Athletic Mouthguard
Athletic activities can put you at risk for dental injury, but mouthguards can protect your teeth. At Dental Studios in Summit and Westfield, New Jersey, Dr. Daniel I. Butensky provides patients with custom-fitted athletic mouthguards. These devices are vital for avoiding dental injuries while playing sports and other activities. Mouthguards can also prevent damage caused by grinding your teeth. If you need a custom-fitted mouthguard, call the office today or book an appointment online.
What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a protective device that fits over your teeth in order to protect your teeth and mouth from injury. Mouthguards are required for many athletic activities and team sports. People who grind or clench their teeth may also need a mouth guard to prevent dental damage.
What types of mouthguards are available?
There are several types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted.
Stock mouthguards
Stock mouthguards are available in many sporting goods stores. These devices are premade and ready to wear right out of the package. However, the fit cannot be adjusted and the materials are often bulky. Consequently, they can be uncomfortable to wear and may not do the best job of protecting your teeth.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards
Boil-and-bite mouthguards can also be found in some sporting goods stores. These mouth protectors are made of a plastic that can be heated in water, which softens the guard enough to mold better to your mouth. Like stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite protectors may not conform to your teeth closely.
Custom-fitted mouthguards
Custom-fitted mouthguards are only available through a dentist or other medical professional. These devices are crafted to fit your teeth and provide much better protection for orthodontic appliances like braces. Custom-fitted athletic mouthguards are also more comfortable and durable.
How does an athletic mouthguard help protect my teeth?
Many people injure their mouth or teeth while playing sports. Contact sports like football or hockey carry the highest risk of oral injury. But even non-contact sports like gymnastics or bicycling can lead to broken or knocked-out teeth.
Mouthguards help prevent damage to your teeth, gums, and tongue. They’re especially important for children or adults who have expensive orthodontic appliances, like braces. A custom-fitted mouthguard can help protect against painful or costly dental accidents.
A mouthguard can also prevent damage caused by teeth grinding (bruxism). If you grind or clench your teeth, the team at Dental Studios may recommend that you wear a mouthguard at night. Your mouthguard can protect against damage to your tooth enamel or jaw muscles.
How can I get fitted for an athletic mouthguard?
To fit a custom mouthguard, your dentist begins by taking impressions of your teeth with dental putty. Next, the team sends your dental impressions to a lab where your custom athletic mouthguard is created.
Once your mouthguard is ready, your dentist checks to make sure that it provides a close, comfortable fit. They may have you practice putting your mouthguard in and taking it out to confirm that it fits securely into your mouth. If you have orthodontics or special dental appliances, the team will explain how to use your mouthguard with these items.
Give your teeth the best protection possible. Call Dental Studios today or book an appointment online.