Purpose of a Mouthguard

A mouthguard is an additional layer of protection you wear over your teeth. Generally, these appliances cover all sides of the teeth and can be removed instead of being installed permanently. 

They are designed to protect the teeth from the impact of other objects. Usually, those include other teeth, elbows, kicks, or other flying objects. The protective barrier helps prevent the teeth from wearing down over time and also from the effects of a sudden impact. This dental appliance is useful in a wide variety of situations and can be customized for each patient.

Reasons to Wear a Mouthguard

The overall reason for mouthguards is to improve your dental health and prevent major problems from coming up. 

Teeth can be very delicate and even the slightest collision can cause permanent damage. Since everyone only gets one set of adult teeth, it's important to do all you can to keep them as intact as possible. 

A dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard when you're playing contact sports or doing high-risk activities like biking or skateboarding. Nightly mouthguards are worn to keep you from grinding your teeth together as you sleep. This action is very common and can cause a whole other list of problems with your teeth. 

In short, mouthguards are used whenever you need to give your teeth an extra protective layer.

Ideal Candidates for Wearing a Mouthguard

There aren't limitations on which patients can use a mouthguard and which should avoid them. As long as you have adult teeth that need protecting and the mouthguard fits, anyone from children to adults can use this appliance. This is why they are such a great option for those who are trying to take the best care of their teeth possible.

Types of Mouthguards

With such a wide variety of patients who can benefit from a mouthguard, it's no surprise there are so many different types to choose from. 

Anyone can purchase a mouthguard from a general store near the other oral hygiene products. These can be fitted by warming up the plastic and molding them to your mouth. They generally don't last very long because they use lower-quality materials. 

For those who are looking to wear their mouthguards for extended periods and need superior protection, it's better to get a customized appliance from your dentist. These are made to last both because of the custom fit you can achieve and the plastic used to create them. 

Customizing a Mouthguard

When you decide to get a customized mouthguard through your dentist, the process is pretty straightforward. 

First, your dentist will make a mold of your teeth using putty to get the exact shape, size, and orientation of your teeth. The impression is then sent off to the manufacturer, along with any additional notes for the best fit. The quality of material used in these products is much higher and can be built up in certain areas for better coverage. 

Mouthguard Benefits 

The benefit of wearing a mouthguard is to keep your teeth as whole and solid as possible. No matter what activity you're participating in (even if it's sleeping!), your teeth will stay coated and won't be touched by anything else keeping them fully intact. 

Your mouthguard can also help other areas of your mouth like your gums, cheeks, and tongue as well. The action of wearing a mouthguard keeps good practices at the forefront of your mind. You'll be much less likely to mindlessly chew on your cheek because you're actively trying to protect your oral health.

Precautions for Wearing a Mouthguard

For the most part, there isn't anything you need to do differently when wearing your mouthguard. You should be able to participate in most activities, including talking, as you usually would. 

The only thing that should be avoided is eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing them. It's not only more of a safety hazard, but those substances can also erode the plastic or make it more difficult to clean them each day.

Maintaining Your MouthGuard

To take the best care of your mouthguard, it's important to clean them thoroughly after every single wear. The easiest way to do that is to brush them like you would your natural teeth. Make sure you use cold water and check for specific instructions about what products are safe on plastic. 

It's also important to store your mouthguard in a dry, vented container. This allows them to fully dry out before being worn again so they don't get gross.

Go to the Best Dentist in Clemmons, NC for Mouthguards

Understanding what a dentist in Clemmons, NC for mouthguards can do to help you solve oral health issues can be a huge game-changer. Instead of thinking you'll just have to deal with the consequences of your teeth grinding, you can get help to prevent breakdowns and other serious problems!

If you think wearing a mouthguard could help your teeth, it's a good idea to bring it up to your dentist. They can help you determine if it's an effective treatment plan and how to get the best fit possible. 

Our team has expertly crafted many customized mouthguards for their patients and can do the same for you! If you're interested in a consultation to learn more, contact us today!