About Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are dental devices used to protect your teeth from injuries while you play sports or from nighttime grinding or clenching. Mouth guards, also known as sports guards or mouth protectors, help guard teeth from blows to the face and head, reducing the risk of injuries to your teeth, lips, jaw, or face. Mouth guards are covering, typically worn on the upper teeth. In addition to protecting the upper teeth, they also protect the lower teeth, soft tissues of cheeks, lips, and tongue.

What Are The Different Types Of Mouth Guards?

There are majorly three types of mouth guards available. These are:

• Over-the-counter mouth guards: These are ready-to-wear and inexpensive mouth guards. You can get these mouth guards in most sporting goods stores or departmental stores. Since they are not made specifically for your teeth, they cannot be a proper fit. Their quality is uncertain, and they make breathing and talking difficult because of their bulky design.
  

• Boil-and-bite mouth guards: These are also easily available at any sport goods store and are inexpensive. They are made up of thermoplastic material and give a better fit compared to stock mouth guards.
  

• Custom-made mouth guards: These are prepared at the dentist's office. They are built after taking impressions of your teeth, and they provide perfect fit and protection. 
  

How Are Mouth Guards Made At Brilliant Smiles Of North Plainfield?

At Brilliant Smiles of North Plainfield, mouth guards are individually designed and made in our dental office. They are customized to a mold of your teeth. As they perfectly fit, are comfortable and less likely to hinder speech & breathing, most athletes prefer customized mouth guards.
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Dr. Sonal Deshpande will ask you to wear the newly made mouth guard to check the fitting on your teeth, and any adjustments needed will be made before you carry them home. 

How To Care For Mouth Guards?

Dr. Sonal Deshpande has given some guidelines to follow to look for the hygiene of the mouth guards you use:

• Rinse the mouth guard with water or mouth rinse before and after using the mouth guard.
  

• Store the mouth guard in a sturdy container like a perforated case so that it can dry and inhibit bacterial growth.
  

• Keep the mouth guard away from hot water, hot surfaces, and direct sunlight as it can deform its shape.
  

• Keep a check on your mouth guards for any wear and tear. If you find any cracks on the mouth guard or it no longer fits you well, make sure to visit your dentist and replace it.