You are two times more likely to experience injury to the mouth if you don’t wear a mouth guard. Whether you trip on your own or catch a stray elbow, a mouth guard can protect you from chipped, broken, and damaged or loss of teeth. If you are involved in a contact sport, a mouth guard is vital.
What kind of mouth guards are available?
Mouth Protectors: While mouth protectors are widely available at most sporting goods stores, these are not highly recommended because they lack customization. Customization is what will provide you the most protection you need.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthpieces: By boiling this mouth-formed mouth guard, you will get a customizable, comfortable fit.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guard: This is the highest level of protection you can receive. This mouth guard requires a trip to the dentist. Your dentist will take a mold of your top teeth and send away to a dental laboratory. The mouth guard you will receive will be a true custom-fit and is less likely to slip off of your teeth.
Play it safe.
Mouth guards can also protect your nighttime nervous habits. If you grind your teeth, a mouth guard can save your teeth from grinding them down to nothing. However, you may grind your teeth and not even know it.
Some symptoms of teeth grinding include:
- Tired jaw muscles
- Earaches
- Worn down teeth
- Headaches
Whether you are gearing up to play a sport or suffering from teeth grinding symptoms, talk to Dr. Halsema about what mouth guard is best for you.