Sports like soccer, football, and basketball increase your risk of injury. Any sport with contact between players is risky. Using the proper protective equipment can prevent trauma. Protecting your mouth while playing sports is essential. We can create a custom mouthguard in Groesbeck, TX, to help protect your teeth, gums, and braces.
Athletic mouthguards are a part of our general dentistry services. Wearing a sports mouthguard can prevent tooth chips, cracks, and fractures. Mouthguards can also prevent damage to metal braces. A custom mouthguard can help minimize shock from hits to the face or mouth, reducing the risk of tooth loss and damage. Both children and adults can receive custom-made mouthguards to wear while playing sports.
Getting a Custom Mouthguard in Groesbeck, TX
You’ve likely come across store-bought mouthguards when searching for a sports mouthguard. These “boil-and-bite” mouthguards may promise a custom fit, but they do not offer as precise a fit as professionally-made mouthguards. They also may not use quality materials.
For this reason, many patients who wear store-bought mouthguards may clench their teeth to keep their appliance in their mouth. This reduces the efficiency of the mouthguard. Continual jaw and teeth clenching can also damage the jaw joints and muscles.
If you or your child need a sports mouthguard, contact our office. We create custom mouthguards that are unique to each patient. It takes two dental visits to receive a custom-made sports mouthguard. To begin treatment, we will take dental impressions of the teeth. We send these impressions to a dental lab, where technicians create the mouthguard according to our specifications.
At the next visit, you will receive your mouthguard. We will fit the mouthguard over your teeth to ensure it feels comfortable and fits properly. Then, you can choose the color of your mouthguard case. This is the favorite part of the process for our younger patients.
Caring for Custom Mouthguards
Cleaning a custom mouthguard is essential to maintaining its longevity and ensuring your oral health. The process involves several straightforward steps, but consistency and proper technique are key. Start by rinsing the mouthguard under cool water before and after each use. This initial rinse helps remove surface debris and saliva, preventing bacteria buildup.
After rinsing, brush the mouthguard gently with a soft toothbrush. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap to clean it thoroughly. Avoid using toothpaste with harsh abrasives, as these can scratch the mouthguard, creating crevices where bacteria can thrive. Brush all surfaces of the mouthguard, including the inside, outside, and any grooves or ridges. Rinse it thoroughly under cool water to remove all cleaning agents, ensuring none remain on the mouthguard that could irritate your mouth.
In addition to daily cleaning, it’s beneficial to deep clean the mouthguard weekly. Soak it in a denture or retainer cleaning solution, effectively killing bacteria and eliminating odors. Alternatively, a solution of water and vinegar can be used. Mix equal water and white vinegar and let the mouthguard soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, rinse the mouthguard thoroughly under cool water to remove any residual cleaning solution.
It’s important to dry the mouthguard completely before storing it. Use a clean cloth or let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight or using heat sources like hairdryers, as excessive heat can warp the material, compromising the fit and effectiveness of the mouthguard.
Proper storage is another crucial aspect of maintaining a clean mouthguard. Store it in a ventilated case to allow air circulation and prevent mold and bacteria growth. The case should be cleaned regularly with soap and water and dried completely before placing the mouthguard inside. Avoid storing the mouthguard in closed, unventilated containers for extended periods, as this can promote bacterial growth.
Avoid exposing the mouthguard to harsh chemicals or high temperatures. Do not use bleach or other strong disinfectants, as these can degrade the material. Similarly, keep it away from hot water and environments where it might be exposed to excessive heat, which can alter its shape and render it ineffective.
It’s also important to regularly inspect the mouthguard for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, holes, or changes in fit. A damaged mouthguard may not provide adequate protection and can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of oral infections. If you notice any damage or the mouthguard feels uncomfortable, consult your dentist. They may recommend replacing it to ensure optimal protection.
Lastly, maintain good oral hygiene while cleaning your mouthguard. Brush and floss your teeth before wearing them to reduce the amount of bacteria that can transfer to them. By keeping both your mouth and mouthguard clean, you can prevent oral health issues and prolong the life of your custom mouthguard.
Are Mouthguards and Night Guards the Same?
No, you cannot use mouthguards and night guards interchangeably. A mouthguard is made of thick, flexible, rubbery plastic that covers the upper teeth. Night guards commonly use hard acrylic and cover either the upper or lower teeth. Sports mouthguards only cover the front of the upper teeth. A night guard creates a barrier between the upper and lower teeth.
TMJ night guards are meant to relax the jaw and prevent teeth from grinding together. If you wore a sports guard to sleep, it would easily fall out of your mouth. Additionally, if you wore a night guard during contact sports, you wouldn’t properly protect your mouth. The hard acrylic of the night guard would leave you more prone to tooth and gum damage.
