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Mouth Guards: How Do You Choose Which One Is Right for You?

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Mouth Guards: How Do You Choose Which One Is Right for You?

What Exactly is a Mouth Guard, Though?

You only get one set of permanent teeth in your lifetime, so you should do everything you can to keep your natural teeth healthy. Mouth guards assist in protecting your teeth from harm and can be especially useful in reducing damage to your teeth caused by grinding your teeth or being involved in an accident while playing sports. Certain mouthguards are also designed to assist persons who suffer from various sleep problems in getting a better night’s rest. It would help if you were looking for a mouth guard that is comfortable, long-lasting, simple to clean, and unrestrictive in terms of breathing and speech. Your dental expert will be able to assist you in selecting the sort of mouthguard that is most suitable for your requirements.

Many Kinds of Mouth Guards

Standard Mouth Protectors Include:

There is a good chance that you are familiar with stock mouthguards, which can be found in most sports goods and medicine stores. These mouthguards may be reasonably priced and often come in pre-made sizes ranging from tiny to large to accommodate the teeth of a variety of people. They seem uncomplicated and straightforward, but they come in conventional sizes, meaning they are frequently uncomfortably large, sloppy, and loose. This can make it difficult to talk and breathe, and in comparison to other forms of mouth guards, it does not provide the same level of protection for the teeth.

Mouth Guards that Need Boiling and Biting:

Mouth guards that need boiling and biting may also be purchased at most places at a reasonable price. On the other hand, mouthguards only come in one size and may be shaped to match the wearer’s teeth, making for a more comfortable fit than standard mouthguards. This mouth guard will come with particular instructions, and they will typically entail boiling the material to soften it and then wrapping it over your teeth until it takes its new shape. These instructions will be included in the packaging when you purchase the mouthguard.

Mouth Guards that are Built to Order:

Your dental expert may also offer to make you a mouthguard specific to your needs. You will have an impression of your teeth taken, which will be utilized in producing the mouth guard. This sort of mouth guard is typically the most effective in safety and the most pleasant to wear because it is contoured perfectly to your mouth to provide the greatest possible fit. The custom-fitted mouthguard is often the most expensive choice, but dental insurance may cover some or all of the cost depending on the policy.

What Kind of Format Should I Use?

Your dental expert is in the greatest position to assist you in determining which mouthguard will work best for you. If you play sports, especially contact sports such as football, soccer, boxing, basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, gymnastics, skateboarding, skating, cycling, volleyball, softball, or wrestling, you should wear a mouth guard to protect your teeth from damage. You can choose from stock, boil-and-bite, or custom mouthguards made specifically for you.

If you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), your dentist will almost certainly suggest getting a mouth guard built just for you.

Those diagnosed with sleep apnea, a disorder in which the patient’s breathing continuously stops and begins while they are asleep, may also be required to wear a certain kind of mouth guard. Your doctor may recommend a custom-made bite positioner or mouth guard that will keep your airway open and reposition your lower jaw and tongue forward. This will allow you to breathe and relax more easily.

Suppose you have problems with your jaw joints or suffer from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). In that case, your dentist may suggest that you get therapy with a mouth guard or splint built specifically to reduce your symptoms.

A Mouth Guard for Orthodontic Appliances

Do not fear; if you are currently wearing orthodontic appliances, you will not be excluded from discussing the significance of mouth guards. When you wear braces or other orthodontic items in your mouth, you must take measures to safeguard the health of your teeth and oral cavity. It is highly suggested that you wear a mouth guard over your orthodontic appliances, especially if you participate in sports or grind your teeth at night. Frequently, custom-made mouth guards offered by your dentist is often the most comfortable and best fit to help protect your teeth with braces. In most situations, your dentist will only manufacture one for your upper teeth, but in some circumstances, your dentist may advise you to wear a mouth guard for both your upper and lower teeth.

How to Take Care of Your Custom Mouth Guard

To properly care for your teeth, you must also properly care for your mouth guard. Cleaning your mouth guard is essential since it might store bad bacteria for your dental health. Using a toothbrush, some gentle soap, or a mouth rinse might be helpful in removing any dirt from your mouth guard after cleaning it. If you want to keep the mouth guard in its original shape, you should avoid cleaning it with hot water. In addition, before inserting your mouthguard, clean your teeth thoroughly by brushing and flossing.

It’s crucial to safeguard your mouth guard from harm. It is important to keep your mouth guard out of the reach of any animals, including dogs, and to store it in a container with adequate ventilation so that it may air dry after cleaning. Always be on the lookout for any wear and tear on the mouth guard, and replace it as soon as possible if it is damaged or no longer fits well.

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