Do you or your child play contact sports? Do you need protective sports mouthguards?
Contact sports are any sport that requires physical contact between players, which can include basketball, soccer, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, and more. At Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. Emily Ann Reece crafts custom-made sports mouthguards to protect the teeth and gums from damage.
Professional sports mouthguards provide a comfortable fit to ensure that your teeth and gums are not injured. Learn more about this general dentistry option we offer to patients in our Raleigh, NC dental office below.
Benefits of Custom Sports Mouthguards
Our professional mouthguards offer multiple benefits to patients who play contact sports. Custom mouthguards:
- Protect the lower jaw from trauma
- Reduce stress on the neck
- Help minimize the risk of chipped and damaged teeth
- Reduce the chance of contact sports-related concussions
- Minimize the risk of bruising and injury to the soft tissues in the mouth
- Reduce the risk of knocked out teeth
- Allow the mouthguard wearer to speak clearly
If you think that you or your child would benefit from receiving a custom sports mouthguard, call 919.646.6294. We will work with you to create a properly fitting and comfortable sports mouthguard.
Professional vs. “Boil and Bite” Mouthguards
We do not recommend using store-bought mouthguards. These mouthguards may not fit the teeth properly, therefore making them less effective during sports or physical activity. Additionally, boil and bite mouthguards do not offer the amount of protection needed. They lack the necessary amount of thickness needed to protect the teeth.
Custom-fit professional mouthguards save people from replacing missing teeth or treating chipped and cracked teeth with dental crowns or tooth bonding. A preventative measure like a mouthguard saves money in the long run and can even reduce the chance of injury or concussion.
Over-the-counter mouth guards that are not custom-fit can easily fall out and may interfere with breathing and speaking. They also may not be as comfortable as custom professional mouthguards.
Treatment with Mouthguards
To begin treatment, Dr. Reece will create dental impressions of your teeth to fabricate a mouthguard that conforms to the mouth. A customized, comfortable fit leads to improved endurance on the field without the need for jaw clenching to keep the mouthguard in place.
After your mouthguard is complete, you will come back to our office for a fitting. Mouthguards should be cleaned regularly with an antibacterial solution and thoroughly cleaned once a month to keep them fresh and fight bacteria.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A custom mouthguard can last as long as three years if it’s taken care of properly. However, using it frequently causes wear and tear, and it often needs to be replaced sooner. As a general rule of thumb, we recommend replacing your sports mouthguard every sports season.
How do I properly clean my mouthguard?
Keeping your mouthguard clean is extremely important. Every time you take the mouthguard out, make sure you rinse it thoroughly with cool water. Water that’s too hot can warp your mouthguard. Brush the guard with a soft toothbrush and mild, non-abrasive toothpaste. Soaking it in an antiseptic mouthwash also helps to deter bacterial growth. Make sure you store your mouthguard in a ventilated case when not in use so that it remains clean and dry.
Can my mouthguard make me sick?
If it’s not cleaned properly, bacteria can take residence on your mouthguard. Mouthguards are a warm, wet environment — exactly the kind of place that bacteria love. These bacteria can make you severely sick if you’re putting them in your mouth. Make sure to follow all cleaning instructions given to you by your dentist to avoid this.
How should my mouthguard fit?
Your mouthguard should be snug enough so that it stays in your mouth without clenching your jaw. However, it shouldn’t be tight enough to cause discomfort or so that it actually shifts your teeth when it’s in. Custom mouthguards are made to fit your mouth precisely, so you have a comfortable mouthguard.
Can I use a nightguard as a sports mouthguard?
No, sports mouthguards and nightguards are made of different materials for different purposes. Sports mouthguards are made of a bulkier, lighter material that’s designed to absorb shocks. Nightguards are a harder plastic that prevents you from grinding your teeth together. Using them for purposes other than what they’re intended for can damage the guards and your teeth.
Is a custom mouthguard really worth it?
Absolutely. An ill-fitting mouthguard causes more harm than good. If the mouthguard is too big, you have to constantly clench your teeth to keep the guard in. You can’t communicate with your teammates, take quick water breaks, or be able to fully focus on the game. It can also come with painful side effects, like TMJ disorders.
Receive a Sports Mouthguard
Mouthguards are an easy way to protect your or your children’s oral health. Custom mouthguards can safeguard the teeth and gums from damage or loss and also helps to minimize the impact on the jaw.
To request an appointment for a custom mouthguard, call Reedy Creek Family and Cosmetic Dentistry’s Raleigh, NC office at 919.646.6294, or request a consultation with Dr. Reece online. Our goal is to provide professional and comfortable care in a warm and friendly environment. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have about receiving your mouthguard.