Mouthguards are meant to keep you or your child’s teeth safe while playing contact sports. Drugstores typically have mouthguards over the counter, so why should you get a custom one? Dr. Dhara Patel of Best Dental Spa, a dentist in Hoffman Estates, IL, explains the benefits.
Why Do I Need a Mouthguard?
If you or your child are participating in contact sports such as hockey, football, or boxing, a mouthguard is crucial to make sure your teeth are protected. Unexpected hits and knocks can cause a tooth to fall out of your mouth or cause a break or crack in your smile. A mouthguard can protect both upper and lower teeth throughout playtime.
Why Should I Choose a Custom Mouthguard?
Drugstores often carry a type of mouthguard called the “boil and bite” mouthguard. They make the claim to be a one size fits all product. But boil and bite mouthguards can be bulky and hard to keep in your mouth. You constantly have to be biting down on them, causing stress in your jaw and neck. They prevent players from being able to drink or talk to other teammates with those mouthguards in.
A custom mouthguard fixes all the problems that boil and bite mouthguards have. They’re made specifically for your mouth and fit snugly, meaning that you don’t have to bite down constantly to keep them in. There’s no extra tension in your neck and jaw and you’re able to communicate freely with your teammates. Taking a quick water break isn’t an issue either.
A mouthguard helps to prevent the need for emergency dentistry for your teeth. Not having one makes the soft tissues in your mouth susceptible to bruising and damage. Teeth can be chipped or cracked, and trauma can occur to your lower jaw as it comes into contact with the upper one. Custom mouthguards prevent all of these things from happening.
Lastly, mouthguards can actually minimize the impact of a concussion. If you or your child are hit during an especially explosive play, the trauma of the teeth coming together can have a big impact on your chance of a concussion. Limiting this happening can also help a concussion to be avoided or be less impactful than it normally would.
The Custom Mouthguard Process
Mouthguards are a preventative measure that saves you money and dental problems down the line. Dr. Patel will bring you in for a consultation and take a mold of your mouth. The mold allows us to make sure the mouthguard is crafted specifically to fit in your mouth. We’ll ensure that you’re able to wear it without biting down and that it fits the way it should.
We’ll also give you cleaning tips for your mouthguard in the future. For instance, it should be kept in a ventilated box when it isn’t in use, allowing it to breathe. It should be cleaned regularly with an antibacterial solution and go through a thorough deep clean at least once a month. It’s important to make sure bacteria don’t start growing.
Custom Mouthguards at Your Hoffman Estates, Illinois Dentist
Will a custom mouthguard benefit you or your child? Call us or schedule an appointment online.
