Why You Should Consider Wearing a Dentist-Fitted Mouth Guard

Woman wearing orthodontic silicone trainer. Invisible braces

Sports and recreational activities are the most common causes of dental injuries. A custom-fitted mouth guard from your dentist can largely reduce that risk as well as that of concussion.

 

Dental injuries can be really painful and even disfiguring, not to mention a little costly to treat. When you get a dental injury, it could mean time off from school or work – and for a lot of us, that is something that we just cannot afford.

 

If wearing a mouth guard that is custom-fitted by your dentist means you can avoid all that, why don’t you? If you want a clearer picture, here are some of the common dental injuries from various sporting activities:

  • Concussions
  • Cuts on Lips, Gums, Cheeks, and Tongue
  • Chipped Teeth
  • Broken Teeth
  • Completely Knocked Out Teeth
  • Broken Jaw

 

Why Choose a Custom-Fitted Mouth Guard?

When you wear a tailor-made mouth guard from your dentist while you are playing sports, you are protected from most dental injuries. A well-fitting mouth guard allows normal swallowing, breathing, and speaking. It won’t cause any gagging. It’s thick enough to provide ample protection against impacts, yet still comfortable to wear.

 

There are other types of mouth guards that you can that are less expensive. There is the Boil-and-Bite which is softened in boiling water and then bitten on by the wearer for it to take the shape of his or her mouth. This bite does not guarantee that it would conform perfectly and can be really uncomfortable. They should also be replaced regularly.

 

Stock mouth guards are those ready-to-wear ones that you can find everywhere. While it is true that they are the least expensive variety, you should also keep in mind that they provide the least amount of protection. As you can expect, the fit is quite poor and can be uncomfortable as well.

 

Caring for Your Mouth Guard

If you already have a mouth guard, or if you are considering getting one, then you should know how to care for it too. It is easy to maintain, actually. Just rinse it in soap and warm water after using and allow it to air dry. You can disinfect it using your regular mouthwash from time to time. Keep it in a ventilated storage box. Make sure this box has holes in it.

 

Heat can damage your mouth guard so make sure to keep it from direct sunlight. Have it checked by your dentist when you visit to make sure it’s still in good condition. If your child is wearing one, have it replaced every year or so because his or her growth, as well as new teeth can affect the fit.

 

Are you ready to have a mouth guard custom-fitted for you? Contact us at Pickering Square Dental and we’d happily schedule an appointment for you!

SPORTS INJURY & SPORTS GUARDS: Recommended Jaw and Teeth Protection Measures When Playing Sports

Playing sports such as football and hockey is a leading cause of injury for Canadians. It’s important to understand how simple preventive measures can help to protect your teeth and jaw and ensure safety while playing your favourite sports.  Within this blog, we’ll highlight several measures to protect your teeth and jaw during sports play.

Wear Custom Designed Mouth Guards

Custom-made mouth guards created by a dental professional can help keep your teeth and jaw secure when playing sports. The latest data shows that an athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when not wearing a protective mouth guard. It has also been estimated that mouth guards aid in preventing over 200,000 injuries each year including concussions. The leading advantages of custom made mouth guards is their comfort and customized and precision fit.  They will help protect your mouth and jaw without detracting from the sporting experience as well as aiding in preventing concussions.

Select an Effective Helmet

The latest helmet products have been designed to protect you from serious head injury during contact sports such as football and hockey. The helmet can absorb the blow of an impact and ensure your jaw, teeth and spine don’t take the brunt of the force. But it’s important to select an effective helmet for your head size. Speak with a local sports specialist in your area to discuss helmet sizing and the factors behind effective helmet performance.

Stop Play Immediately If an Issue Arises

One of the leading causes of the most serious head injuries during sports is when a player doesn’t exit the field or ice when they’re injured. Many try to play on after suffering a severe blow to the head. But it’s important to remove yourself from play until you regain your composure and have been cleared to return to play.  If you experience any dizziness or loss of vision, it’s imperative to speak with a medical professional as soon as possible who can help ensure you haven’t suffered a concussion or another serious head injury.

By taking precautions during play and preparing yourself with the leading properly fitting equipment for the next game, you can protect your jaw and teeth over the long-term. Speak with one of our in-house experts directly to learn more about customized mouth guard options.