7 Facts About Sports Mouthguards You Should Know!
If you play contact sports like hockey or football, wearing a sports mouthguard can help prevent injury in the long run.
It doesn’t take more than a second for an opponent to accidentally hit you in the mouth, knocking a tooth out.
But the good news is that a mouthguard helps cushion your teeth against such an impact. However, you should always wear a custom mouthguard and replace it as soon as you notice wear and tear.
As a leading provider of custom-made mouthguards, we discuss some facts about sports mouthguards you should know:
1. You may need a mouthguard even for non-contact sports
Most dental emergencies are due to non-contact sports injuries. So, wear a mouthguard even if you don’t think you’ll need one. Even non-contact sports carry some risk for dental injuries — you may either slip, fall, or get inadvertently hit by a piece of sporting equipment or by another player.
This is especially vital for children, as getting in the habit of wearing a mouthguard during every sporting activity will help them protect their teeth.
2. Store-bought mouthguards aren’t the best for your teeth
While you can buy a variety of mouthguards at a sporting goods store, these mouthguards don’t safeguard your teeth as well as custom-made mouthguards.
Since custom-made mouthguards aren’t designed to fit your teeth, they can slip around. If they slide out of place and you receive a blow, they can damage your teeth just as if you didn’t wear a mouthguard at all.
One popular option that you can find at a store is boil-and-bite mouthguards. While they may fit better than a store-bought mouthguard, they won’t be nearly as comfortable as a dentist-made mouthguard. Since your mouthguard will stay in your mouth for a long time, you must choose one that fits you well.
3. Replace your mouthguard every six months
You can’t use your dental mouthguard forever. If you want to protect your teeth in the best way possible, we recommend you replace your teeth guard every six months. Once your mouthguard begins to show signs of wear and tear, you’ll need to talk to a dentist.
If your mouthguard doesn’t fit in your mouth, you should get a new one. If your mouthguard develops imperfections like tears and rips, you should purchase a new mouthguard. If you use your mouthguard frequently, this may begin to happen within six months. Inspect your mouthguard every time you use it to ensure it stays in top condition.
4. You should clean your mouthguard
Clean your mouthguard if it’s giving you bad breath. If you don’t clean your mouthguard after every game and practice, you may be letting bacteria flourish. Bacteria love to grow in moist, dark environments — such as in your mouthguard. To clean your mouthguard, rinse it under cold water and scrub it out with a toothbrush. Ensure you store your dental guard in a ventilated, dry container.
5. You just need a mouthguard for the top teeth
If you don’t want to wear a bulky oral appliance during your next game, that’s okay. A mouthguard from our dentist is custom fit, which can help you feel comfortable and breathe easier. Unless you have a fixed orthodontic appliance like braces, you’ll just need a mouthguard for your upper teeth.
6. You can get a mouthguard even if you have braces
Even if you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you’ll need a mouthguard to safeguard your teeth while playing contact sports. Our dentist will suggest a lower and upper mouthguard to ensure your braces don’t snag on soft tissue on impact. You wouldn’t want to knock out a tooth while playing football after all the treatment you underwent, right?
7. Mouthguards safeguard your teeth
Every time you step into the boxing ring or walk onto the football field, you increase your risk for oral injury. You should always wear a mouthguard when playing a contact sport. A mouthguard is an oral appliance that mounts over your upper teeth. Compared to store-bought mouthguards you can get from the sporting goods store, a mouthguard by Clear Custom Night Guards offer a greater level of protection.
We create the finest mouthguard for your smile and the sport you play. For instance, a football mouthguard mitigates your risk of requiring emergency dental care the next time you’re on the field. Similarly, a basketball mouthguard can safeguard your smile if your opponent shoots their arm to collect a rebound and hits you in the mouth.
Buy the best custom mouthguard from Clear Comfort Night Guards
Proudly handcrafted by professional dental technicians with years of experience in the industry, the custom made night guards from Clear Comfort Night Guards can help you with an array of issues.
Visit our website now for more information on our custom mouth guard for teeth grinding!
