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 that we offer to patients in Lansdale, PA. At Brookwood Dental Associates, we can create sports mouthguards that have a comfortable fit.
Compared to store-bought mouthguards, professionally-made mouthguards offer more advantages. Our mouthguards are used to 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, which is made out of flexible plastic. Once the mouthguard is complete, we will ensure that it fits properly. Your sports mouthguard should conform to your teeth without any signs of shifting or slipping.
For TMJ disorders, nightguards are a common treatment. They protect the teeth from the wear and damage that can be 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 be able 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 that they’re comfortable to wear while you’re sleeping. If you try to wear them for sports protection, they won’t be able to absorb the shock. There’s a solid chance that 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 downright dangerous because of the bacteria you’re putting in 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. For mouthwash and water, leave the mouthguard in the mixture for around 30 minutes.
When your mouthguard isn’t being used or soaking, keep it in the case. We’ll provide you with 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.
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.