One of the leading causes of teeth avulsion is injuries related to sports and trauma. The avulsions account for more than 5 million teeth lost due to sportsmanship activities such as:
- Ice hockey
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
- Football
- Field hockey
- Skateboarding
- Skiing
- Volleyball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Rugby
Most dentists recommend the use of custom-fit mouthguards to protect the structure of your teeth and mouth.
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Custom athletic mouthguards offer adequate protection to your teeth and act as a cushion for your jaw. The guard creates room between the upper and lower teeth so that any upward trauma on your jaw will not force your teeth together.
If you face a blow directly to your mouth, the mouth guard will shield your teeth from any damage.
A dentist makes a custom athletic mouthguard by first making a mold out of your teeth. Then, if you have a fixed bridge or mouth braces, the mold will incorporate that to ensure it fits nicely and comfortably.
If you’re getting a mouth guard for your child, the guard will need to be replaced as often as possible as your child grows.
Types of Mouthguards
There are two types of mouthguards; mouth guards made for athletes to protect them from mouth trauma and those made for patients suffering from teeth grinding or bruxism. These two types of mouthguards feel and look different.
Mouthguards for athletes cannot be bought over the counter, and neither can they be modified at home. You will need to visit your local dentist to assess your dental needs and get a mouth guard that is precise for your dental structure.
Other types of mouthguards include:
Boil and Bite: These mouthguards are made from a thermoplastic material that you can easily shape from your home’s comfort. All you need is to soften the material using hot water. Then you place it in your mouth and bite down for 40 seconds or more. Once the mouth guard attains the required shape, you can run it through cold water, and you’re good to go.
Stock: These types of mouthguards are one-size-fits-all. In most cases, they rarely fit the teeth structure well.
Based on the above, a custom-fit mouthguard is highly essential and also beneficial to your teeth.
Benefits of Mouthguards
Removing and replacing teeth is both painful and costly. With the right mouthguard, you can benefit from the following:
- Mouthguards protect your teeth from dislocations or tooth fractures by acting as a cushion from front blows and evenly distributing the force.
- They prevent bruises to your mouth by creating a buffer between your teeth and the soft tissue in your cheeks and lips.
- As an athlete, it boosts your confidence in playing, knowing that you are adequately protected.
- A mouthguard can help prevent a concussion by acting as a shock absorber between the lower and upper jaw.
- Mouthguards can also be used to prevent the occurrence of neck injuries.
- In case you have opposing teeth, a mouth guard helps by preventing contact with each other.
Finally, the cost of custom athletic mouthguards is significantly cheaper than replacing an avulsed tooth. A severe blow to the face would not only affect your teeth structure but can also lead to a deadly concussion. You should note that missing teeth can affect your face’s asymmetry.
Final Thoughts
If you need a dentist that can provide you custom athletic mouthguards, look no further, as Mission Bend Family Dentistry can help. To learn more about what we can do to help or schedule an appointment, call us today at 832-895-5110.