Sports Guard If you play sports and want to protect your teeth from damage, speak with us at Avery Dental Center. Body contact and equipment can lead to injuries in the mouth. If you are playing sports or taking part in activities where body, contact is possible a custom-made mouthguard will make sure that doesn't happen.The mouthguard is an essential piece of equipment for all athletes and can protect against serious damage if you participate in contact sports, such as football, cycling, and baseball. They safeguard your dental health by protecting your teeth from damage or loss through accidents, like collisions with other players or if equipment, such as a baseball, hits you in the mouth. It is also highly recommended to protect any prosthodontics you have in your mouth, such as a bridge. Is There a Benefit of a Custom Made Sports Guard?A custom-made mouth guard is the best way to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw. The problem with cheaper sports guards available for purchase off-the-shelf or online is that they are rather flimsy and thin and don't offer much protection. They also tend not to be made-to-measure so there can be an issue as well when it comes down to fitting these properly, so they are comfortable. If they are very uncomfortable or cause you pain, you will not wear them, which could be disastrous for your teeth if the worst happens. Additionally, you will have wasted your money. What Are the Steps for Obtaining a Mouth Guard at the Dentist?Getting a mouth guard is an investment in your own health. It's important to shield the sensitive tissues of your teeth, gums, and lips from repeated blows by sports equipment or other players on the field. To get the right fit, you need two visits with us—one for impressions of your mouth and a second visit for picking up your custom-made sports guard. At your first appointment, we take impressions of the inside your mouth so that it can be turned into plaster cast models that are sent to a lab where your mouthguard is produced. When we receive the completed sports guard, the next step is to come back to pick it up. If it needs any minor adjustments, we can make those for you while you wait. How Do I Look After My Sports Guard?Your mouth guard is an incredibly important piece of sporting equipment, and one that should be cared for to ensure it lasts as long as possible. It's easy enough to look after a fresh new appliance - simply rinse it in water (not hot!) and store it in its case until next use. However, if you cannot clean your guard straight away then make sure not to forget about it! Rinse the device with cold water before storing so saliva doesn't dry on it; this will also help keep bacteria at bay while waiting for a more thorough cleaning when you get home. You will be given instructions on how best to care for your mouth guard, but generally, it is best to avoid using toothpaste, which is slightly abrasive and can scratch your mouth guard. You can soak it with tablets used for cleaning dentures, or in antimicrobial solution - as well as soap and water - but remember to rinse well so you don't get a nasty, soapy taste in your mouth next time you wear it. For more information about custom-made sports mouth guards, contact Avery Dental Center by calling (380) 257-1684 to schedule an appointment. |
