The Basics of Mouthguards
Have you ever questioned whether or not you really require a mouthguard to protect your teeth? If that's the case, then you should definitely read this article before making your next appointment with the dentist.
Do not be concerned in the least if you do not know what questions to ask. You are by no means the only one dealing with this issue, particularly if you are not familiar with mouthguards or night-guards.
Mouthguards are designed to protect your teeth and gums from injury, and contrary to popular belief, they are more effective in doing so than you might initially believe. While you are using the device, you can experience some initial and transient discomfort; nevertheless, the benefits to your oral health make the slight inconvenience more than worthwhile.
It's possible that you're confused about the function of a mouthguard and why certain individuals need to wear them. The following is a rundown of the fundamental information you need to have before selecting the mouthguard that will serve you best.
Your grin will end up being preserved in all of its glory along with its health and protection.
A mouthguard is anything that...
When you play sports, it is important to protect your teeth with a dental appliance called a mouthguard. If you clench and grind your teeth as you sleep, you could benefit from wearing one of these.
In either case, mouthguards perform admirably when they are customized to fit the unique contours of a person's teeth and mouth. There are some that come in regular sizes, while others offer personalized fits; in addition, they can be constructed from a variety of materials.
The distinction between dentures and mouthguards is one that is frequently confused by people. Although they share a similar appearance, their functions couldn't be more different.
Dentures are artificial teeth that can be worn in place of missing teeth, and mouthguards are designed to prevent tooth loss in those who wear them.
Mouthguards are normally made of a formable plastic that can be molded to fit the mouth of any individual, and they are also compact enough to be carried around and used as necessary. As a result, it is imperative that you do not misplace your mouthguard.
Who should consider wearing a mouthguard?
It is highly suggested that anybody who participates in a sport that involves physical contact use a mouthguard. In point of fact, you might not have a choice but to put one on.
No matter what kind of activity you participate in, your health and safety should always come first. This pertains to both the physical and dental health of the individual. An injury to the mouth or gum line can result in the loss of teeth and/or heavy bleeding, and if the damage is serious, oral surgery may be required as an emergency procedure.
In addition to protecting your teeth during contact sports, mouthguards can also be worn during activities such as riding a bike, skating, or other recreational activities that have the potential to cause an injury to the mouth.
Mouthguards, also known as nightguards, are an excellent solution for people who suffer from sleep apnea or grind their teeth while sleeping.
What are the many kinds of mouthguards available?
There are three primary categories of mouthguards, which are as follows:
- stock mouth protectors,
- boil-and-bite guards, and
- Mouth guards that are custom-fitted to the user
Here is some information to help you better understand each type and determine which one could be the most suitable for you.
Stock Mouth Protectors.
These mouthguards are the least priced choice and may be found in a wide variety of sporting goods retailers. They are also easily accessible.
They are available in a variety of sizes, but the catch is that they cannot be customized in any way and only provide the most fundamental level of protection. They may be available in a variety of colors, but the fit is predetermined and cannot be altered in any way.
Boil-and-bite Guards
This particular kind of mouthguard may be adjusted to fit the contours of your mouth in a matter of minutes. It also comes in a variety of sizes that are determined by the state of your mouth and teeth, but this type may be modified to fit your specific needs.
The procedure for fitting is rather uncomplicated. To break in the new mouthguard, you submerge it in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. The next step is to put the material in your mouth while it is still hot, and to press the plastic against your teeth while doing so.
As soon as the protector has returned to its normal temperature, it will keep its form, and you will then be able to begin practicing on the field.
Custom Fitted Mouthguard
It's possible that you've observed that the mouthguards that some elite sportsmen use have interesting shapes. These are made to order in order to provide the highest level of mouth protection possible.
However, the use of this kind of protection is not necessary limited to professionals alone. Additionally, they are excellent for those who have braces or if a dentist determines that you need mouth protection for whatever reason.
For instance, if you've recently undergone oral surgery, there will be a critical juncture in your recovery during which you'll be especially susceptible to sustaining further damage to your teeth. Those who are at a high risk of sustaining an injury to their mouth may benefit from wearing a custom-made mouth protector. Despite the fact that these protectors can be quite expensive and need to be fitted by a dentist, they provide enough protection.
How exactly do mouthguards accomplish their job?
A common misconception concerning mouthguards is the idea that they offer unrivaled defense against damage to the teeth and gums. However, despite their usefulness, mouthguards do not provide the same level of defense as other forms of protection.
Damage to the mouth caused by a severe blow to the face or head can be disastrous and may necessitate more than one surgical procedure. It is possible for mouthguards to lessen the likelihood of oral injury, but they cannot eliminate the possibility totally.
Even injuries that don't appear to be too serious can cause significant problems for the mouth. If you ignore the problem, even something as minor as a chipped tooth could result in an infection, a deepening of cavities, and additional harm. Damage to a tooth that results in an abscess is another urgent condition that can arise.
