Our Top 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Mouthguards

Mouthguards serve an important purpose. Whether you play sports or grind your teeth at night, you’ll need the right gear to save your mouth from damage. We’re sharing a few commonly asked questions about mouthguards and how they will protect your beautiful smile:

  1. Do I really need a mouthguard for sports?

Yes! If you or your child play sports, you’ll absolutely need to wear a mouthguard. According to the ADA, people who do not wear mouthguards have more than twice the risk of injury to their mouth than those who do. Even if you play a low contact sport, one accidental elbow to the face can knock out a tooth or cause some type of injury to your mouth. 

  1. How do mouthguards protect my teeth?

A custom-fit athletic mouthguard will actually protect your lips, teeth, gums, and tongue from injury. It will absorb the impact and distribute it evenly throughout your mouth, which can minimize your risk for damage. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard will act as a barrier between your teeth. It will reduce the pain in your jaw and eliminate the risk of damaging your teeth.

  1. Why are custom-fit mouthguards better than the store-bought kind?

A custom-fit mouthguard is made specifically for you. They fit over your teeth better and offer more protection than the ones you buy in the store. Plus, the boil-and-bite kind wears down quickly, so they’ll need to be replaced sooner. On the other hand, custom-made mouthguards can actually last you for years. 

  1. How can I encourage my child to wear a mouthguard during sports?

One important factor to get your child to wear a mouthguard is a comfortable fit. That’s why custom-made mouthguards are so important. It will allow your child to breathe easy while they wear it and do a better job of protecting their mouth. Plus, you can choose the color of the mouthguard so it matches your child’s team or favorite color. That can often encourage them to wear it, especially to younger children. You may also want to point out professional athletes that wear them to show their importance. 

  1. Do I have to wear a night guard every night?

If you struggle with bruxism, or teeth grinding, you run the risk of damaging your tooth enamel and even chipping or cracking a tooth without protection. A night guard will not only protect your teeth but also protect your gums and relieve your jaw pain. So, yes, if you want to save yourself from dental damage, you’ll want to wear night guard every night. Luckily, this will be a custom fit for you so it will be completely comfortable.

Looking for a mouthguard to protect while playing sports or from grinding your teeth? Schedule an appointment in New Orleans, LA, call 7 O’Clock Dental at 504-266-0664 or schedule online.