If needed, we can provide you with an athletic mouthguard and a TMJ night guard. Never use professional guards outside of their intended use.
Professional Vs. Store-bought Mouthguards
Both solutions claim to protect your teeth during contact sports. However, not all mouthguards are equal.
Professional Mouthguards
Professional or custom mouthguards are made specifically for an individual by a dentist or orthodontist. The process involves taking an impression of the patient’s teeth, which is then used to create a perfectly fitting guard. This personalized fit ensures the mouthguard is comfortable and securely placed during use. The precise fit also provides superior protection because it distributes the force of impacts evenly across the teeth and jaw, reducing the risk of injuries like fractures or dislocations.
One significant advantage of professional mouthguards is their durability. Made from high-quality materials, they can withstand heavy use and typically last longer than store-bought options. Also, because they are custom-made, they are less likely to cause discomfort or interfere with breathing and speaking, making them ideal for athletes or those needing to wear them for extended periods.
However, the primary drawback of professional mouthguards is their cost. They are significantly more expensive than store-bought alternatives due to the customization process and the involvement of dental professionals. For some, the investment is worthwhile for the comfort, fit, and protection offered. Others may find the cost prohibitive, especially if the mouthguard is for a child who may quickly outgrow it.
Store-bought Mouthguards
Store-bought mouthguards, often called over-the-counter or boil-and-bite mouthguards, are a more affordable alternative. These pre-formed mouthguards can be purchased at sporting goods stores or pharmacies. The boil-and-bite variety allows some customization; the user softens the guard in hot water and then bites into it to create a semi-custom fit. While this method does not offer the precision of a professional fitting, it does provide a better fit than completely pre-made options.
The main advantages of store-bought mouthguards are their accessibility and affordability. They are widely available and can be purchased without a dental appointment, making them convenient for immediate needs. They are also much less expensive than custom-made versions, which is particularly beneficial for those who need a temporary solution or are on a tight budget.
However, store-bought mouthguards have notable drawbacks. The fit is often less precise, leading to potential discomfort and less effective protection. They may feel bulky and can sometimes cause difficulty breathing or speaking. They are generally made from less durable materials, meaning they may need to be replaced more frequently, especially if used regularly for sports or by individuals who grind their teeth.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Read answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more about custom mouthguard treatment:
How often should I replace my sports mouthguard?
We recommend replacing your sports mouthguard after every sports season if it loses shape. If you notice that your mouthguard feels loose or is damaged, contact us so we can make a replacement. You may need to replace your child’s mouthguard more often as they lose baby teeth and their permanent teeth grow.
How should a sports mouthguard fit?
A sports mouthguard should securely cover the upper teeth and the gum line. However, sports mouthguards often do not cover all of the upper teeth. Mouthguards do not cover the molars because covering these teeth can make the mouthguard feel bulky and overwhelm the upper jaw. Only certain mouthguards, including boxing mouthguards, cover the upper and lower teeth.
You do not need to cover the lower teeth for most sports because the upper teeth are more prominent. The upper teeth naturally fit over the lower teeth.
At what age should children get sports mouthguards?
Children should begin to wear a sports mouthguard when they begin playing contact sports. This means children as young as four or five must wear a mouthguard to protect their baby teeth.
Are custom mouthguards worth it?
Yes. Mouthguards custom-made by a dental professional offer superior durability and fit. Store-bought mouthguards can fall out of the mouth. Trying to keep an ill-fitting mouthguard in your mouth can distract you during a game.
Custom sports mouthguards also stay in place without greatly impeding your speech. You can speak or call out to other teammates while wearing your mouthguard.
Why do I need a sports mouthguard if I have braces?
Wearing a sports mouthguard can minimize damage from hits to the mouth. If you wear metal braces, a mouthguard can prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Hits to the mouth can break the metal wires or damage the brackets. Wearing a mouthguard can also prevent cuts or bruising to the mouth’s soft tissues.
Can sports mouthguards stop tooth grinding?
No, you can use a night guard if you have to grind your teeth at night. An athletic mouthguard is not meant to stop teeth grinding. Instead, a sports mouthguard covers the front of the upper teeth to minimize tooth damage. Night guards are separate appliances you can get in our dentist’s office. Night guards reduce stress on the jaw.
Protect Your Mouth During Sports
Do you need a mouthguard for the new season? Call to get your custom mouthguard in Groesbeck, TX, at (254) 556-3973. You can also schedule your next appointment at Groesbeck Family Dental online. Please let us know if you have lost or damaged your mouthguard. We can provide a replacement.