Having a decent mouthguard is a really sensible idea if you play particular kinds of sports. It’s highly recommended in contact games like football, and in high schools football, field and ice hockey are just some of the sports where wearing a mouthguard is actually compulsory for players.
Whether it’s a choice or not, buying a mouthguard is a good investment, as they are designed to either avoid or reduce the possibility of painful and expensive damage to your teeth, should you be injured during play.
There’s no doubt that using a mouth guard is beneficial, however, there’s more to choosing one than simply wandering into a drug store and picking one of the shelf. When choosing a mouthguard for yourself you need to keep the following things in mind:
There are several different types of mouthguards, and not all will be suitable for you.
– Instant fit. After sterilizing you pop it straight into your mouth. No fuss involved and they are designed to be easy to insert and remove.
– Boil and bite. This style requires the mouthguard liner to be softened in hot water and then molded to fit your bite and teeth. It is inevitably a better fit than an instant fit mouthguard.
–Dedicated sports mouthguards. These are mouthguards with extras, added to suit particular sports. For example, football players may choose a combo mouth and lip guard, while boxers need a mouthguard able to withstand direct impacts.
Custom mouth guards – the ultimate in fit, as this kind of mouthguard is made by your dentist based in the exact impression of your teeth. Inevitably though, it is a lot more expensive than other styles of mouthguards.
Check out if the mouthguard comes with a warranty
Not all will, but if you are paying higher end prices for more specialized mouthguards this should definitely be included. A good warranty covers the cost of mouth and teeth injuries you got from playing a sport while wearing the guard.
If you wear braces the mouthguard situation changes dramatically
There are mouthguards designed specifically to be used with braces, and you really must not try to cut corners by wearing any other type. This style of mouthguard is designed to protect both the wearer’s teeth and the inside of their mouth, as an impact could easily cause cuts otherwise. Where possible it’s best for people with braces to choose the custom mouthguard route, so you can be sure of the best possible fit, and a mouthguard designed to accommodate the changing shape of the brace wearer’s mouth. You can reach out to this reliable dentist in farmington to get more information on these custom mouthguards for people with braces.
Some final thoughts
Mouthguards play a crucial role in protecting your teeth during sporting activities, but they can’t do that is they are not well made, comfortable, and suitable for the task they face – so don’t skimp on the cost if you can avoid it. Always using a good mouthguard case is a great idea too, as this keeps it clean and in good working order for longer. Wearing a night guard when you sleep is just as important.
