Sports Mouth Guards
Great Falls, MT
 If you are an athletic person or have a child aspiring to be a sports player, a sports mouth guard may be crucial for you. Dental injuries are the most common kind of orofacial injuries contracted during sports.
An athlete is 60 times more likely to get a tooth damaged when not wearing a sports mouth guard. At River's Edge Dental, Dr. David Currie and Dr. Kimberly Currie we are experienced professionals available to cater to any dental injuries that you may have sustained.
Types of Dental Injuries
Dental injuries can be categorized into three major groups:
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Fracture: Fractures include broken tooth, chipped tooth, and root fracture
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Avulsion: Avulsion is when the whole tooth, including the root, is knocked out
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Luxation: Luxation happens when the tooth stays in the socket, but is dislodged |
Types of Mouth Guards
There are three types of mouth guards you need to know about:
Stock Mouth Protectors
These are pre-made and affordable. You can easily find stock mouth protectors available at department stores or sporting goods stores. However, they are heavy, which may make it difficult to breathe or talk. Stock mouth protectors provide minimal protection.
Boil and Bite Mouth Protectors
Boil and bite mouth protectors tend to fit better than stock mouth protectors. They are made from thermoplastic material. They are submerged in hot water to soften, and then positioned inside the mouth and fit around the teeth with the help of finger and tongue pressure.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Protectors
These are customized according to your mouth. We would first take an imprint of your teeth. A mouth guard is then molded over it with the help of a special material. Although custom-fitted mouth protectors are more costly as compared to other types, they are most comfortable and offer sound protection.
Facts About Sports Mouth Guards
A sports mouth guard can protect you from dental injuries during contact sports. Here are some important facts about them:
You Only Require A Mouth Guard For Top Teeth
Mouth guards are usually only needed for your top teeth, unless you wear braces. This ensures comfort and helps you breathe easily while you play. However, for certain types of sports, both upper and lower mouth guards may be suggested. For instance, blows to the jaw are likely in boxing, making holistic protection essential.
Mouth Guards Should Be Replaced Biannually
A mouth guard is prone to wear and tear, which is why it is vital to replace it every six months. When you notice the material losing its thickness, we recommend buying a new mouth guard. To make your sports mouth guard last longer, avoid chewing while wearing it or pressing against it using your tongue.
Mouth Guards Require Cleaning
Microorganisms, such as bacteria, often thrive in moist and dark environments. They cannot only make you fall sick, but also cause bad breath. Make sure you clean your mouth guard after each game in order to keep up your oral health. Simply scrub it using a toothbrush and rinse with cold water before keeping it in a dry place.
Mouth guards can prevent injuries to the teeth, lips, tongue, and soft tissue of the mouth. At River's Edge Dental, we can create a suitable one to keep your smile intact. To schedule an appointment, feel free to call us at (406) 315-5882 today.
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