Guarding Your Mouth And Protecting Your Teeth

If you’ve ever watched a contact sporting event (think football, hockey, or boxing) you’ve undoubtedly seen a mouthpiece on one of the players or participants. Some mouth guards can look downright scary, as is the case of a few NFL players out there, and some can be almost invisible. Though sports are the first thing one thinks of when looking for a reason to wear a mouth guard, they can also been worn by people who grind their teeth, especially at night.

There are three types of mouth guards out there:

• Stock mouth guards. These mouth guards can be purchased at sporting goods and department stores and are preformed and ready-to-wear. They can work well in a pinch, or if you need them only on occasion. However, they are not adjustable and the protection is very limited. You might even find them to be downright uncomfortable.
• Boil and bite mouth guards. These can also be found at sporting goods and department stores for purchase. When you get the guard home, you’ll be instructed to place it in boiling water to soften it, then place it in your mouth and bite into it to get more of a customized fit.
• Custom mouth guards. These are the best fitting mouth guards you can get, as they are made by your dentist. After an impression of your teeth is made, a mouth guard is designed in a professional laboratory to give you perfection in protection and comfort.

The prices will vary on these types of guards, but, regardless of price, the important thing to remember is that the right mouth guard will:

• Allow you to speak and breathe without limitation
• Stay in place when in use
• Be comfortable, fit well, and be easy to clean
• Be durable and tear-resistant
• Not pick up odors or tastes

There are around 29 different sports and activities that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends mouth guard usage for. If there is a chance of contact with another player (basketball, rugby, soccer), or contact with a hard surface (skateboarding, skydiving, weightlifting), a mouth guard is highly recommended.

Non-Sport Mouth Guards

Sometimes, a mouth guard is needed for people who grind or clench their teeth or have TMJ. They can be worn at night or even during the day. This type of guard is not used for sporting activities due to its lack of protection during contact. There are several types of guards that can be used depending on the needs of the patient, so if you need a guard for a non-sporting activity, your dentist will help you find the right one to assist in your needs.

At Community Dental Group, your teeth are important to us and protecting them is the number-one goal for everyone. Whatever kind of guard you need, come in and see us to get the perfect fit.