Mouthguards are oral devices that protect your teeth and gums, especially if you play contact sports or grind your teeth when asleep. Usually, you wear Georgetown mouthguards on your upper jaw because it protrudes the most, but if you wear braces, you might need mouthguards for both jaws. Your specialist can provide you with custom-made mouthguards for the best fit.

Types of mouthguards

There are different types of mouthguards, but your dentist can recommend using custom-made mouthguards for the best fit. For assessment and evaluation, you will need to visit your dentist so they can map out your bite and create a mouthguard fitted for your mouth.

Other types of mouthguards include:

• Stock mouthguards
• Boil-and-bite mouthguards
• Adjustable night guards

Who can wear a mouthguard?

Mouthguards are available for both adults and children. Your specialist will create them according to your bite and mouth size. If your bite changes over time, your specialist will create a new one to fit your current needs and size.

Uses of mouthguards

One of the most important uses of a mouthguard is to protect your teeth, gums, and, ultimately, your smile. You can benefit from using a mouthguard if you play contact sports like hockey, baseball, and wrestling. The mouthguard will act as a shield for your teeth if you run into another player.

Other sports that require you to wear a mouthguard include ice skating, which has a high-fall risk. Although ice skating is not a contact sport, you can easily fall and chip your teeth. 

If you have bruxism, a condition where you clench or grind your teeth when sleeping, you can use a mouthguard to separate your upper and lower jaws. The oral device can prove useful if you have a temporomandibular joint disorder.

How to care for your mouthguards

Since your mouthguard comes into contact with your teeth and gums, cleaning them regularly, preferably after every use, is essential. Using them when you have cleaned your teeth is also advisable to avoid bacteria growth.

The following are ways you can care for your mouthguards:

• Keep it in a sturdy container to avoid damage when you are not using your mouthguard. Whether you are at home or traveling, always have a mouthguard case with you.
• Don’t expose it to direct sunlight or extreme heat like hot water, which can alter the shape of your mouthguard. When it changes shape, you might need to replace it because it might not fit as it is supposed to.
• Keep your mouthguard away from children or pets. You don’t want a pet licking your mouthguard or finding a child trying to fit it into their mouth.
• Clean your mouthguard after every wear, using a toothbrush and soapy water to kill bacteria, and let it air dry. 

If you play contact sports or grind your teeth at night, visit RR Dentistry for a custom-made mouthguard. The available specialists will evaluate your bite and create a custom mouthguard to protect you as necessary. Call or schedule your appointment online today to protect your smile.