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 mouthguards in Cary, NC.
Sports mouthguards protect the teeth and gums from damage. Professional sports mouthguards provide a comfortable fit to ensure your teeth and gums are not injured. Learn more about this general dentistry option we offer 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, making them less effective during sports or physical activity. Additionally, boil and bite mouthguards do not offer the 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 mouthguards that are not custom-fit can easily fall out and interfere with breathing and speaking. They also may not be as comfortable as custom professional mouthguards.
Treatment with Custom Mouthguards in Cary, NC
To begin treatment, Dr. Reece will create dental impressions of your teeth. These impressions will help fabricate a mouthguard that conforms to the mouth. A customized, comfortable fit improves endurance on the field without jaw clenching to keep the mouthguard in place.
Dr. Reece will send the impressions to a laboratory that creates the mouthguard from high-quality, thick plastic. Once the mouthguard is complete, you will return to our office for a fitting. Mouthguards should be cleaned regularly with an antibacterial solution and cleaned monthly to keep them fresh and fight bacteria.
How Can Custom Mouthguards Prevent Dental Emergencies?
A dental emergency is a dental problem that needs immediate care. Common dental emergencies in our office include knocked-out teeth, broken teeth, and toothaches. Patients who do not wear sports or properly fit mouthguards may encounter a dental emergency.
Wearing a custom sports mouthguard can prevent damage to the teeth, gums, jaw, and orthodontic appliances like braces. During contact sports, hits to the face can damage the gums or knock out a tooth. When a patient wears a custom mouthguard, the appliance can absorb some of the shock from the hit. The mouthguard helps spread the impact so it does not affect one area of the face.
While injuries are still possible during contact sports, wearing a custom sports mouthguard provides protection. Many players must wear mouthguards during contact sports, from children to adults.
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. When you take the mouthguard out, 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 your mouthguard in an antiseptic mouthwash also helps to deter bacterial growth. Ensure you store your mouthguard in a ventilated case when not in use to remain 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 put 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 to stay in your mouth without clenching your jaw. However, it shouldn’t be tight enough to cause discomfort or so that it shifts your teeth when it’s in. Custom mouthguards 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 bulkier, lighter materials 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 worth it?
Absolutely. An ill-fitting mouthguard causes more harm than good. If the mouthguard is too big, you must constantly clench your teeth to keep the guard in. You can’t communicate with your teammates, take quick water breaks, or be able to focus on the game fully. 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 help 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. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Reece online. We aim to provide professional and comfortable care in a warm and friendly environment. Feel free to ask us any questions about receiving your mouthguard.