get started.