How Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth

A mouthguard is often the first line of defense to protect against dental trauma. Mouthguards can be used for more than just sports; they also prevent teeth grinding, enhance teeth whitening and improve general dental health. There are many benefits to wearing a mouthguard that can benefit more than just athletes; 

Prevent Trauma

Many sports require athletes to wear mouthguards to protect their teeth. A bad fall or a ball to the face could prove detrimental to teeth and gums if they are not protected. Any sport involving physical contact can be dangerous.

Fixing teeth that have been knocked out or displaced is costly and painful. A crown, implant or bridge can be installed to replace missing teeth. The minimum cost for each service is around $500. In comparison, a mouthguard has an average minimum cost of $100 and requires much less time and maintenance. Using a mouthguard can prevent you from wasting lots of time and money, as well as save you from a lot of mouth pain. 

Aside from contact sports, you should consider wearing a mouth guard if you plan to participate in other high-risk activities like skiing or mountain biking. Accidents happen, and you never want to risk hurting your teeth. 

Prevent Teeth Grinding

Mouthguards help adults and children who suffer from bruxism.  They grind down their teeth and cause hypersensitivity that makes eating or speaking difficult. If they have dental fillings or implants, bruxism can shorten their lifespan and you will need replacements sooner rather than later. 

A mouthguard does not cure bruxism, but it does reduce its’ harmful effects to the body. This includes reducing strain to the jaw and muscles around the mouth. 

When to Work With a Dentist

Mouthguards are often available for purchase in sports stores, but these are one-size-fits-all designs. Your dentist can create a custom mouthguard for your teeth. The device fits into the mouth perfectly without any discomfort and is made based on molds taken of your mouth. Custom-made mouthguards contain softer, more comfortable materials than the store-bought ones. 

A mouthguard is a smart investment to protect your teeth and smile. By investing in this preventative dentistry, you may save yourself lots of pain, time, and money down the line. It is important to work with your dentist to get the most effective mouthguard for you. For a consultation or to learn more about the services, contact the office of Dana Walters DDS today!.