Sports injuries and trauma are common that affect children and adults. Such traumas directly impact your oral cavity compromising its function and aesthetics. Fortunately, several oral appliances are advocated for use during sporting activities. 

Mouthguards are one such revolutionary oral appliance offered by the dentist in Easton, MA, that protects your mouth from sports-related injuries. 

Mouth guards have several purposes and can treat conditions from bruxism (teeth grinding) to sleep apnea. They can also protect your mouth from sports-related injuries. 

What are mouthguards?

Mouthguards are a type of dental appliance that covers your teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advocates the use of mouthguards during sporting activities. Children and adults both can benefit from mouthguards for several reasons. 

These are primarily designed to protect teeth and can significantly reduce the degree of force transmitted from a trauma impact point to the central nervous system. 

What are the types of mouthguards?

There are several types of mouthguards,  but the three main forms have been discussed below: 

  • Stock mouthguards
    • These are often recommended for pediatric use, that have a universal fit.
    • These cost-effective devices can be bought directly from the store and easily fit into your child’s mouth.
  • Boil and bite mouthguards 
    • These are often made up of thermoplastic and used for protection against sports-related trauma.
    • The thermoplastic is first boiled to make it pliable and then placed in the child’s mouth to create a custom mold. 
    • These slightly expensive mouthguards provide more protection and allow for easy speech and breathing.
  • Customized mouthguards 
    • These are customized by the dentist and provide the greatest degree of protection
    • They may be more expensive but offer more comfort and are orthodontically correct. 

When are mouthguards indicated?

Dentists often recommend mouthguards if you:

  • Suffer from bruxism
  • Play contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey, or boxing
  • Participate in activities with high fall risk, such as gymnastics 
  • Snore
  • Have obstructive sleep apnea
  • Have TMJ disorder
  • Suffer from: 
    • Cheek, lip, and tongue lesions
    • Concussions
    • Jawbone fractures
    • Neck injuries
    • Tooth fractures

How do you care for your mouthguards?

Ensure you clean your teeth thoroughly before putting in a mouthguard.

  • Do not expose your mouthguard to extreme heat
  • Keep it in a sturdy and vented plastic case
  • Rinse it in cool water and use a brush to clean it
  • Air dry it after cleaning 

Final takeaway 

Mouthguards offer great protection to your teeth from injury during sports activities. These equally distribute the extreme forces to prevent any damage and deterioration. Consult your dentist and discuss your expectations to determine the type of mouthguard that’s most beneficial to you.