If you participate in contact sports, it is important to know how to prevent injuries to your mouth and face. Mouth guards help to cushion the blow, which reduces the risk of injury to your teeth, jaw, lips, or tongue, and even helps prevent broken teeth.
Types of Mouth Guards
The best mouth guard available to you is one that is custom-fitted by your dentist. However, if a custom-made mouth guard is not affordable for you, there are other options, such as a boil-and-bite or stock mouth guard.
Protect your Braces
A properly fitted mouth guard is very important for you if you wear braces. Taking a hit to the face can damage brackets or other fixed appliances. It also protects your gums, cheeks, and lips from injury.
Your dentist can help you select the mouth guard that will provide the most protection. While some mouth guards only cover the upper teeth, if you have braces, your dentist may suggest protection for your lower teeth as well. Do not wear a retainer or any other appliance when playing contact sports.
Care and Replacement
Your dentist can tell you when it is the right time to replace your mouth guard, however, if it is damaged, shows signs of wear, or doesn’t fit properly, don’t wait. Teens and children need to replace theirs more often, because their mouths are growing and changing.
It is important to keep your mouth guard clean and dry between games. Be sure to:
Your mouth guard is an important part of your uniform, just like helmets or knee pads. Many sports will not allow you to play without one. Wear it for every game and soon it will become second nature. If you have an accident, or are unsure which type of mouthguard is right for you, contact our office and schedule an appointment.
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