If you play any kind of sports in which there is a chance of an injury to your mouth, you should be wearing a mouthguard. Some schools may mandate that a player wear a mouthguard, but the chance or sustaining a trauma to your mouth and face exists in many sports. If you wear braces, a mouthguard will not only protect your teeth, but also your dental work.
Mouthguards can be purchased in most retail outlets, however you should talk with your dentist about having one custom made in his office. The mouthguard provided by your dentist will be created from an impression of your bite, and will give you the best possible fit, and better protection than that offered by over-the-counter mouthguards.
It is very important that you take good care of your mouthguard to make sure that will last and will give your teeth the protection they need. You need to brush and rinse your teeth and your mouthguard before and after you put it in. This will keep bacteria from your mouth from being transferred to the mouthguard, and will stop residual bacteria from your guard ending up in your mouth.
When you aren’t wearing your mouthguard, it should be kept in a clean and vented container that will allow the air to dry it completely.
Avoid biting and chewing on your mouthguard since that will create cracks and holes that will give bacteria a place to grow. When your mouthguard begins to show signs of wear, it needs to be replaced.
If you or your student are in need of a mouthguard for sports or a recreational activity, our dentist, Dr. Joseph N. Falco can create with a custom-fit appliance. If you need to be fitted for a mouthguard, or if it us just time for your regular cleaning and exam, contact Pennyrile Family Dentistry in Hopkinsville, Kentucky at 270-632-6404. We look forward to getting to know you!
