When thinking about protecting yourself with a sport, helmets, knee pads and gloves may be the first thing that comes to mind. But what about your teeth? Your smile is one of your healthiest assets – and also one of the most vulnerable areas of the body, especially when we are active.
Whether a young athlete or just someone who enjoys being active, wearing Mouth Guards in York can make a big difference to your teeth.
What Is A Mouth Guard?
Mouth guards are protective devices that fit over teeth. They provide a cushion effect that absorbs impact during a sport or activity, or sleep.
There are three categories of mouth guards:-
- Stock Mouth Guards – These are pre-made and also usually the least expensive, but they tend not to fit well and are cumbersome.
- Boil and Bite Mouth Guards – These mouth guards are softened through hot water, and then you shape the mouth guard around your teeth using your fingers and bite. They may provide a better fit than the stock mouth guards.
- Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards – These mouth guards are made by a dentist and provide the best fit and protection. They are the most expensive mouth guard, but they fit snugly around your mouth, providing the best protection.
Why Do You Need a Mouth Guard?
1. Prevent Broken and Knocked-Out Teeth
There are sports where mishaps can occur, like hockey, basketball, football, and even skateboarding. A face blow can push a tooth out of place, chip it, or knock it completely out of your mouth.
There are various brands of Mouth Guards near you which assist in absorbing the blow so it doesn’t shift your teeth and lead to serious harm.
2. Avoid Cuts and Bruises in the Mouth
Sometimes a fall or a strong hit can force your teeth to cut into the inside of your cheeks, lip or tongue. A mouth guard adds a layer of protection which mitigates those potential injuries inside your mouth from cuts and bruises.
3. Reducing the risk of jaw injuries
Your lower jaw is quite strong, but if someone were to hit you so hard that your jaw actually forced your jawbone into your upper skull or pressed into your skull, usually this occurs during a Boxing Match.
A night guard for teeth can mitigate some of that impact. These collisions tend to be flush with our lower jaw. So if anything, it may protect the lower jaw from impact.
4. Lowering the Chances of Concussions
Not that they don’t have any primary function for it, there have been studies that suggest Mouth Guards may limit concussions by lessening any blow to our brains, however slight.
5. Help with night grinding (bruxism)
Many of us will grind our teeth at night, sometimes we don’t even know we are doing it, and it typically takes decades for us to start seeing the effects of tooth wear and potentially headaches, jaw pain and other symptoms.
A custom mouth guard provides tooth protection while you sleep, is restorative and reenergizing.
Who Should Wear a Mouth Guard?
If you play any contact sport, use a skateboard or bicycle, or engage in physical activities with a risk of falling or facial contact, you should definitely wear one. This includes:
- Football players
- Hockey players
- Wrestlers
- Martial artists
- Basketball and soccer players
- Gymnasts and skaters
And if you grind your teeth at night or have braces, your dentist might recommend a specially designed mouth guard to protect both your teeth and the dental work you’ve had done.
How to Take Care of Your Mouth Guard
Just like a toothbrush, your mouth guard needs proper care to keep working effectively:
- Rinse it with cold water or mouthwash after use.
- Brush it gently with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacterial growth.
- Keep it away from heat, as high temperatures can warp its shape.
- Replace it if it becomes worn out, torn, or uncomfortable.
Don’t Wait for a Tooth to Fall Out
It’s easy to forget about mouth guards until something bad happens. A cracked tooth or jaw injury can mean expensive dental treatment, missed games, and even permanent damage to your smile.
Protect Your Smile with the Right Help!
If you’re looking for guidance on which type of mouth guard is best for you or your child, visiting a Dentist in York is the best place to start. At Keele Crosstown Dental, we specialize in custom-fitted mouth guards that offer the best comfort and protection for your specific needs. Whether you’re playing sports or grinding at night, our team can help you stay protected and pain-free.