Often, you engage in activities where you are exposed to specific circumstances in which your teeth might get affected. For instance, if you are biking, you have a helmet to protect your face, but what will protect your teeth? Another example is that while playing hockey or any other sport, facial injuries are not uncommon, and your teeth might be seriously damaged. So, mouth guards are used to protecting your teeth from such sudden trauma and external force.
What are mouth guards?
Mouthguards are a type of dental device used to cover your teeth. A mouth guard protects your teeth and protects your gums, tongue, and cheeks from external shocks. Mouthguards are also efficient in protecting your teeth from bruxism or teeth grinding because this is a nasty habit as they unnecessarily put a lot of force on the teeth the whole day, which results in teeth corrosion.
Who needs a Mouthguard?
Irrespective of age, anyone can use a mouthguard. For example, if you suffer from bruxism, that is, you have a habit of grinding your teeth for long periods, then a mouthguard is beneficial. Also, suppose you are a sports and outdoor game enthusiast and engage in hockey, football, cricket, boxing, soccer, lacrosse, ice skating, biking, or gymnastics. In such a case, you can consider using a mouthguard.
Benefits of mouthguard
Since losing teeth is undesirable and painful, the main objective of wearing a mouthguard is to protect your teeth from any injury that might take place due to sudden external forces. For example, if you wear a mouthguard, you can protect your teeth from chipping or being blown out due to a sudden blow. This sudden blow is painful and damages the nerves of your tooth. Hence, wearing a mouthguard also protects against nerve damage. Also, when you suddenly receive an external blow, it affects your teeth and damages the soft tissues of your oral cavity and the gums, tongue, lips, and inner cheeks. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent this as well.
Can you wear mouthguards if you have dental implants or braces?
This is a common query among many, and the answer is yes; anyone with dental implants, bridges, or braces can wear mouthguards. The custom-fit mouthguards are the best since they efficiently adapt to the unique pattern of your teeth as well as braces or bridges or dental implants.
What are the different types of mouthguards?
There are four main types of mouthguards based on their functionality.
Custom-fitted
As the name suggests, this is only for you, keeping your specific teeth alignment in mind. Your dentist will first outline an imprint of your teeth alignment in a mould and then make you a mouthguard that will perfectly fit you and protect you from sports injuries. Also, these custom-fitted mouthguards will help you if you have a habit of bruxism. Since they have customized for you, they are expensive than their counterparts.
Stocks
These are ready-to-wear mouthguards and the least expensive of all. But they are not very comfortable. Since they are not customized, they might not fit you well, and as a result, fail to protect your teeth. In addition, they are generally bulky, which might cause you breathing problems.
Adjustable mouthguards
These are more inclined towards the users with bruxism. These are sliding pieces that are supposed to be placed between the teeth, which tend to grind against each other. This is mainly used at night.
Boil and bite
This mouthguard is composed of thermoplastic, and the best part is, you can adjust this mouthguard according to your needs in your home itself. Initially, you need to immerse the thermoplastic mould in hot water, but it should not be boiling water. Then locate it in your mouth and correlate its alignment with your teeth. After you are done, wash it with cold water. That will help solidify, and you will get your customized mouthguard.
How to properly use a mouthguard
These are the steps to keep in mind when you use a mouthguard:
- Since mouthguards come in contact with food, cleaning it every day is essential. Rinsing it with cold water and then cleaning it with a brush will help eliminate all the bacteria. Also, use the mouthguard only after it has dried completely.
- Exposing your mouthguard to extreme heat such as hot water or direct sunlight is undesirable. This is because the heat can alter the shape of your mouthguard.
- When you are not using the mouthguard, you should keep it in a well-vented case composed of plastic.
- Keep your mouthguard away, especially from the reach of pets.
Durability of mouthguards
The durability of the mouthguard depends on the type of activities you do and how you care for it. For example, children and teenagers are required to change their Mouth guards frequently as they have outgrown them quickly. Also, if you are involved in active sports, you might have to replace your mouthguard every few months. But generally, if you take proper care of your mouthguard, it might last for several years.
Where are mouthguards available?
If you are looking for a perfectly customized mouthguard that would fit you amazingly, you will get it only from your dentist. But they are available at drug stores as well. You can also order thermoplastic and make your mouthguard at home.
Conclusion
Hence, we can conclude that mouthguards play an efficient role in improving oral health by protecting your teeth and their adjoining surroundings from bruxism and the sudden external forces that can cause trauma to the oral cavity. But if you want to get the highest benefit, you must use a custom mouthguard that fits you best.
Mouth guards are an efficient way to protect your teeth and oral cavity. Custom mouthguards will provide the most protection because they fit you best. Get in touch with your dentist to see if you need to be fitted with a mouth guard. They will be able to advise you best after a consultation.
