While sports are fun, one thing about them isn’t. That thing is sports-related injuries. The right gear is needed to keep yourself safe while still enjoying the sport you love to play. This gear should also include a mouthguard.
Advanced Dental Associates can help you protect your mouth with a custom sports mouthguard in our San Antonio, TX office. We offer mouthguards and other general dentistry treatments.
Why Do I Need a Mouthguard?
Protection when playing sports, particularly those with a higher risk for injury, is essential. It is estimated that oral injuries from sports-related accidents affect around 200,000 players yearly.
Without a mouthguard, more than your teeth are at risk. You risk injury to your soft tissues and your jawbone as well.
A mouthguard is meant to reduce your risk for these types of injuries. A properly fitted mouthguard does more than protect your teeth from damage.
It can also help prevent bone fractures, protect intraoral tissues from lacerations, and even reduce concussion risk.
How is a Custom Mouthguard Different Than One I Can Get at the Store?
Many patients wonder why they should get a custom-fit mouthguard when they can easily get one at a store for a lower price. While store-bought mouthguards are more affordable, they are not always the most effective. Those that are already molded might not fit in your mouth properly, which can leave you feeling uncomfortable. Even worse, ill-fitting mouthguards increase your risk of injury. Even those that you can mold yourself may not provide optimal protection.
If your mouthguard doesn’t fit correctly, you must clench your teeth to keep it in. You can’t easily communicate with your teammates or get a quick drink of water between plays because you must take out your guard. You can also lose focus of the sport because you’re concentrating on keeping your mouthguard in.
When you’re constantly clenching your teeth, it puts strain on your jaw joint and the muscles that assist it. This can lead to a painful condition called TMJ. The jaw joint breaks down, and you experience pain and tension throughout your jaw and face. You may also experience popping and clicking noises or realize you can’t move your mouth into certain positions.
A custom-fit mouthguard is the best option for protecting oral health and preventing serious injuries. Your mouthguard is made using impressions of your mouth, which helps ensure that it fits the contours of your mouth. Custom mouthguards are also made using high-quality materials.
These factors help to provide you with the best protection possible. Additionally, if you or your child wear braces, we can create a mouthguard that fits around your orthodontic work. This will help ensure you remain safe while still enjoying your chosen sport.
Custom Mouthguard in San Antonio, TX
Despite the recommendation of wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, many people still choose not to. They might avoid wearing it because they don’t like how it looks or because it feels bulky and uncomfortable.
Unfortunately, not wearing your mouthguard significantly increases your risk of an oral injury if you have an accident while playing.
These injuries aren’t just damaging to your smile and your oral health; they can also be quite costly. You may require extensive, expensive dental work to help treat injuries and restore oral health.
You mustn’t mess around with the safety and health of your mouth. A custom-fit mouthguard will provide you with the best fit possible, ensuring not just the protection of your mouth but your comfort while you play.
Sports Mouthguards Vs. TMJ Nightguards
When you have a mouthguard for one condition, using it for other things is tempting. However, don’t ever use your mouthguard for anything other than its express purpose. Not only can you damage your guard, but it also puts your teeth at risk.
Sports mouthguards are lightweight, bulky materials designed to absorb shocks and trauma caused by hits during contact sports. If you tried to wear one for teeth grinding, you would eventually grind right through the mouthguard. If this happens, it can’t protect your teeth when you play sports anymore.
TMJ nightguards are made of thinner, harder plastic that prevents the surfaces of your teeth from grinding together while you sleep. They fit closer to your teeth than one used for sports. They would barely provide any protection if you tried to wear this guard for sports protection. It wouldn’t be much more help than not having a guard.
Caring for Your Custom Mouthguard
Your mouthguard can only protect your mouth if you care for it properly. Rinse it off with warm water each time you take it out of your mouth. This eliminates saliva and debris built up while you’ve worn it. Never use hot water to clean your mouthguard; it can warp the material.
At least once a day, clean your mouthguard with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste or mild soap. You don’t want bacteria to have a chance to accumulate on the guard. These bacteria can cause odor and be hazardous to your health if you put it in your mouth. Leave the mouthguard out to air dry completely after. At least once a week, use a denture or mouthguard cleaner to soak and sanitize the mouthguard. This eliminates any bacteria the daily brushing may not have taken care of.
When you’re not wearing your guard, store it in a ventilated case. This promotes airflow because bacteria are fond of a warm, wet environment. Never leave your guard in direct sunlight or a hot area, as this warps the material.
Look at your mouthguard regularly for any signs of wear or tear. You know your mouthguard best, as you wear it frequently. If the fit feels off or you see visible signs of wear, bring the guard to our office. We’ll want to examine it to ensure you have a guard that protects your mouth properly.
Don’t Mess Around With the Safety of Your Mouth
Your oral health and safety aren’t things you should play around with. Call Advanced Dental Associates at (210) 655-2753 today to get your custom-fit sports mouthguard or nightguard.