Sports mouthguards provide cushioning to protect against such injuries. Professional sportspeople can often be seen wearing mouthguards for this reason.
Your dentist can provide your mouthguard:
- First, your dentist will measure and take impressions of your teeth and gums and send these to the lab so your sportsguard can be made to fit you perfectly.
- The lab will make up the sportsguard to your dentist's specifications.
- Your dentist will check the guard fits properly. You should wear it at all times playing or training for sports.
Sportsguards should be worn by adults and children. Children's mouthguards will need regular replacement as their teeth and jaws grow. You should check regularly that your child's mouthguard still fits, and see your dentist for a replacement if it has become loose or tight-fitting.
Adults will also need to replace their mouthguards periodically due to wear and tear.
Why is a sports guard essential?
Sports guards not only provide great, immediate protection for the teeth and gums, but they also secure dental health for years to come. Teenagers and young adults are likely to have trauma if an accident occurs, so investing in a custom made sports guard is very essential.
Custom made vs. prefabricated?
Custom made guards are created from a very durable, hard wearing material and have an excellent fit. They are made by qualified lab technicians and are certainly a better choice than over the counter ones. It is clear from many documented reviews that substantial injuries can occur when playing contact and non contact sports and a properly fitting sports guard can help prevent serious injuries such as trauma to the teeth and supporting tissues such as the lips, cheeks and tongue.
Is there something for even the fussiest of teenagers?
Yes, customised mouth guards are available from simple clear ones to a wide variety of vibrant colours and designs such as camouflage and union jack to name a few. They have a comfortable fit as they are made professionally for each individual. Better still, only a very short appointment is needed to take a correct mould of the teeth and gums!
Are they expensive?
They cost a little more than "over the counter" varieties, but the long term benefits clearly outweigh the costs. You must remember that teeth are for life, and a smile says a lot about a person. So protecting that smile now can be very beneficial for young adults both psychologically and also in minimising further dental treatment, as we all know old sports injuries often raise their ugly head later on in life and teeth are no exception to this!
