Anyone who engages in a physical activity that can put your mouth and teeth at risk should invest in a professionally fitted mouth guard. This pertains to the person who roller blades through the neighborhood to the athlete who plays hockey, football, or any contact sport. Your dental office is the best place to acquire a mouth guard for many reasons:
1. A custom fit will make the wearer more likely to use a mouth guard. The generic mouth guards proclaim that they can be customized to fit, but any mouth guard designed to fit hundreds of different mouth formations can’t be customized enough for you. Uncomfortable or bulky mouth guards won’t be worn.
2. Your dentist has your best interest at heart and will provide the ultimate in protection whether you are playing a contact sport or need a mouth guard to prevent grinding and clenching in your sleep. The ultimate fit will provide the maximum protection. And since mouth guards are available in different styles and material, a dental professional can design and fabricate the appropriate mouth guard for your needs.
A mouth guard is worn to protect the teeth, tongue, lips and soft tissue in and around the mouth. Making contact with anything hard like the ground, a helmet, a bat or the head of another individual (just to name a few) can have catastrophic results.
Teeth can be knocked out, the tongue can be severely injured, and teeth can cut the interior of the mouth or even be forced through the face. Wearing a mouth guard may prevent these injuries by safeguarding the teeth.
In addition, while wearing a mouth guard, the wearer is less likely to sustain injury to the jaw area as teeth are provided additional support in the event of contact.
Obtaining a mouth guard from the dentist is considered a good investment, and the proper care should be taken to maximize the life of your mouth guard.
1. Thoroughly rinse your mouth guard each time it is worn.
2. Wash with soap and water weekly.
3. Store in a protective case that allows for ventilation.
Take your mouth guard with you on each dental visit to be assured that the fit still offers the protection needed, and ask the skilled dental team of Dr. Daggula to inspect it for worn or weak areas.
