Taking care of your teeth is just as important as keeping them clean, and a mouth guard can be one of the best ways to protect your smile. If you play sports, grind your teeth at night, or want extra protection, choosing the right guard can make a difference. If you want more information on mouth guards in Saskatoon, you can easily make an appointment with a dentist in Saskatoon to help you understand which option fits your lifestyle and needs.
The Importance of a Mouth Guard
A mouth guard acts as a barrier for your teeth and gums. They help protect against injuries, chips, fractures, and even some jaw discomfort as a result of grinding or clenching your teeth and can be recommended for children in sports or adults who grind their teeth in the evenings. A good place to start is to make an appointment with a dental clinic in Saskatoon for your oral health.
What Type of Mouth Guard?
There are different styles of mouth guards, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages. And knowing what option is available can help inform you when choosing what is best for you. Types of Mouth Guards
Stock Mouth Guards
- Pre-manufactured and available at retail establishments.
- Economically priced, readily obtained
- Disadvantages: often bulky and can be uncomfortable with speaking and breathing.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
- Soften in hot water, and then conform to your teeth by biting down.
- More fitted than a stock mouth guard.
- Typically inexpensive, uses include athletic activity.
- Disadvantages: Uncomfortable, even if it didn’t fit for conforming purposes.
Custom Mouth Guards
- Custom-made by your dentist for a proper fit.
- Comfortable, durable, and most protective.
- Great for athletes and those who grind their teeth at night.
- Disadvantages: Stock mouth guards are normally less expensive.
To know the value of custom vs. stock mouth guards: stock mouth guards will usually be the least expensive option; however, they will not have reasonable comfort or long-term protection.
Benefits of Sports Mouth Guards
If you or your child plays contact sports, i.e., hockey, football, or basketball, then a sports mouth guard is very important. The sports mouth guard benefits include:
- Prevent chipped, broken, or knocked-out teeth.
- Protect soft tissue, the hard and soft palate, lips, cheeks, and tongue.
- Reduce jaw injuries.
- A mouth guard gives you peace of mind that your teeth and jaw are being protected.
Some research shows that mouth guards can absorb some of the impact that could result in a concussion.
Mouth Guards to Prevent Night-time Grinding
Teeth grinding (bruxism) is a habitual issue that can damage the enamel of teeth, cause headaches, and affect the jaw. A custom mouth guard at night can decrease problems in the future by protecting your teeth while you sleep.
Mouth Guard Care Tips
We have a few recommendations: Taking care of your mouth guard can help prolong its life and cleanliness, and ensure safety.
- Rinse your mouth guard with cool water before and after use.
- Brush your mouth guard with a toothbrush, as well as some mild soap, to better remove bacteria and assist in preventing them.
- Store your mouth guard in a ventilated case to help prevent bacterial growth.
- Don’t expose your mouth guard to heat to prevent it from warping.
- If worn, cracked or any other uncomfortable issues to your mouth guard, replace it.
Choosing the Right Mouth Guard
As you are deliberating on mouth guard selection, think about what you specifically need: is this for sports, to protect while sleeping, for grinding, or for bone teeth? Dentist near you can suggest the type of guards that will fit your teeth, bite, and daily use.
Taking Care of Your Smile
Mouth guards are an excellent way to protect teeth from injury in contact sports, bruxism, or general wear. From stock to custom shapes, each person can find something to fit them. Taking care of whatever mouth guard you select to use is important for cleaning and maintaining its condition.
At Hampton Village Dentistry, our staff is friendly and thoughtful—staff that wants to help you select from all the different options for a mouth guard to fit your lifestyle. Please call today for an appointment to help your smile stay in good health.