When do I need to use a mouthguard? It can protect my teeth and gums?

How would your life change if you lose some of your front teeth? You won’t smile anymore, you won’t eat and talk properly. A mouth guard is always recommended in case you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities.
A mouth guard (or a night guard) is a plastic or laminate device used more often in sport to prevent oral injuries to the teeth, mouth, tongue and jaw. This protective device can also be used as a treatment for teeth grinding (bruxism), or as a part of certain dental procedures, such as tooth whitening.
There are some types of dental injuries that can occur if we do not use a mouth guard during certain activities, such as: broken or chipped teeth, fractured crowns or bridges, root damage to the teeth, etc.

Types of mouth guards

• Custom-fitted: they are individually designed and created in a dental office or a professional laboratory, based on your dentist’s instructions. This custom-made mouth guard is more expensive, but it provides the most comfort and protection for your teeth and gums.
• Boil and bite: they can be bought from special sporting stores. These mouth protectors are first boiled in water then inserted in the mouth. By doing this, they will adapt to the shape of your teeth.
• Stock mouth protectors: these mouth guards are ready to use, are the lowest cost-option but they do not fit so well. They make breathing and talking more difficult. So they are not recommended.

A good mouth guard should be comfortable, durable and easy to clean, and its use should not affect your talking or breathing.

Who can be a candidate for the use of a mouth guard?

Mouth protectors can be used by anyone who play contact sports such as boxing, football, ice hockey, basketball. People who are involved in other recreational activities, such as skateboarding for example, may also use a mouth guard to avoid injuries to their mouth or teeth.
There are situations when adults and kids grind their teeth especially during night. This category should also wear a night guard while sleeping to prevent tooth damage or the misalignment of their teeth.

Tips for taking care of your mouth guard:

• Rinse it with cold water and soap or with a mouth rinse before and after each use;
• Place it in a well-ventilated, plastic container to store or transport it;
• Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures;
• Bring the mouth protector to your dentist in case you notice that it does not fit your mouth anymore.

To conclude, mouth protectors are very useful if you do recreational activities or if you participate in different contact sports. They are also recommended in you are a grinder. In case you need extra information on this topic or if you need advice, do not hesitate to call today to make an appointment. Dr. Arhiri is here to help.

References:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/conditions/bruxism/do-i-need-a-night-guard-0313
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/mouth-guards#1
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mouthguard
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguards
https://www.colgateprofessional.com/education/patient-education/topics/mouth-guards/reasons-for-mouth-guards
http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=c&iid=313&aid=1269
https://www.dentalhealth.org/mouth-guards