Boynton Beach Office:
Protect Your Smile with Mouthguards
Regardless of whether you have braces, safeguarding your smile during sports activities is crucial. Oral and jaw injuries rank among the most frequent issues experienced by athletes.
Mouthguards play a vital role in shielding your teeth, gums, and surrounding tissues. The American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard for sports such as basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.
At Modern Dental Smiles in Boynton Beach, we can provide custom-fitted mouthguards for superior comfort and protection.
Types of Mouthguards
Selecting the appropriate mouthguard is essential for effective protection. There are three main types available: ready-made (stock) mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards that can be customized at home, and professionally custom-made mouthguards.
When picking a mouthguard, choose one that is durable and tear-resistant, fits comfortably and securely in your mouth, and is simple to clean. It should also allow unrestricted breathing during activity. If you have braces or another fixed dental appliance, wearing a mouthguard is especially important to safeguard your teeth and orthodontic work.
At Modern Dental Smiles in Boynton Beach, our team can demonstrate the proper way to wear a mouthguard and help you select the best option tailored to your needs for optimal smile protection.
How to Care for Your Mouthguard
Similar to retainers, braces, or other dental appliances, proper care of your mouthguard is vital to ensure it remains effective and hygienic. This involves storing it in a ventilated case and cleaning it thoroughly after every use.
Here are several straightforward tips to maintain your mouthguard's cleanliness and effectiveness:
- Gently brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste after every use.
- Always store your mouthguard in a sturdy, protective case.
- Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight or hot water, as heat can cause it to warp or melt.
- Replace your mouthguard at the start of each new sports season, or sooner if it shows signs of wear and no longer fits securely.
- Never wear a retainer underneath your mouthguard. If you have braces, our team can create a custom mouthguard designed to protect both your teeth and orthodontic appliances.
- Avoid chewing on or trimming your mouthguard.
- Bring your mouthguard to every routine dental visit so we can inspect it and ensure it remains in optimal condition.
Our priority is to reduce your risk of sports-related oral injuries. Feel free to discuss custom mouthguards with us during your next appointment—go team!