Our dental office provides custom sports mouthguards to patients in Hampstead, NC. Sports mouthguards are worn during contact sports like football, basketball, hockey, soccer, and lacrosse. They cover the teeth and protect them from damage that can occur from injuries to the mouth or face.
Dr. Lauren Francis works with children and parents alike to create custom sports mouthguards at Seaside Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Younger patients especially may need new mouthguards every sports season to ensure that they fit comfortably and properly. These mouthguards can also be used for braces or other types of orthodontics.
Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards are general dental treatments that:
- Prevent tooth loss
- Protect teeth and gums
- Prevent damage to dental work
- Fit snugly against the teeth
- Make it easy to drink and talk
Store-bought or over-the-counter sports mouthguards do not provide a custom fit. Ther means that it can be difficult to speak or drink while wearing them. Patients who wear these mouthguards may feel the need to clench their jaw to keep it in place.
Clenching the jaw can create pressure in the jaw joint and cause stress to the area. Alternatively, custom-fit professional mouthguards fit securely and do not inhibit speech.
Sports Mouthguards
Dr. Francis will help you or your child receive a comfortable, custom mouthguard in her office. First, he will take impressions of the teeth. These impressions are sent to a local dental lab where the custom mouthguards are created.
Once the mouthguard is complete, he will ensure that it fits properly in the mouth and feels comfortable enough to wear.
Sports mouthguards are easy to care for and maintain. Regularly rinse your mouthguard with cool water, as warm or hot water can warp the plastic. Mouthguards can be cleaned with mouthwash, and denture cleaner to make sure they are free from bacteria. Finally, store your mouthguard in its ventilated container to dry between uses.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
How long do custom mouthguards last?
They can vary depending on how heavy your usage is. If you don’t use it much and take impeccable care of it, a mouthguard can last for up to three to five years. If you’re using it regularly for sports, we recommend that you replace it once a year to make sure it’s still protecting your teeth properly.
Can custom mouthguards shift or move your teeth?
No. While a mouthguard is designed to fit snugly against your teeth, it doesn’t cause them to move. It simply fits well enough to stay on your teeth and keep them protected.
How should a custom mouthguard fit?
A mouthguard should be comfortable to wear in your mouth. Typically, it should end somewhere between your first and second molars. If the mouthguard comes into contact with too much of the soft palate, it can trigger a gag reflex. It should fit snugly to your teeth so that you’re able to talk and move your mouth comfortably while it’s in.
Are mouthguards safe?
It’s very important that you clean your mouthguard properly. That is what keeps it safe and prevents harmful bacteria from growing on the guard. Bacteria buildup on your mouthguard can make you seriously ill. Bacteria are the number one thing that can make mouthguards dangerous.
How often should I clean my mouthguard?
At a minimum, your mouthguard should be deep cleaned at least once a week. Mouthwash or denture cleaners are ideal for them. You should be rinsing out your mouthguard after every use to get rid of bacteria, saliva, and other buildups.
Make sure that it’s stored in a ventilated case so that it stays dry. If the mouthguard remains wet after cleaning, that attracts more bacteria.
Can I wear my sports mouthguard overnight?
It can be tempting to utilize your sports mouthguard for other issues like overnight teeth grinding. But a custom sports mouthguard isn’t designed for that purpose and shouldn’t be worn as protection against grinding. While your mouthguard is designed to protect your teeth, it won’t provide protection from prolonged grinding, and can even damage your teeth.
What’s the difference between a mouthguard and a nightguard?
For starters, they serve different purposes. A mouthguard is designed to protect your teeth from contact and injury while playing sports. A nightguard is designed to help with overnight teeth grinding and clenching. They’re made with different materials, too.
Mouthguards are a thicker, softer material that’s designed to absorb shocks and hits. Nightguards are made with a strong, thinner material that’s comfortable to sleep in while providing protection from grinding.
Is a custom sports mouthguard worth it?
Absolutely. A custom mouthguard is designed specifically for your mouth and is the only way to ensure you’re protected. Over-the-counter guards require clenching to keep them in, distracting you from the game and possibly causing more dental issues.
Usually, you can’t talk or take a quick water break while keeping an over-the-counter guard in. It can hinder your performance and ability to communicate with your team.
Request a Dental Consultation Today
Do you or your child need a professional sports mouthguard? Call our office today at 910-335-4392 or schedule a consultation with us online. We treat patients in Hampstead and Wilmington, North Carolina.