Our Guide To Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are protective coverings worn over the teeth to keep them from injury and damage. If you play active sports or have dental issues, such as teeth grinding, read on to learn which type of mouth guard is best for you.

Most people refuse to wear mouth guards because they don t want to wear foreign objects inside their mouths. These protective pieces, which are often made of plastic, are thought to be uncomfortable and bulky. However, newer mouth guards are now made using lightweight materials. High-quality ones are comfortable, durable, and easy to maintain. They don t get in the way of your breathing and speaking.

Below, we list down the three main types of mouth guards:

• Stock Mouth Protectors

You can buy stock mouth protectors at most sporting good shops and department stores. These are pre-formed and ready to wear. Although inexpensive, they re often bulky and offer little protection.

• Boil and Bite Mouth Protectors

Boil and bite mouth protectors can also be bought at most speciality stores. These are made from a thermoplastic material to provide a better fit and protection than their cheaper counterpart. To use, you need to place it in hot water and wait for it to soften. Then, you put it in the mouth and shape it around the teeth by pressing it with your fingers and tongue.

• Custom-fitted Mouth Protectors

Dentists make custom-fitted mouth guards at their clinic or a laboratory. They re made based on your teeth s impression so that you can be sure of its comfort and quality. Because of the time and effort needed to make them, these mouth guards are more expensive. However, they are also the most comfortable and effective. Typically, mouth guards only cover your upper row of teeth. However, dentists can custom-make something for your lower teeth if necessary. This is another advantage of having your mouth guard done in a dental office rather than buying the ready-to-wear type.

Whether you’re young or old, if you play sports, you should invest in a good-quality mouth guard. Playing football, boxing, hockey, basketball, and other contact games puts you at a higher risk of incurring a dental emergency. You should still consider wearing a mouth protector even if you engage in less vigorous activities, such as biking or skating. Mouth guards minimize the chance of having your teeth broken and damaged while playing sports. They also protect your entire oral cavity your lips, tongue, gums in case of a fall or heavy blows.

People who unconsciously grind their teeth while sleeping should also wear a bite plate or splint at night to prevent tooth damage and fractures.

If you have permanent braces, you can still wear mouth guards. However, the store-bought ones will not fit you properly. Your dentist and orthodontist should be able to tell you which kind of mouth guard will best suit your specific dental needs. As a word of caution, never wear retainers or removable accessories while playing any sport. An exception to this is Invisalign trays, which can be worn during such activities with mouth guards.

Fractured teeth and swollen gums are serious dental emergencies that could even lead to tooth loss. Save your smile by wearing protective gear whenever you’re at risk. We’re rated as one of the best dentists in Fulham & London.

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