A mouthguard's secondary function is to maintain proper alignment and placement of all of the teeth within the mouth. Teeth have the potential to splinter and cut the gums or the roof of the mouth if a mouthguard is not used. You also run the risk of swallowing the broken parts of a tooth by unintentionally.
Mouth injuries pose the greatest threat, as they can result in permanent disfigurement if they are severe enough. In the event that you sustain a serious damage to your mouth, it has the potential to change your appearance for the rest of your life. In the worst-case situation, this type of oral trauma might potentially cause damage to the nerves.
If you engage in strenuous physical activity, it is strongly recommended that you use a mouthguard rather than risking injury to your teeth and gums by not using one.
If you wear a night guard, would it damage your teeth?
Another common misunderstanding is that wearing a sleep guard will make your teeth worse rather than better. Night-guards are a type of mouthguard that is worn at night, and their primary function is to protect teeth from being damaged while the wearer is asleep. It is significantly more likely that you will damage your teeth if you do not use a night guard when it is required.
When you grind your teeth as you sleep, the outer surfaces of your teeth become worn down, which can lead to damage over time. At some point in the future, the teeth might break, chip, or develop a cavity.
This misunderstanding originates from the fact that night guards can cause gradual shifts in the position of teeth over time. In point of fact, this is the reason why a lot of dentists utilize them. When we are younger and our mouths are still developing, this is an effective method for realigning our teeth.
If you use a night guard, you could notice that grooves are beginning to appear in your teeth. It's not a problem with the mouthguard's functionality. It is more likely that the guard does not fit properly, in which case you ought to have it checked out by your dentist.
What kind of maintenance does a mouthguard require?
The encouraging news is that mouthguards can be cleaned with relative ease.
You can rinse it out with regular mouthwash or with water that has been soapy, whichever you prefer. The use of cold water is required for this approach since hot water has the potential to change the contour of the guard over time.
It is in your best interest to keep your equipment away from areas that are subject to extreme heat or direct sunshine.
If you do need to transport your mouthguard, however, you should store it in a container that is both compact and robust so that you do not risk accidently harming it.
When not in use, a mouthguard made of acrylic should be stored in water to prevent it from drying out. In the event that this does not occur, the materials will be harmed, and the price of purchasing an acrylic mouthguard will have been for naught.
How long do mouthguards typically remain effective?
If you take proper care of your mouth guards, they should last you for a very long time. However, whenever you begin to see signs of wear and tear, it is highly recommended that you replace them with a new set.
You should search for regions in which the guard is no longer fitting as snugly over your teeth as it did in the past. When you first obtain a mouthguard, it may not feel as comfortable as it does later, once you have been accustomed to wearing it in your mouth for longer and longer lengths of time.
It is imperative that you never keep using a broken mouth protector since you run the risk of causing damage to your teeth. If you take the necessary precautions to maintain it, a quality mouth guard should last for several months, unless your dentist advises you otherwise.
How much do mouthguards cost when purchased from the dentist?
If you choose the usual sort of mouthguard, you won't often spend a lot of money on one. You can purchase quite a lot of these from retail outlets for around $20 each. From that point on, the cost of customizable protectors will increase.
It is possible to spend anywhere from $100 to several hundred dollars on a high-quality mouthguard purchased from a dentist. Everything is determined by the kind of material you require as well as the function of the guard.
There is an increase in cost associated with the molding process when a customized mouth guard is required.
Because of this, a lot of people decide to go with a high-quality boil-and-bite mouthguard instead.
Nevertheless, if the health benefits outweigh the cost of hiring an expensive guard, you might not have any other option but to do so.
The price of a mouth guard can also be estimated based on the brand name of the mouth guard.
Which dental mouthguard is the most effective?
The most effective dental mouthguard is one that is both comfortable and effective in its primary function, which is to safeguard your smile.
What kind of defense do you need? That will help you choose the best one for your circumstances. For example, the Smile Brilliant Night Guard is the most effective guard for usage during the nighttime hours.
Because there is such a wide variety of mouth guards and night guards available, it is in your best interest to speak with a dentist in your area. It's possible that a badly picked guard won't operate at all, or that it won't work as well.
Do not delay in getting a mouthguard if you believe that you require one. Make an appointment as soon as possible to safeguard and maintain the health of your smile.
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Dr. Marianne Cohan was voted The Best Dentist/ Dental Office and Best Cosmetic Dentist from The Las Vegas Review-Journal in 2020 and 2021. She received her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the State University of New York at Buffalo in 1992.
With an emphasis on cosmetic dentistry, complete makeovers, and implant dentistry, Dr. Cohan is committed to continuing education and feels that we never stop learning. Dr. Cohan takes pride in using high-powered magnification to perform minimally invasive restorative dentistry. She uses all the latest technological advances including digital radiography, digital photography, computer simulations, and high-resolution pictures of your proposed treatment on 55-inch screens. She also utilizes CBCT (cone beam) and laser technology.
Dr. Cohan is always available to her patients and is available for any dental emergency.