Spring has sprung and
if you or your family plays any type of sports, talk to your dentist about a custom-made
mouthguard.
According to the
American Dental Association everyone who participates in a sport, whether
recreational, amateur, or professional, should wear a mouthguard. ADA research
shows that mouth injuries occur when men, women, children, and teens are not
wearing mouthguards. Wearing a mouth protector can help prevent cuts on the
tongue, inside the cheeks and jaw injuries. Mouthguards can also prevent
knocked out or broken teeth and gum injuries.
It’s not just
football and hockey players who should wear mouthguards. Your dentist
recommends custom-made mouthguards for surfers, skateboarders, soccer players,
baseball players, and people who participate in martial arts. You should also
consider a mouth protector if you or a member of your family plays water polo,
is involved in gymnastics or enjoys mountain biking.
There are three types
of mouth protectors available. Stock or readymade, Boil and Bite and custom
made. Although all three provide some protection, they are all different.
Stock or readymade
mouthguards are formed and come ready to wear. Unfortunately, because stock
mouth protectors are not made to fit, it can be difficult to talk and even
breathe. Stock mouthguards are available at your local sporting goods store.
Boil and Bite mouth
protectors are a bit better than stock mouthguards as they provide a better fit
because they are softened in boiling water before being placed in the mouth for
a more customized fit. More comfortable than stock or readymade mouthguards
boil and bite mouth protectors can be found at the pharmacy or a local sports
store.
The best and most
comfortable mouthguard is custom fitted by your dentist. Custom fitted
mouthguards are more expensive in the long run, but because they are softer and
more comfortable are less likely to end up unworn in the gym locker.
Although the majority
of mouthguards are made to fit the top teeth, your dentist may recommend a
customized mouth protector for your lower teeth.
