Mouthguards/ Nightguards
General Dentistry
What is it
Customized mouth guards are individually designed and made in a dental office. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth. Next, a special material is molded over the impression model to make the mouth guard. Custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than ready-made types, but it provides the most comfort and protection. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.
Who is suitable
Mouth guards should be used by anyone who plays contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. It is also suitable for people who participate in non contact sports for example, gymnastics and any recreational activity for example, roller skating, skateboarding, and mountain biking that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.
Because accidents can happen during any physical activity, the advantage of using a mouth guard during sports is that it can help limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouth guards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss. You can also wear a mouth guard even if you are wearing braces. Both children and adults are suitable.
Your dentist or orthodontist can determine the mouth guard that will provide the best protection for your unique mouth work.
Nocturnal mouthguards or Nightguards
If you grind your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance — called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint are used to prevent tooth damage.
Adults and children who grind their teeth at night should have a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint made to prevent tooth damage.
Self-Care Tips
- Rinse your mouth guard with cold water or with a mouth rinse before and after each use.
- Clean the mouth guard in cool water with a mild soap and a toothbrush, and rinse it thoroughly.
- Place the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container to store or transport it. This permits air circulation and helps to prevent damage. If the mouth guard is acrylic, keep it in fresh clean water.
- Protect the mouth guard from high temperatures — such as hot water, hot surfaces, or direct sunlight — to minimize distorting its shape.
- Occasionally check the mouth guard for general wear. If you find holes or tears in it or if it becomes loose or causes discomfort, replace it.
- Bring the mouth guard to each regularly scheduled dental visit to have your dentist exam it.
- brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily
- avoiding hard food and candy
- not biting your nails
- avoiding coffee, tea, and tobacco for the first two days after the procedure to avoid stains
- scheduling regular dental cleanings every six months