While many of us love participating in sports for our health, happiness, and overall well-being, one of the consequences of engaging in sports is the possibility of injury, especially to your mouth and teeth. At Laurentian Dental Centre, we are happy to provide our patients with mouth guards in Kitchener so that they can continue to enjoy the sports they love without worrying about injuring their mouths.
How Do Mouth Guards Protect Your Teeth?
Mouth guards are meant to fit over your upper teeth to protect them from chipping or breaking due to traumatic impacts to your head, mouth, and face. A mouth guard can also protect the soft tissues of your mouth from your teeth, preventing you from accidentally biting your lips or tongue. For those who have braces, a dentist near you will recommend the use of a custom mouth guard to protect your brackets and the rest of your mouth from catching on them.
What Types of Mouthguards Are Available?
There are three main types of mouth guards near you. The most common one found in drugstores is a stock mouth guard. Stock mouth guards are one-size-fits-all and, as such, do not always fit properly or comfortably in everyone’s mouth.
Another option offered in many drugstores is boil-and-bite mouth guards, which work by having you boil your mouth guard in hot water to mold the plastic to your mouth. These may be a little bulky but will likely fit better than stock mouth guards.
The most expensive but most effective mouth guards are custom-made mouth guards provided by your dentist in Kitchener. Custom-made mouth guards are made by your dentist taking impressions of your teeth and sending them to a dental laboratory where a mouth guard is precisely created to fit into your mouth. These guards offer maximum protection and comfort. If you have braces or other orthodontic appliances already in your mouth, then custom mouth guards are the best option for you.
Looking After Your Mouth Guard
Owning a mouth guard does mean that you will have to take some responsibility when it comes to caring for it. If you leave your mouth guard in your gym bag without cleaning it, bacteria and fungi can develop on it, compromising your oral health.
It would be best if you cleaned your mouth guard as often as you are able. If you get a custom mouth guard, your dentist will provide you with instructions on cleaning it. You may need to use a special cleaner or toothbrush to ensure that your mouth guard stays in excellent shape.
Ensure that you store your mouth guard in a clean, dry area, preferably in a well-ventilated case. Don’t forget to also clean your case so that your mouth guard remains as sterile as possible.
Visit Laurentian Dental Centre
If you are an avid sports player but do not have a mouth guard, now is the time to invest in one. As we mentioned, having a mouth guard keeps your teeth safe while you engage in the activities you love. Our team at Laurentian Dental Centre is happy to offer our patients custom-made mouth guards to help them stay safe on the court or field. Please contact us to book a consultation today.