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Sports can be fun, but they also come with multiple risks. Whether it is a physical injury or a dental mishap, intense sports activities involve both. Therefore, if you are an athlete, your smile might be a major concern.
We have good news for you!
You can now focus on your game without worrying about your dental health. Advancements in orthodontics have introduced dental equipment designed to safeguard your smile. Wear a mouth guard to protect your smile during sports activities. In this blog, we will explore different types of mouth guards, their pros and cons, and all the factors you need to consider before making a decision.
Understanding a Mouth Guard
The mouth guard is a protective dental device that covers your teeth and gums when placed inside the mouth. It is responsible for protecting your perfect smile by acting as shock-resistant dental equipment. It is made up of a BPA-free material and absorbs any shock or force applied to your mouth. Hence, it plays a crucial role in avoiding a dental injury while you are in the game.
Types of Mouth Guards
Multiple types of mouth guards are available in the orthodontic market with different pros and cons. Let's understand the types and explore which can be the suitable option offering perfect protection:
Stock Mouth Guard
It is a pre-made mouth guard that can be purchased from any sports goods shop. These are mostly made of rubber or polyvinyl and require the athlete to tightly hold them in the mouth.
Pros: If you have a low budget, stock mouth guard is the most inexpensive option and is easily available.
Cons: Since it is pre-made, it might not be suitable for the size of your mouth. A too-big or too-small mouth guard size can compromise your dental protection during sports.
Boil and Bite Mouth Guard
Boil and bite mouth guard is a thermoplastic material that is boiled so that it softens. It is placed inside the mouth and is adjusted with the help of your tongue and teeth. After a few minutes, it will be molded according to the size of your smile.
Pros: They offer more protection than the stock mouth guard by offering a custom fit. Furthermore, they can be more expensive than the stock mouth guard but are still affordable.
Cons: While a boil and bite mouth guard can be molded according to your mouth size, the accuracy isn’t the same as a custom-fit mouth guard, so you might have to hold it tightly, which can compromise breathing and speech during the game. It might irritate your gums as well.
Custom-Fit Mouth Guard
When it comes to your dental condition, it is important to have dental tools that offer enhanced protection. A custom-fit mouth guard is created under the supervision of an expert by using your dental impressions.
Pros: A custom-fit mouth guard offers complete protection and does not compromise your perfect smile. It ensures you stay comfortable throughout the game and experience no distractions.
Cons: Out of all the types of mouth guards, a custom-fit mouth guard is the most expensive option as it is tailored according to the size of your smile.
Factors To Consider When Choosing The Right Mouth Guard
When choosing the right mouth guard for your smile, consider the below-mentioned factors before making a decision:
Perfect Fit
Imagine you are in the middle of the game and your mouth guard moves from its place; it will distract you from your goal. Hence, if your mouth guard does not offer a perfect fit, it compromises your dental health.
The right dental piece must offer a snug fit to your smile that ensures it stays in place throughout the game. It will promote comfort and avoid irritating your gums and cheeks.
Durability
When you opt for a certain dental product, you might want it to last. Before making a purchase, check the material it is made of. The right mouth guard should be durable, easy to maintain, and suitable for the budget. Custom-fit mouth guards are the most durable ones, as they are easily maintained and long-lasting.
Protection
A mouth guard plays a crucial role in offering protection to your smile while you focus on your game. Therefore, the right mouth guard must cover all your teeth and gums to protect them during intense sports activity.
Cost
A budget-friendly dental product can be a requirement for every athlete. Stock mouth guards are the cheapest but offer the least protection. Whatever dental product you choose, consider its price and protection as well. The dental products that are less expensive often compromise the protection; therefore, keep in view both of these aspects and find the suitable option for yourself.
Tips For Maintaining Mouth Guard
Keeping your dental product clean plays a crucial role in maintaining your overall dental health as well. A dental product, when not maintained properly, can give rise to bacterial buildup, further leading to dental plaques and tartars. Therefore, the following are some tips to maintain your mouth guard:
Using a Toothbrush
One of the tips for cleaning your mouth guard is using a soft-bristled toothbrush with a nonabrasive toothpaste. Keep a separate brush for your dental product and gently clean it to ensure no bacteria remain on it.
Rinsing Under Water
Before putting your mouth guard on, rinse it under water to clean it. This cleans germs present on the surface of the mouth guard and prevents them from going inside the mouth. Do not forget to repeat the process after removing your mouth guard to prepare it for the next use.
Soaking in Solution
Soaking your mouth guard in a cleaning solution can help maintain it. For this purpose, try non-alcoholic mouthwash and dissolve it in water. Soak the mouth guard for thirty minutes, take it out, rinse under clean water, and it should be ready to be used again.
Avoid Hot Water
Your mouth guard is made of thermoplastic material; therefore, using hot water can damage it. Moreover, while cleaning your dental gear, avoid using extremely hot water.
Order Mouth Guard From ALIGNER32
Aligner32 can be a suitable brand for you as it considers your requirements. For enhanced protection, a custom mouth guard plays an important role. With the help of your dental impressions, customized dental gear is created for you. Get your hands on a perfect dental product for just $125, which includes:
- Impression kit
- Protective gear
- Free shipping
To sum it up, with several options available in the market, choosing the right mouth guard can be difficult. Go through the pros and cons of each type, considering how often you need it. For a perfect fit and enhanced comfort, a customized mouth guard plays an important role. Keep in view your dental protection and safeguard your smile while playing.
FAQs
1. What is a mouth guard?
The mouth guard is a dental device that is placed inside the mouth and covers your teeth and gums. It is usually made of a thermoplastic material, which provides a cushion and prevents damaging your smile.
2. Why is it important to wear a mouth guard?
During intense sports activities, your dental health is at high risk. A slight push or force can damage your smile, which is why a mouth guard is important. It acts as a shock absorber and prevents a dental mishap.
3. Can I wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes! If you are going through braces treatment, you can get a customized mouth guard to protect your smile.
4. What is the lifespan of a mouth guard?
A mouth guard should be replaced annually, but it also depends on how often you use it. If you use a mouth guard daily, it is more likely to get damaged early.
