Did you know that more than 5 million teeth are knocked out each year due to sports injuries and trauma? A rough and tumble kind of lifestyle means you need to be extra careful while out on the field or court. Ovation dental suggests patients use a mouthguard for ultimate protection of the mouth.Why Should I Wear a Mouthguard?
Choosing to wear a mouthguard is a decision that makes us happy. We educate our patients about tooth decay and dental trauma and how to avoid them both. Seeing patients who opt to wear mouthguards during physical activity shows us there is extra care for their smiles. What does a mouthguard protect you from? Dental trauma, and specifically:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Root and jawbone damage
- Knocked-out tooth
- Cut and bruised lips
- Abrasions to the inside of the cheeks
Which Mouthguard is Right for You?
Choosing the right mouthguard is fundamental, and there are three types you can consider, depending on your own comfort:
- Pre-made: You can purchase this type from a sporting goods store.
- Boil and bite: You can purchase this type of mouthguard from a sporting goods store.
- Custom-made: You need to pick up this type of mouthguard at your local dentist office because it’s being made for a custom-fit. This is where you should go if you wear braces.
The ideal mouth guard should:
- Allow proper breathing
- Allow for speaking
- Stay in place
- Fit comfortably
- Be easy to clean
- Remain durable upon impact
Using a custom-made mouthguard by an orthodontist will assure you that it fits in your mouth well and will not fall out during physical activity.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
It doesn’t matter if you wear it once or all the time, taking care of your mouthguard helps keep it clean and in good condition. To keep your mouthguard clean:
- Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season, especially if it’s worn and doesn’t fit right.
- Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard.
- Brush mouthguard with water and toothpaste to remove debris and bacteria
Don’t be a part of the tooth loss statistic, make the smarter choice and choose to wear a mouthguard. To learn more about mouthguards and their benefits, contact Ovation Dental at 708-689-0419 today!