Do you play a contact sport? Are you worried that you’ll ruin your braces if you play? If so, you’ll want to ask your dentist or orthodontist about getting a custom-made athletic mouthguard. A mouth guard helps protect your teeth and gums if you're struck in the face. At Choonara Orthodontics, we want all patients to protect their teeth, especially if they’re about to go to practice or play a game. We don’t want patients to have to go in for an emergency visit (and delay their orthodontic progress as well). The best way to protect your smile is to invest in a comfortable mouthguard so you can play your best game.
5 Tips On Athletic Mouthguards
- Get Them Custom Made- The best type of athletic mouthguards to get are custom-made ones. They are designed specifically for you; since they are custom fit, they provide the most comfort and best protection. Your provider will make an impression of your teeth and then construct the mouthguard over a model of them. While this option is more expensive, they do offer more protection than stock mouth guards. Because stock mouthguards claim to be “one-size-fits-all”, they can fit too tight or too loose. They are also made out of weaker material, which is vulnerable to tearing.
- You Only Need It For Your Top Teeth (Unless You Have Braces)- Not many patients know this but you'll only need to wear a mouth guard on the top teeth. This helps you breathe easier during a game, and it will feel more comfortable. However, if you have braces, you’ll need to wear a mouthguard on both the top and bottom. A full mouth guard will prevent your wires and brackets from injuring the soft tissue in your mouth. The last thing you want is to knock out your tooth in the middle of a game, delaying progress and treatment.
- Replace It Every 6 Months- Not only is it important to get a customized athletic mouthguard, but it’s also important to replace it after 6 months. They can wear down over time, making them less effective. If you play multiple contact sports, you might also want to replace each mouthguard each sport season. Consult your dental professional every six months.
- Keep It Clean- Make sure to clean the mouthguard after every game and practice. Bacteria and other microorganisms flourish in dark, moist environments. Not only could these bacteria make you sick, but they can also give you bad breath. To clean it, gently brush the night guard with a wet toothbrush and toothpaste. Denture cleaner, hydrogen peroxide, and mild soap can also help. Then, you'll need to store your night guard in the ventilated container.
- Only Wear Them For Sports/ Physical Activities- If you suffer from teeth grinding or clenching, you might think that putting on an athletic mouthguard might help. Well, unfortunately, it won’t. You should not wear a sports mouthguard at night. It doesn’t serve the same purpose as a mouth guard specifically designed for teeth grinding and could even cause damage to your teeth. Night Guards are designed to cushion teeth from the up-and-down bite force the wearer is exerting. Athletic mouthguards are intended to protect the wearer’s teeth from impact and blows coming at the wearer’s face.
Get A Custom Made Athletic Mouthguard Today!
If you’re an athlete that needs a custom-made mouthguard, contact Choonara Orthodontics today! Our doctors and staff can fit you for a mouthguard that will protect your teeth while practicing or playing a game. Start today by scheduling a consultation. If you have any questions or concerns, reach out to our Johannesburg office today! We’ll be happy to assist you.