Mouthguard

Have you noticed how some people tend to cover their mouth with their hands when they speak? It makes you wonder what they are hiding. Is it bad breath? It might be a chipped or broken tooth or even a gap where they lost a tooth.

Which is why at Merrylands dental, we recommend protecting your teeth when engaging in physical activity which may cause permanent and irreparable damage. Mouthguards are a simple protective device which covers your teeth and protects them especially when playing contact sports like boxing, hockey, football or basketball. Mouthguards are also recommended as a dental care solution in patients who tend to grind their teeth in their sleep to prevent damage.

Mouthguards are broadly classified into two main types; a normal mouthguard and a professional mouthguard. Normal mouthguards can usually be purchased over the counter while professional mouthguards are custom-fitted by a qualified dental professional.

Depending on your requirement and following an examination of your teeth, your dentist will be able to recommend what type of mouthguard is suitable. Though normal athletic wear mouthguards and even some types of customisable mouthguards can be bought without a medical prescription, it is recommended that you consult a dentist before you wear a mouthguard. Wearing a mouthguard without proper guidance and dental supervision could be potentially harmful.

Though mouthguards are usually worn to cover and protect the teeth in your upper jaw, a dentist may sometimes recommend wearing one for your lower teeth if required. Once fitted, mouthguards can be easily worn and removed by the wearer. If you are wearing a professional mouthguard, you should bring your mouthguard when you visit the dentist. So that it can be inspected for any wear and tear or other damages which may render it ineffective. Always get it checked and replaced if the mouthguard is damaged.

The normal mouthguard sold in a pharmacy or drug store is usually a one size fits all solution. The disadvantage of a normal mouthguard is that if it does not fit correctly, they can be uncomfortable and bulky causing difficulty in breathing. A normal mouthguard that does not fit properly will also not provide adequate protection.

Professional mouthguards are fabricated and custom-fitted under the expert supervision of a dental professional. They are contoured to fit the individual shape and structure of the person wearing the mouthguard. Hence they not only fit comfortably but also ensure that your teeth are not damaged in case of a collision or accident. Especially for someone who is wearing braces or has had some dental work done such as a crown or a bridge, a professional mouthguard offers the best kind of protection.