5 Facts About Your Sports Mouth Guard
It’s a known fact: playing a sport that involves any form of contact increases your risk of damaging your teeth. So, rather than waiting until the damage has been done, it’s recommended that you notify your dentist before you start so you can be fit for a custom mouth guard.
Still don’t think a custom mouth guard is important? Keep reading to learn why your thinking might be flawed.
FACT 1: Mouth Guards Protect Your Teeth
Every time you participate in physical activity that involves contact, you increase your risk for oral injury. Unlike the generic mouth guards that you can buy online or over the counter, a custom mouth guard made by your dentist offers a higher level of protection.
FACT 2: You Can Get a Mouth Guard for Braces
Even if you have braces, you’ll need a mouth guard to protect your teeth when involved in sports or other physical contact activity. Think about it this way: After the time you’ve dedicated to straighten your smile, why jeopardize it by not wearing a mouth guard?
FACT 3: You Only Need a Mouth Guard for Top Teeth
Unless you have braces, you’ll only need a mouth guard for your upper teeth. That means you’ll be able to breathe easier while involved in your activity.
FACT 4: Clean Your Mouth Guard
If you don’t clean your mouth guard, you’re inviting bacteria to grow which means you’re inviting health issues and bad breath. Cleaning your mouth guard is easy. Just scrub it with a toothbrush and rinse it with cold water. And last, because bacteria like to grow in damp places, make sure that you store it in a well-ventilated container.
FACT 5: Replace Your Mouth Guard Every 6 Months
As the saying goes, nothing good lasts forever. Neither will your mouth guard. The professional recommendation is that it be replaced every six months if used regularly.
How Hudson Family Dental Can Help
If your teeth are at risk for damage due to sports or teeth grinding, chances are you’ll need to invest in a mouth guard. Mouthguards are a great way to make sure your teeth stay safe and protected. At Hudson Family Dental in Union City, NJ, we provide sports guards as well as night guards.