The Straightforward Guide to Choosing the Right Mouth Guards
Did you know that using mouth guards is part of preventive dentistry? Sure, you should visit our dentist in SW Edmonton for regular dental checkups twice a year, brush your teeth, and floss daily, but mouth guards near you are also a way to avoid dental problems, especially if you play contact sports.
Also,
they are excellent to avoid harming your teeth if you tend to grind or clench
them; but, which one is the best? There are so many over-the-counter mouth
guards that it can get overwhelming to choose one, and there are also
customized ones. We will explain everything about them so you can determine if
mouth guards in SW Edmonton are a good option for you and your needs.
Mouth Guards in SW Edmonton
A
mouthguard is a device used to protect your teeth, face, jaw, and soft tissues
like your lips, tongue, and gums. If you play a contact sport, it is good to
prevent severe damage. Perhaps you have noticed that boxers use mouth guards to
reduce the risk of injury.
It
can be custom made or not, and it is usually covering upper teeth. You can also
refer to them as mouth protectors.
When Is It Indicated?
A
dentist near you will advise using a mouth protector in the following cases:
Trauma
As we mentioned
above, if you play any sports, especially contact ones such as hockey or
boxing, it is advisable to wear a mouth protector during competitions and
practices.
Even though it helps to reduce the harm, if you have an accident, you will still receive an impact; hence, you are at risk of injuring your teeth or jaw. The grading of the injury will depend on the mouth guard that you are using. Over-the-counter guards tend to be a little bit loosen, and are not going to offer the same protection of a customized guard with a better fitting.
Oral Medicine
Besides reducing the risk of severe injuries and concussions, they are also used in oral medicine. If your dentist needs to apply a topical medication such as fluoride, he or she may use a guard. Also, if you suffer from bruxism and you grind your teeth, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard.
Cosmetics
If you have dental veneers, using a mouth guard during your bedtime will offer protection to the porcelain; also, they are used during teeth whitening to apply desensitizing gels or the bleaching agent itself (at-home systems).
Orthodontics
Some systems use plastic guards to align teeth, replacing the traditional
braces.
Where to Find One?
You can find over-the-counter mouth guards in any pharmacy; however, we
advise you to visit our dentist in SW Edmonton for professional guidance.
If you prefer a professional and custom made guard for better fitting,
you can visit our dental office, and our specialists will be happy to assist
you.
How Long Do They Last?
Mouth protectors have a long life, especially if the patient is an
adult. Nevertheless, in case of damage due to a blow or any other reasons, you
will have to replace it.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
Mouth protectors don’t need special care. It is as simple as brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little bit of cool water. There is no need to use toothpaste because they are abrasive and may damage your guard.
Do not use hot water and avoid leaving it in the sun because it may bend out of shape, and it won’t fit you.
If you have any other questions regarding mouth guards, feel free to
contact us.
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