Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries received by athletes. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting or wrestling, it is recommended by the American Dental Association that you wear a mouthguard.
Choosing the right mouthguard is important. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, well fitted for your mouth and easy to keep clean. Also make sure it does not prevent you from breathing properly during use. If you wear braces or a retainer, it is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard. Your dentist can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.
Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouthguard by storing it properly and keeping it clean. You should also know when to replace your old mouthguard with a new one. Here are a few simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working correctly:
If you are in Marietta, Kennesaw or surrounding areas, go to Kenmar Dental for professional, custom made mouthguards. The advantages of a mouthguard created by a dentist are that it will fit perfectly over your teeth and offer maximum protection for your teeth, gums, tongue, cheeks and lips. One-size or stock mouthguards will not fit securely and can create a choking hazard.
Our goal is to help minimize your chances of a sports related injury. Be sure to ask your dentist about mouthguards at your next dental checkup – GO TEAM!
Mouthguards are not only useful on the sports field. Kenmar Dental in Marietta, GA can also create custom mouthguards for use at night to reduce the effects of bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching) and to promote healthier sleep.
Using a mouthguard for sports or during the night can bring a host of benefits.
On the sports field:
As a nighttime mouthguard:
Yes! Not only is it required by many sporting associations and teams, it really does offer a great level of protection for your teeth and mouth. Quite apart from that, the cost of getting a custom made mouthguard is far less than the cost that would be incurred to fix broken teeth or for other dental injuries.
It’s recommended that you use a custom made nighttime mouthguard at night, to ensure a perfect fit and to offer the maximum protection from bruxism. For comfort, this is usually a different, thinner type of mouthguard than one used for sports.
A nighttime mouth guard, also known as a nightguard is a guard used at night to prevent damage and wear caused by bruxism, or teeth grinding. It can also help reduce symptoms you might wake up with, such as jaw pain or headaches.
Bruxism, or chronic teeth clenching or grinding, is a common complaint but as it usually happens when you’re asleep, not everyone realizes they suffer from it. If you have jaw or head pain when you wake up, sensitive or loose teeth or damaged tooth enamel, they are all symptoms of bruxism.
While the causes of bruxism are not definitive, there is no current cure. However, a nighttime mouthguard will prevent damage to your teeth and allow your jaw to relax.
Contact Kenmar Dental in Marietta, GA to schedule an appointment for a custom fit mouthguard. Whether it’s for important protection on the field or to help you sleep better at night, a well-fitting mouthguard is a great piece of kit.
