All about mouthguards

There are many times when patients may need to consider wearing a protective mouthguard. They are typically used by individuals who participate in contact sports, as it can increase the risk of injury to the mouth. Trauma to the mouth can result in lost or broken teeth, and protecting the smile is important to avoid pain, discomfort, and dental visits for restorations.

There are several of mouthguards available, including over-the-counter, boil and bite mouthguards, “one size fits all” mouthguards, and custom mouthguards. Stock sizes of mouthguards are frequently ill fitting, and boil and bite mouthguards are often not nearly as strong and resilient at professionally fabricated mouthguards. At Thompson and Frey Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we are pleased to provide our patients with custom mouth protectors that are made for each individual. We use impressions of the mouth to create custom mouthguards that fit precisely over your unique smile. This ensures proper fit, protection, and comfort, unsurpassed by the alternative options available through the local drugstore.

Patients who have mouthguards must take proper care of them. They need to be cleaned after every use, either with soap and water or a toothbrush and toothpaste. They must be thoroughly dried before storing in a hard container with proper air circulation to inhibit mold formation and bacterial growth. Patients should bring their mouthguards to their biannual dental visits to allow a professional to ensure it is strong enough to protect the smile. Obvious wear and tear of the mouthguard may mean that it is time to replace it to be both safe and effective in protecting the teeth. Cracking, tearing, and wearing of the mouthguard is a sign that it should be replaced in a timely manner to maintain its effectiveness.

If you want to learn more about quality, custom mouthguards for sports, contact Thompson and Frey Cosmetic and Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation visit. Our team of professionals can help create a custom mouthguard for use during all sports, including football, hockey, soccer, boxing, and basketball. Your smile is important and must be protected like every other part of your body to ensure overall health and wellbeing.