Wellington Office:
Protect Your Smile with a Mouthguard
Whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile during sports is essential. Mouth and jaw injuries are among the most common injuries suffered by athletes. A mouthguard is your best defense against these injuries, helping to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw from damage during physical activities.
If you participate in sports such as basketball, football, boxing, hockey, gymnastics, or many others, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends wearing a mouthguard. It’s important to safeguard your smile no matter the sport!
Types of Mouthguards
Choosing the right mouthguard is crucial to ensure it fits well and offers maximum protection. There are three basic types of mouthguards:
- Pre-made mouthguards: Ready to use right out of the box.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Customizable by boiling and biting to mold the mouthguard to your teeth.
- Custom-made mouthguards: These are professionally crafted by your dentist for the best fit and comfort.
When selecting a mouthguard, make sure it is tear-resistant, easy to clean, and fits properly. It should also allow for easy breathing during use. If you wear braces or a retainer, it’s especially important to wear a mouthguard to protect your dental appliances.
We’re here to help you choose the right mouthguard and show you how to wear it properly to keep your smile safe.
Taking Care of Your Mouthguard
Just like braces or retainers, it’s important to properly care for your mouthguard. Here are some simple tips to ensure it stays in great condition:
- Clean it after every use: Gently scrub with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Store it properly: Keep your mouthguard in a protective case.
- Avoid heat: Don’t leave it in the sun or hot water, as it may melt or become misshapen.
- Replace it regularly: Get a new mouthguard at the start of each sports season or if it becomes worn and no longer fits properly.
- Don’t wear a retainer with your mouthguard: If you wear braces, we’ll help design a mouthguard that accommodates your braces.
- Avoid chewing on it: Never chew or cut pieces off your mouthguard.
- Bring it to your dental checkup: We’ll check its condition to make sure it’s still providing the best protection.
Minimizing the Risk of Sports-Related Injuries
Our goal is to help minimize your chances of injury while participating in sports. Be sure to ask about mouthguards at your next dental checkup to keep your smile safe and sound. Go Team!