Mouthguards are coverings to protect your teeth and gums from wear and tear. Teeth grinding and from sports can be prevented using mouth guards. It is extremely important to protect teeth from wear and tear as teeth are an essential part of chewing food and speech.
Mouthguards are a popular accessory among athletes as it protects the teeth from injuries and damage. A mouthguard acts as a barrier between the teeth and the point of injury. It lessens the pain as well as reduces the risk of permanent damage.
Usually, mouthguards only cover the upper portion of the teeth. However, custom-made mouth guards can be demanded for covering the lower part as well. Mouthguards are comfortable to wear, are durable, convenient to clean, don’t restrict breathing, etc. You can also get yourself a mouth guard if you are a suitable candidate.
Let us understand more about mouthguards.
Who needs a mouth guard?
Anyone who feels like their teeth are in need of protection from whatever activity they are performing can ask a certified dentist for a mouth guard. However, people who take part in sports like football, basketball, boxing, soccer, etc. are especially advised to wear mouth guards as injury from such field sports can cause permanent trauma to teeth. It is also possible that the damage and injury caused by it never fully heals.
Apart from that, people who take part in no contact and free flowing sports like gymnastics, or even mountain biking, cycling are also recommended to wear mouth guards as there remains a risk of falling and slipping in both gymnastics and biking. Also, if someone has a regular habit of grinding their teeth, the dentist recommends a mouth guard to stop teeth from damage.
Usually, such patients grind their teeth at night, so a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint is recommended. It is important to know that any dental treatments like braces, implants, bridges etc. should be removed during physical activities that have a risk of injury as the damage can be much worse in such teeth than normal ones.
How do mouth guards work?
A mouth guard only covers the upper portion of the teeth. The lower teeth can also be covered in a custom-made mouth guard. A mouth guard forms a barrier or layer between the teeth and the outside surface, taking any injury that comes towards the mouth and protecting the teeth from severe damage. It also prevents the tooth from falling out. A good mouth guard is very durable and can withstand tough conditions.
Do mouth guards work with braces and implants?
Mouth guards are an excellent way of protecting your dental braces and implants. It ensures that heavy physical activity, wear and tear does not affect the dental procedures. Custom made mouth guards are the best choice for patients with braces, implants and bridges as the shape will fit perfectly and protect them from any accidents and defects.
What are the benefits of wearing a mouth guard?
A mouth guard protects the teeth from falling off, preventing further expensive procedures required to replace lost teeth. It also saves the person from extreme pain and hurt. While protecting teeth, it also maintains the structure of the teeth. The soft tissues of the gums, the nerves of the teeth and the delicate structure of front teeth, etc. are kept from harm’s way.
Types of mouth guards available
There are mainly two broad categories of mouth guards. The first kind is made for athletes to wear during sports activities and the second kind are crafted for patients suffering with bruxism (teeth grinding).
There are 3 kinds of mouth guards available:
- stock mouth guards
- boil and bite mouth guards
- custom fitted mouth guards
Stock
These are pre manufactured and cannot be customized. They provide restricted and limited protection.
Boil-and-bite
These are made of thermoplastic material and provide better than stock mouth guards.
Custom-fitted
These are crafted according your teeth size and structure. First, the dentist takes and impression of your teeth. The mouth guard is made out of a specific plastic material. These are the best kind of mouth guards as they are the most effective in protecting teeth from damage.
How to care for mouth guards
Even before inserting the mouth guard, it is important to clean the mouth of all dirt and microbes. To clean the mouth guard itself, rinse it with cool water and use a brush with soap water, dry afterwards.
Dentists also recommend brushing the mouth guard every night along with your teeth. It helps get rid of saliva and bacteria. You can also deep clean your mouth guard once a week using a homemade solution of either baking soda or hydrogen peroxide.
Whenever travelling or not in use, carry the mouth guard in a vented plastic case. Make sure you are not exposing your mouth guard to heat, sunlight or hot water. This could ruin the structure of the mouth guard. You should also take your mouth guard to your dentist to know for any correction or replacement.
How durable are mouth guards?
The lifespan of a mouth guard completely depends on how frequently it is used, how much wear and tear it has endured, how well you take care of it and its quality. Over the top mouth guards are cheaper but only last for a few months and are not as durable and effective as custom-made ones. A custom fitted mouth guard lasts for a good 6 months to 3 years.
When to replace a mouth guard
Replacement of a mouth guard completely depends on the severity of bruxism and the wear and tear the mouth guard has endured. Watch out for signs of staining, yellow tinting, odour, cracks, loosening, etc. If you observe these signs in your mouth guard, make sure to replace them soon as the mouth guard has become old and has completed its life span. You can also simply take your mouth guard to your dentist and follow his advice.
