For those who play contact sports or who grind their teeth at night, dental offices provide bespoke mouthguards as a kind of protection. Mouthguards have been used in various sports and physical activities to shield the head, neck, and jaw from potentially fatal blows and protect the teeth from significant injury. Getting dental implants in Shelby Township can be of help if you have any trouble with your teeth.

A Mouthguard: What Is It?

A mouthguard is a dental device often made of plastic or rubber intended to protect the upper and lower teeth against trauma caused by sports-related injuries or teeth grinding. The device is positioned on the upper teeth to stop the jaw joints from securely closing and to stop the teeth from fusing together.

Exactly who has to use a Mouthguard?

According to dental professionals, all athletes in contact sports should always use a mouthguard on the ice or in the field. Gymnastics, martial arts, skateboarding, cycling, squash, weightlifting, and volleyball are among the sports that both kids and adults who participate in them should wear mouthguards to protect themselves.

Benefits of Using a Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard has two benefits: it can help protect the mouth and teeth during contact sports and can stop teeth grinding (bruxism) as you sleep. The teeth could break or chip in either scenario, resulting in tooth loss.

Various Mouthguard Types

Three primary varieties of mouthguards are frequently used, depending on whether this dental appliance is required for protection or to be worn to stop teeth grinding. They are as follows:

 

  • Default Mouthguards

Sporting goods retailers and pharmacies carry stock mouthguards. This type of mouthguard, which is typically made of polyvinyl or rubber, may be uncomfortable for most users since the bulkiness impairs breathing and speaking. Stock mouthguards are rated as providing little protection.

 

  • Personalized Mouthguards

Your dentist will create mouthguards that are specifically fitted to the contours of your mouth. A mold of your mouth and teeth will be created to guarantee a snug and secure fit for the mouthguard.  

 

  • Bite-and-Boil Mouthguards

You can create a personalized fit at home with boil and bite mouthguards. The thermoplastic material used to make the mouthguard necessitates softening it in hot water, not boiling, as its name might imply. It is then delicately pressed into the teeth with your fingers after being put in the mouth. Once you are in place, bite down for 20 seconds to create the mold. To secure the fitting, take it off and submerge it immediately in cold water.