Did you know that almost 15 million children participate in sports in North America alone? Even more surprising is that there is a 10% chance that they will receive an injury to their mouth or teeth while participating in these sports. That is why our team of dental professionals at Fort Smiles Dental Centre suggests that you purchase custom mouthguards near you as an essential piece of your child’s athletic equipment.
What Are Mouthguards?
Mouthguards, also referred to as mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the mouth, minimizing the amount of damaged or broken teeth, and injuries to your lips, jaw, and tongue. However, not all mouthguards in Fort Saskatchewan are created equal. A custom-made mouthguard will greatly enhance both comfort and protection. The tighter the fit of your mouthguard, the better the chances are that your mouthguard will stay in your mouth upon impact, doing its job to protect you.
How Do Mouthguards Work?
Mouthguards keep your lips away from your teeth, which protects your teeth and lips from severe injury. They also hold apart the upper and lower jaws, acting as shock absorbers and preventing the displacement of the jaw. Additionally, they cushion the blow from a hit that could otherwise cause neck, head, or jaw injuries.
What Are the Main Types of Mouthguards?
There are three kinds of mouthguards available:
Stock mouthguards can be found at most drug or sports stores and are cheap to purchase. They are one-size-fits-all and are ready to wear upon purchase. Unfortunately, these mouthguards often fit poorly. They are bulky and can make speaking and breathing a chore.
Boil and bite mouthguards can also be found at most stores and can offer a slightly better fit than stock mouthguards. To use these mouthguards, you must first soften them in boiled water and then insert them into your mouth, allowing them to adapt to the shape of your teeth.
Custom-fitted mouthguards are manufactured by an experienced dentist in Fort Saskatchewan to fit your specific mouth structure. They are more costly than the other two options, but they offer the best fit and protection because they are specifically designed for you. As well, your dentist near you can even personalize your mouthguard design with the colour and pattern of your choice.
Why Choose a Custom-Made Mouthguard?
A properly designed and fitted mouthguard is especially important for individuals with braces or fixed restoration in their mouth. A blow to the mouth or face could damage such appliances, making for a painful and costly recovery. A custom-made mouthguard can also be fitted between braces and your inner cheek, limiting your risk of cuts and lacerations. Furthermore, having a mouthguard that fits comfortably in your mouth makes it much more likely that you will want to wear the mouthguard.
Interested in Custom Mouthguards?
If you would like to purchase a custom mouthguard, our team at Fort Smiles Dental Centre is happy to help you. Remember that it may be necessary for younger athletes to revisit the fit of their mouthguard every once in a while as their mouth changes and grows. Our team is happy to assist you with these refitting as well. Please contact us to schedule an appointment today!
We look forward to helping you kill it on the field or court!