Need A Mouth Guard? Things You Need To Know

Getting a few hard hits is normal in contact sports. The effects of these hard hits can range from minor soreness to complex fractures. Just like we need to avoid any hit to the body parts to prevent any damage to the bones and joints, we need to make sure that our teeth and gums are also safe.

The best thing you can do to prevent any trauma to your teeth and gums is to wear a mouth guard. This way, you will be able to prevent your mouth from injuries which can get complicated in the longer run.

What is a mouth guard?

Mouth guard is actually a plastic protection which you wear on your teeth while you play sports. It is also recommended when you have a habit of grinding your teeth. The main purpose of this protection is to avoid any damage to the teeth and gums.

Basically, there are two types of mouth guards that you can have. The first type is the one which you can purchase from the market and the second is the one which you can get prepared in the dentist’s office. Customized mouth guard, which you get prepared especially for you, is obviously the best choice. However, it can be expensive as compared to the generic mouth guard. If you are in the need to get a mouth guard immediately, you can go for the generic mouth guard. If you wear braces, you need to get a customized mouth guard.

Sports for which you need a mouth guard

Any sports which involve the risk of hits or falls require you to go out with the safety. And therefore, you need to make sure that you have worn the mouth guard to keep your teeth and gums safe while playing those sports. A few sports to mention in this regard may include soccer, rugby, hockey, boxing, wrestling, basketball, and skateboarding.

If you suffer from bruxism or you have a habit of grinding your teeth, you can wear a mouth guard to keep your teeth protected from getting damaged.

Sleeping with mouth guard

Many people wonder if they can wear a mouth guard while sleeping. If you have the habit of grinding your teeth, you actually need to wear mouth guard while sleeping. Another amazing benefit of mouth guard for avoiding bruxism is that it helps in reducing the snoring.

How long can a mouth guard last?

Ideally, a mouth guard should last 3 to 5 years. It may also depend upon how often you use it and how well you take care of it.

Taking care of your mouth guard

The first thing you are going to have to ensure is taking care of your oral hygiene. This way, you can avoid shifting of bacteria and germs to the mouth guard. Then, you need to make sure that you are cleaning the mouth guard every time you wear it. For this purpose, you can rinse it with water or ask for a solution from your dentist.