Mouth Guards: Essential Protection for Your Smile
Mouth guards are crucial for anyone involved in high-impact sports or recreational activities. At Machen Family Dentistry in Idaho Falls, we emphasize the importance of mouth guards to protect your teeth and overall oral health. Whether you or your child play contact sports or suffer from teeth grinding, we provide custom mouth guards tailored to your needs.
What Do I Need to Know About Mouth Guards?
Mouth guards, also known as sports guards, are essential for anyone participating in potentially injurious activities. Fitting snugly over the upper teeth, mouth guards protect the entire oral region from traumatic injury, preserving both the aesthetic appearance and the health of your smile. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) strongly advocates for using dental mouth guards during any sporting or recreational activity.
How Can Mouth Guards Protect My Child?
Most sporting organizations now require participants to routinely wear mouth guards. While mouth guards primarily protect the teeth, they also reduce the force transmitted from a trauma impact point (jaw) to the central nervous system (base of the brain). In this way, mouth guards help minimize the risk of traumatic brain injury, which is especially important for younger children.
Mouth guards also reduce the prevalence of the following injuries:
Cheek lesions
Concussions
Gum and soft tissue injuries
Jawbone fractures
Lip lesions
Neck injuries
Tongue lesions
Tooth fractures
Types of Mouth Guards
Choosing the right mouth guard is essential for maximum protection. Here are the three main types of mouth guards:
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards can be bought directly off the shelf and immediately fitted into the mouth. The fit is universal (one-size-fits-all), meaning the mouth guard doesn’t adjust. Stock mouth guards are very cheap, easy to fit, and quick to locate at sporting goods stores. However, pediatric dentists favor this type of mouth guard the least, as it provides minimal protection, obstructs proper breathing and speaking, and tends to be uncomfortable.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
Boil and bite mouth guards are usually made from thermoplastic and are easily located at most sporting goods stores. First, the thermoplastic must be immersed in hot water to make it pliable, and then it must be pressed on the teeth to create a custom mold. Boil and bite mouth guards are slightly more expensive than stock mouth guards. They offer more protection, feel more comfortable, and allow for easy speech and breathing.
Custom Mouth Guards
Custom mouth guards offer the greatest degree of protection and are made by the dentist. First, the dentist makes an impression of the teeth using special material, and then the mouth guard is constructed over the mold. Custom mouth guards are more expensive and take longer to fit, but they are more comfortable, orthodontically correct, and fully approved by the dentist.
Who Needs a Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards should be used by anyone — children and adults — who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in non-contact sports (for example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
Adults and children who grind their teeth at night should have a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint made to prevent tooth damage. Teeth grinding can lead to broken teeth, jaw pain, and other issues. A custom made mouth guard can help prevent these problems.
Can I Wear a Mouth Guard if I Wear Braces?
Yes. Since an injury to the face could damage braces or other fixed appliances, a properly fitted mouth guard may be particularly important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. Your dentist or orthodontist can determine the mouth guard that will provide the best protection for your unique mouth work. An important reminder: do not wear any orthodontic retainers or other removable appliances during any contact sports or during any recreational activities that put your mouth at risk for injury.
How Do I Care for My Mouth Guard?
Proper care of your mouth guard ensures its longevity and effectiveness. Here are some tips:
- Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or with a mouth rinse before and after each use or clean it with mild soap and a toothbrush.
- Clean the mouth guard in cool, soapy water and rinse it thoroughly.
- Place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container to store or transport it. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage. If the mouth guard is acrylic, keep it in fresh clean water.
- Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures — such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight — to minimize distorting its shape.
- Occasionally check the mouth guard for general wear. If you find holes or tears in it or if it becomes loose or causes discomfort, replace it.
- Bring the mouth guard to each regularly scheduled dental visit to have your dentist examine it.
Why Choose Machen Family Dentistry for Your Mouth Guard?
At Machen Family Dentistry, we prioritize your oral health and safety. Our dental office in Idaho Falls is equipped with a state-of-the-art dental lab to create custom mouth guards that fit perfectly and provide maximum protection. Whether you need a mouth guard for sports, teeth grinding, or sleep apnea, our team is here to help.
Our custom made mouth guards offer several benefits:
- Better fit: Custom made to fit the unique shape of your mouth.
- Enhanced protection: Provides optimal protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw.
- Comfort: Designed for comfort, allowing easy breathing and speaking.
- Durability: Made from high-quality materials that last longer than store-bought mouth guards.
Mouth guards are an essential tool for protecting your oral health, whether you’re an athlete, a teeth grinder, or someone looking to prevent sports-related injuries. At Machen Family Dentistry in Idaho Falls, we provide custom made mouth guards that offer superior protection and comfort. Schedule an appointment today to ensure your smile stays safe and healthy.
For more information about our mouth guards or to book an appointment, contact Machen Family Dentistry. Protect your teeth and enjoy peace of mind with a custom mouth guard tailored to your needs.
Contact Machen Family Dentistry or give us a call at (208) 552-0775 to discuss how we can help with getting a custom fit night or sports mouth guard.