Playing a contact sport increases your risk of needing broken tooth repair or even tooth replacement. If you play a contact sport, you'll want to let your dentist know as soon as possible so they can make a custom mouth guard.
A mouth guard protects your teeth from impact damage so you can maintain good oral health and avoid a trip to your emergency dentist. Continue reading to learn the 5 facts about sports mouth guards your dentist wants you to know.
1.) Mouth guards protect your teeth.
Every time you walk onto the football field or step into the boxing ring, you increase your risk for oral injury. If you play a contact sport, you'll need to ask your dentist about getting a sports mouth guard. A mouth guard is an oral appliance that fits over your upper teeth. Unlike the generic mouth guards you can get from the sporting goods store, a mouth guard made by your dentist offers a higher level of protection.
Your dentist will be able to create the best mouth guard for your smile and the sport you play. For example, a football mouth guard reduces your risk of needing emergency dental care the next time you're tackled on the field. Likewise, a basketball mouth guard can protect your smile if another player shoots out their arm to collect a rebound and hits you in the mouth.
2.) You can get a mouth guard for braces.
Do you have teeth braces? Even if you are in the middle of orthodontic treatment, you'll need a mouth guard to protect your teeth while playing contact sports. Your dentist will recommend an upper and lower mouth guard so your braces don't snag on soft tissue on impact. After all the time it took to straighten your smile, the last thing you need is to knock out a tooth while playing football.
3.) You only need a mouth guard for top teeth.
We understand that you don't want to wear a bulky oral appliance during your next game. Thankfully, a mouth guard from your dentist is custom-fit so you can breathe easier and feel comfortable. Unless you have braces or another fixed orthodontic appliance, you'll only need a mouth guard for your upper teeth.
4.) Clean your mouth guard.
Is your mouth guard giving you bad breath? If you don't clean your mouth guard after every practice and game, you could be letting bacteria flourish. Bacteria and other microorganisms love to grow in dark moist environments—like in your mouth guard. To clean your mouth guard, simply scrub it out with a toothbrush and rinse it under cold water. Make sure that you store your dental guard in a dry ventilated container.
5.) Replace your mouth guard every 6 months.
Your dental mouth guard won't last forever. For the best protection, our dentist recommends you replace your teeth guard every 6 months. Once your mouth guard starts showing signs of wear and tear, you'll need to schedule an appointment with your dentist.
Our Seville dentist is dedicated to helping patients maintain healthy smiles with sports mouth guards and other preventive dentistry services. To request an appointment, call Landry Family Dentistry at (330) 769-4470.