As summer draws near, many individuals will be gearing up to get back onto the field and start engaging in the sports they love. At Apple Dental Group, we love to cheer our patients on! However, we would also like to remind our patients that sports can cause injury and wear to their teeth. For this reason, it is important that you wear a protective mouthguard when playing sports. A mouthguard can protect your teeth, face, and jaws against injury in case of a fall or blow to the face.
How Mouthguards Help
Mouthguards in SW Calgary are designed to cushion the impact to the face and mouth and protect your teeth and jaw from injury. When you wear a mouthguard, it works as a barrier between your teeth and whatever is causing an impact to them. Choosing to wear mouthguards protect you from injuries such as:
- Lost teeth
- Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth
- Cuts to the cheeks, lips, or tongue
- Broken brackets
- Jaw injuries such as fractures or dislocation
Who Should Wear Mouthguards?
Those who play organized sports of all kinds, such as soccer, basketball, football, and hockey, should get protective mouthguards from a dentist in SW Calgary. Mouthguards should also be worn by individuals who participate in activities involving running or coming into close contact with other people or objects such as skateboarding, wrestling, tennis, or paintball. A mouthguard should always be worn when playing sports or participating in activities that pose any risk of injury to your mouth.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard
There are many types of mouthguards available. The most common types of mouthguards near you include:
- Boil and bite mouthguards
- Stock mouthguards
- Custom-made mouthguards
While boil and bite mouthguards allow you to meld the mouthguard to your mouth at home using hot water, they don’t always fit as snugly as they should. Stock mouthguards are one-size-fits-all, which leads to poor protection and an uncomfortable fit. Additionally, stock mouthguards can make it difficult to breathe and speak while in use because they don’t fit your mouth structure properly.
The best type of mouthguard is one that is custom-made by our dentist near you. This is because custom-made mouthguards are made to fit perfectly into your mouth and match your mouth structure.
When you visit Apple Dental Group for a custom-made mouthguard, our dentist will take impressions of your teeth that will be sent over to a dental lab where your mouthguard will be manufactured.
Ensure that the mouthguard you choose fits snugly over your teeth and allows you to speak and breathe normally. Your mouthguard should fit comfortably, be strong, and easy to clean. It would be best if you replaced your mouthguard when it becomes worn out or no longer fits properly.
How to Look After Your Mouthguard
To get the most out of your mouthguard, you should take care to keep it clean and in good condition. Here are some tips for caring for your mouthguard:
- Keep it in a cool, dry area
- Avoid chewing on it
- Rinse your mouthguard before and after each use
- Replace your mouthguard if it no longer fits properly
Interested in Mouthguards?
If you are an avid sports player, then you should consider getting a mouthguard. Our team at Apple Dental Group is happy to provide our patients with custom-made mouthguards so that they can stay protected while engaging in the activities they love. If you would like to learn more about how you can benefit from custom-made mouthguards, contact our clinic to book a consultation today!