Maintaining good oral and dental health is important for your overall well-being. When you play sports, you risk dental injuries, so using a mouth guard is critical.
Reduces the Risk of Dental Injuries
Dental injuries can be small, like chips and breaks; or they can be serious, involving missing teeth or needing tooth extraction. These injuries usually require immediate dental care, which can be costly and take up your time. Mouth guards are an easy and effective way to reduce these risks. They take in and spread the force from impacts. This prevents your teeth from feeling that strong force directly.
Impact Absorption
Mouth guards work like shock absorbers: They reduce the force that reaches your teeth, jaw, and nearby tissues. Wearing one is key to lowering your chances of getting tooth fractures, jaw dislocations, and injuries to the soft tissues. Otherwise, you risk long-term complications and extensive restorative treatment.
Types of Mouth Guards and Their Effectiveness
Not all mouth guards are the same. There are different types that provide different levels of protection and comfort. Knowing these differences can help you choose the best mouth guard for your needs.
Custom-Fitted vs. Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards
Custom-fitted mouth guards are crafted by dental professionals and customized to fit your teeth, guaranteeing comfort and enhanced defense against dental injuries during sports activities. While over-the-counter guards are more affordable, they may not provide the same level of protection or comfort due to their one-size-fits-all design. Choosing between the two largely depends on prioritizing optimal fit and protection versus cost efficiency.
Materials Used in Mouth Guard Manufacturing
Good mouth guards are usually made from strong but flexible materials. These materials can take hits without tearing or losing their shape. If you have dental implants, crowns, bridges, or other dental work, it’s critical that you select a mouth guard that won’t cause problems with these. Your dentist can help you choose the best materials and design, ensuring your mouth guard protects all your teeth, even those with restorations like porcelain crowns or composite fillings.
Crown Point Family Dentistry
Enjoy sports while keeping a healthy smile. Our team at Crown Point Family Dentistry can help you get fitted for a custom mouth guard to protect your teeth from a stray puck or a hard fall. We’ll also assist you with any questions and concerns you may have about wearing mouth guards during sports. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
