Custom Mouthguards Protect Your Smile

From weekend warriors to little league competitors, athletes of all ages and levels of play benefit from protection on the field, court, and track. You wouldn’t send your child onto the field without a helmet -- so why would you leave off the equipment that keeps their smile safe? A custom mouthguard from your dentist in 21117 is a small investment that provides big time protection. Dr. Mattson provides custom mouthguards at Diamond Dental of Owings Mills.

Which Athletes Need a Mouthguard?

Custom-fit mouthguards are a key bit of equipment for all types of athletes. Did you know that some 5 million teeth are knocked out every year in contact sports in the US? A mouthguard provides the protection to keep your teeth right where they’re supposed to be throughout your athletic career -- however short or long it may be.

Football, rugby, and wrestling are obviously high contact games. But it’s not just the heavy hitters that require smile protection. Gymnasts, track runners, tennis players, and other athletes experience high impact that could put the delicate tooth enamel at risk of chipping or breaking, too.

It’s easy to take care of a mouthguard. After each use, just brush it with a toothbrush (no toothpaste, which can roughen the surface or loosen fit). You can also drop it into water mixed with an over-the-counter denture or nightguard cleaning tablet. Store the mouthguard dry. Mouthguards last for around six months (or a whole season) with proper care. If you notice the mouthguard becoming worn or torn, schedule an appointment with your dentist for repair or replacement. 

For Mouthguards, Customization Is Crucial

Want to protect your smile? Don’t make the mistake of thinking that any old mouthguard will do the job. Yes, a “boil and bite” or other one-size-fits-all sports guard is probably better than nothing, but it is best to get fitted for a custom mouthguard. In fact, studies have shown that athletes who wear a (keyword) custom-fit mouthguard are less likely to experience concussion. And as we learn more about the long-term effects of traumatic head injuries have on children, that fact is especially important.

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to mouths -- and as your dentist, Dr. Mattson know each smile is different. To create your custom-fit mouthguard, she will take impressions of your teeth and surrounding oral structures. The protective device will be manufactured based on these specific measurements.

Of course, the most important factor determining mouthguard effectiveness is whether or not the athlete wears it. A mouthguard that is created according to your specific measurements is comfortable, and won’t slip around on the court or field. Once it is placed in the mouth, the device just feels like any other piece of protective equipment -- and it is easier to breathe and play with a customized mouthguard.

This Season, Invest In a Custom Mouthguard

Make a smart decision for yourself or your favorite athlete and invest in a custom mouthguard. It is a small, portable piece of equipment that provides significant protection for athletes of all ages and levels of play. Dr. Monica Mattson provides custom mouthguards in Owings Mills. Schedule an appointment for yours today!