Do you or your child play contact sports? You need to wear a custom-made sports mouthguard. Customized sports mouthguards are a part of the general dentistry services we offer to patients in Lansdale, PA. We can create sports mouthguards with a comfortable fit at Brookwood Dental Associates.
Compared to store-bought mouthguards, professionally-made mouthguards offer more advantages. Our mouthguards prevent tooth damage and loss and protect orthodontic appliances. Properly fitting mouthguards also conform to the teeth and do not slip or fall out during games.
Receiving a Mouthguard in Lansdale, PA
To create your custom mouthguard, we will take scans of your teeth. These scans are used to create the fitted mouthguard made of flexible plastic. Once the mouthguard is complete, we will ensure that it fits properly. Your sports mouthguard should conform to your teeth without signs of shifting or slipping.
For TMJ disorders, nightguards are a common treatment. They protect the teeth from the wear and damage caused by clenching and grinding teeth. They also help your jaw relax and stay in place throughout the night.
It’s crucial that you don’t use one type of mouthguard to treat both conditions. The materials used for these are different and are specially designed to treat a specific condition. Sports mouthguards are made of a lighter, bulkier material. A sports mouthguard protects your teeth from trauma, so it needs to absorb shocks. If you try to use this mouthguard for grinding your teeth at night, it’ll break down the material, damaging both the mouthguard and your teeth.
TMJ nightguards are made from thinner, hard plastic. They’re low profile, so they’re comfortable to wear while sleeping. If you try to wear them for sports protection, they won’t be able to absorb the shock. There’s a solid chance you’ll have damage or trauma if you get hit.
Cleaning Your Mouthguard
It’s important that you keep your mouthguard clean. Mouthguards can be a warm, wet environment, which is the perfect condition for harmful bacteria to reside. Wearing a dirty mouthguard can be dangerous because of the bacteria entering your mouth. It has the ability to make you very sick and can even be deadly. Taking proper care of your mouthguard can ensure that you get the most longevity out of it.
Every time you take your mouthguard out, rinse it thoroughly with water. Use warm water, not hot, as it can warp the plastic if the water is too hot. This removes debris and helps with plaque buildup. Have a designated soft-bristled toothbrush to clean your mouthguard with antibacterial soap. Toothpaste can be too abrasive and may damage your mouthguard.
Deep clean your mouthguard once a week. You can use denture cleaner or a mixture of mouthwash and water. For denture cleaner, leave the mouthguard to soak by following the instructions on the package. Leave the mouthguard in the mixture for around 30 minutes for mouthwash and water.
When your mouthguard isn’t being used or soaking, keep it in the case. We’ll provide a ventilated case that allows the mouthguard to stay dry. Rinse out the case regularly as well to ensure that it stays clean. The case helps you avoid losing the mouthguard or accidentally damaging it.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Custom mouthguards are the recommended choice to keep your teeth safe. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How should my custom mouthguard fit?
Your mouthguard should be snug enough in your mouth that you don’t have to clench your teeth to hold it in, but it shouldn’t be tight enough to cause discomfort. You should be able to communicate with your teammates and get a drink of water without any problems. If it isn’t a proper fit, you’ll be able to tell because you won’t be able to move and use your mouth.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
It all depends on how often you wear and how hard you are on them. We recommend getting a new mouthguard before every new sports season. If you’re using a TMJ nightguard, they can last up to a year or more. Monitor your mouthguard and inform your dentist if you see signs of wear and tear.
Is it normal for my teeth to hurt after wearing a mouthguard?
This usually only happens when you’re wearing a mouthguard that doesn’t fit properly, like a boil-and-bite one. Wearing your mouthguard shouldn’t be a painful experience. If it’s too tight overnight, it can shift your teeth, which is incredibly uncomfortable. Ensure that you talk to us if you’re experiencing pain when you’re wearing the guard.
Can a mouthguard shift my teeth?
No, a mouthguard should never be tight enough to shift your teeth. Like mentioned above, mouthguards shouldn’t be tight enough for you to feel pain and discomfort. It’s only going to be shifting your teeth if the mouthguard is that tight. Otherwise, the mouthguard won’t move teeth at all.
Can a mouthguard be too big?
Yes. This is one of the biggest problems with drugstore mouthguards. You shouldn’t have to clench your teeth to keep them in your mouth. But they can also be too thick. You should be able to close your lips around the mouthguard. While your bite won’t completely touch because of the mouthguard, it should be comfortable to sit in your mouth. You should be able to communicate as well with it in.
Do I need a custom mouthguard?
We recommend custom mouthguards for anyone playing contact sports. Mouthguards absorb the shocks from trauma and protect your teeth in these situations. Mouthguards and nightguards are also ideal for patients that grind and clench their teeth. It keeps the teeth from damaging each other and breaking down due to the pressure of your bite coming together.
Request a Dental Appointment
Do you need a sports mouthguard for the upcoming season? Schedule a dental consultation on our website or call us at 267-651-7247 for an appointment today.