Whether you are a professional or an amateur athlete, sports mouthguards should be a vital piece of your athletic equipment. You may want to consider using one if you play sports involving physical contact and collision, flying equipment, or falling to the ground. Football, hockey, basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, boxing, volleyball, gymnastics, and cycling/boarding sports all subject to chipped, broken, and lost teeth. Sports mouthguards can protect you from these injuries. We recommend you wear them for practices and games/matches.
What should you look for when deciding which mouthguard to use?
You want to find one that is:
Comfortable
Tear Resistant
Reliable
Does not hinder speech or breathing
Different Types of Mouthguards
There are different types of mouthguards. Consider the factors above when deciding and make sure you find the one that is right for you.
Boil and bite – These come in a generic shape and form. You are instructed to boil the mouthguard in water and then customize the shape to your mouth by biting into the warm plastic once it has cooled from the boiling water. These mouthguards are great because they will form right to the shape of your teeth and bite. The customization usually means a proper fit and comfortable wear. Make sure you read the instructions and don’t let it sit too long after you boil it because it may cause the mouthguard to not fit well. These mouthguards can be found at your local sporting goods store.
Custom made – These are truly customized mouthguards. They are made in your dentist’s office or at a dental laboratory. Your dentist will take an exact impression of your mouth and make a mouthguard that is just right for you! We recommend these mouthguards because they are usually the most comfortable and reliable.
Stock – These mouthguards are already formed and ready to wear, meaning that more than likely, they won’t fit all that great. If you are looking for a quick guard without having to spend a lot of money, this may be a good option. But only use these if your sport or activity doesn’t call for a high risk of bodily injury.
Taking care of your sports mouthguard.
Consider replacing your sports mouthguard after every season. Otherwise, they may become worn and won’t be as effective when protecting your mouth. You can also do the following to ensure your mouthguard stays clean and doesn’t hold bacteria.
Rinse and brush with toothpaste before and after each use.
During your next dental visit, bring your mouthguard in so we can evaluate its condition.
Store and transport your mouthguard in a clean, sturdy container.
Don’t leave your mouthguard sitting in direct sunlight or in hot water.
Keep them away from small children and family pets.
If you are not sure which sports mouthguard is right for you, set up an appointment with The Dental Care Center. Living an active lifestyle is great, but don’t fall victim to broken teeth or injuries to your lips, tongue, face, and mouth. These mouth protectors can be the difference between a beautiful smile and a smile with missing teeth.
