Mouthguards
Dentists see many dental injuries each year where a patient has taken a blow to the mouth during sporting activities. The results can be very upsetting, chipping or cracking teeth, dislodging or knocking them out entirely, or damaging the jaws and soft tissues like the cheeks and lips. Additionally, restorative dentistry for these injuries can be time-consuming and costly, especially when you consider a lifetime of dental care.
We recommend that patients who enjoy sports where there is a risk they could take a blow to the mouth invest in a properly fitted, custom mouthguard. These affordable appliances can save a great deal of heartache, time and money.
Who Should Have a Custom Mouthguard?
Anyone who enjoys contact sports should have a custom-fitted mouthguard.
However, it’s worth getting a mouthguard if there is even a slight risk that you could sustain a dental injury. For example, anyone who does gymnastics enjoys skateboarding or horse riding should strongly consider getting a mouth guard.
Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
We know it is possible to buy a sports mouthguard for just a few dollars over the counter, but this can be a false economy. These mouthguards come in a limited range of sizes and are poorly fitting and often uncomfortable to wear. Consequently, they are likely to remain unworn. Even if you do wear them, there is a risk they can fall out; they can hinder breathing and only offer limited protection at best.
Shire Dental can provide a mouthguard specifically designed to fit only your mouth. It is cushioned in the right areas to help absorb the impact of a blow, offering maximum protection for your teeth and jaws. Our mouthguards are neutral tasting, comfortable to wear and will not fall out.
The procedure to make a custom-fitted mouthguard is easy and non-invasive. Our dentist simply needs to take an impression of your teeth and gums, which is used to create your mouthguard. Once made, we can ensure it fits accurately and is ready to use. It is important to keep your mouthguard clean, wash it after every use, and store it in the container provided. Please keep it away from direct heat that could warp it, and bring it with you to your regular dental check-ups.
We can then assess the mouthguard’s condition to ensure it continues to protect your teeth. Children’s mouthguards will need regular replacement as their teeth and jaws develop, but an adult mouthguard should last quite a while before it needs replacing.