What Kind Of Mouthguard Do You Need?

Mouthguards are oral appliances that can be used to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding when sleeping, injuries when playing contact sports, and can also help to reduce snoring and provide relief from obstructive sleep apnea.

Mouthguards may look similar but not all are the same. There are three types of mouthguards depending on your needs. Continue reading to learn more about mouthguards as well as the different types that are available and the best ones suited for every situation.

What Are the Three Types of Mouth Guards?

The Stock Mouthguard

One of the most widely used variety is a stock mouthguard that can be found in most sporting goods stores. They are available in small, medium and large sizes and fit over your teeth. The stock variety only covers the top teeth.

Stock mouth guards are easy to find and affordable but some downsides also accompany them. The size options are limited and they are usually uncomfortable and do not provide a proper fit. They can make it difficult for you to speak when wearing one.

Boil and Bite Mouthguard

These are similar to stock mouth guards and are sold in most drugstores while also being relatively inexpensive. Boil and bite mouth guards are available in one size that can be customized to fit your teeth. You will be required to boil the mouthguard until it softens before placing it over your teeth and biting down. You will be advised to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for getting the best fit.

Custom-Made Mouth Guards

The Ajax dentist can provide you with a custom-made mouthguard by taking a mold of your teeth and using it to create an appliance specifically for the structure of your teeth and mouth. These custom-made appliances are comfortable and provide a better fit than stock mouth guards or boil and bite mouth guards. They are difficult to damage accidentally and are difficult to dislodge even when being used as a snoring mouth guard.

If you need a mouthguard for sleeping it is suggested that you consider a custom-made mouthguard from your dentist rather than purchase an inexpensive variety from the market that will not provide a proper fit. If you need a tooth guard to prevent damage to your teeth from grinding and clenching you should be contacting your dentist for a custom-made mouthguard because it is the best option.

Custom-made mouthguards are more expensive than over-the-counter varieties but many dental insurance plans cover the costs of mouth guards or some part of the costs and therefore these should be considered as the best option if you need one for protecting your teeth.

What Type of Mouthguard Should You Consider?

Every mouthguard has different functions despite looking similar to each other. Certain sports activities carry a high risk of falls and injuries to the face and teeth. A mouthguard can assist in protecting your teeth and prevent them from injuring your lips or tongue. It is suggested that you must use a custom mouthguard if you are involved in sports like football, basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, gymnastics, wrestling, softball, cycling, and many others.

Children are usually at a high risk of falling and injuring themselves either at school or even at home. Parents will find it better to provide their children a kids’ mouth guard to protect themselves rather than get involved in expensive dental work which the child will need in case of injuries to the teeth and soft tissue in the mouth.

Children with braces can also wear mouth guards with them because it is important for them to safeguard the braces when they are involved in sports, grinding or clenching their teeth when sleeping, and involved in any other physical activities. Several mouthguards designed specifically to cover the upper and lower teeth are available for wearing during sporting activities. Protection must also be provided to the braces worn by the child to prevent damage to the appliance.

Caring for the Mouthguard

Mouthguards remain in the mouth for most of the time and must, therefore, be kept clean by caring for them in the following manner:

• Brushing and flossing are suggested before putting on the mouthguard.
• The mouthguard must be rinsed in cool water or mouthwash before putting on and after removing it.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush should be used to clean the mouthguard after every use.
• The mouthguard must be taken to the dentist during regular appointments to ensure it works properly and fits as well.
• The mouthguard must be stored in a hard container with ventilation for protection and to remain dry between uses.

Whether you are involved in sports or have a sleep disorder protection can be offered by a mouthguard that has been custom designed by your dentist.