If you are an athlete, you probably already know how rough it can get out on the field or court. A mouth guard can help prevent unnecessary oral injury. These simple devices slip over the upper teeth to protect them from the surrounding oral tissues.
Mouth guards are available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Call us today at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
What happens when you go without mouth guards
Many things can go wrong when not wearing a mouth guard during sports. In fact, athletes are 60 times more likely to get hurt when they leave their teeth unprotected. That is why the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended mouth guards to all athletes since the mid-1990s.
Hard hits to the face can easily translate to lasting orofacial trauma. Mouth guards work by absorbing shock, thus protecting the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue. They may also stabilize the jaw when hit. By not wearing a mouth guard, athletes leave themselves open and vulnerable to broken or lost teeth, damage to orthodontic appliances, jaw injuries, soft tissue injuries, and more.
“…the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended mouth guards to all athletes since the mid-1990s.”
Risks of store-bought mouth guards
Several types of mouth guards are available, today including stock (ready-made) mouth guards, mouth-formed (boil and bite) mouth guards, and custom-made mouth guards. Ideally, patients should have mouth guards made of resilient materials properly fitted to the mouth. This will maximize their high-impact energy absorption while simultaneously reducing any transmitted forces upon impact.
In other words, stock (ready-made) mouth guards or mouth-formed (boil and bite) mouth guards (also known as store-bought mouth guards) tend to be the least effective types of mouth guards. As they cannot be customized to the patient's mouth, they are more prone to slide around in the mouth. These types of mouth guards may cause discomfort and be easier to tear.
“Ideally, patients should have mouth guards made of resilient materials properly fitted to the mouth.”
Long term effects of orofacial trauma from sports
Though it is difficult to obtain statistics on sports-related dental injuries, some studies estimate that up to 80% of participants sustain some form of dental injury. While such injuries are not usually life-threatening, they may still be incredibly painful and have long-term effects on one's oral health. As such, it is essential for athletes to seek professional help right away after an accident.
Both contact and non-contact sports carry with them their own sets of risks. Consequently, athletes should always wear mouth guards, no matter what sports they play. The most common types of orofacial trauma include soft tissue injuries, tooth fractures, tooth avulsions, and tooth subluxations, all of which may lead to disastrous oral health problems.
“Both contact and non-contact sports carry with them their own sets of risks.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards in Poway, CA
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: A better fit and design
A mouthguard designed and created in a dental office represents the most durable and protective option. Our dentist will evaluate an athlete's individual needs and customize a mouthguard. This can include providing extra space for growing teeth and jaws, something that just cannot be duplicated with a generic mouthguard.
First, the dentist creates the impression of the teeth that will be used to create the actual mouthguard. From there, the dentist trims, polishes and checks for the proper fit. A properly fitting mouthguard offers a protective, odorless and tasteless option with sufficient thickness in critical areas.
Each mouthguard, tailored to the individual athlete, offers thickness and design to promote comfort and sufficient protection. Thanks to its quality construction, this type of mouthguard can stand up to the rigors of any contact sport. Parents can rest easy knowing they have provided their athlete with the right product to protect their mouth and teeth.
“A mouthguard designed and created in a dental office offers the most durable and protective option.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What makes custom-fitted mouthguards better?
Q. How effective are mouth guards?
Q. What are the different kinds of mouth guards?
Q. How common are sports-related dental injuries?
People also ask
Q. What methods are available to repair a chipped tooth?
Q. How is a custom mouth guard made?
Q. What is the difference between mouth guards and night guards?
Frequently asked questions
It depends on how frequently you use it. However, with proper care, a custom-made mouth guard should last several years. Store-bought ones tend to be less durable, as they are not tailored for the mouth. Remember to bring your mouth guard with you to your dental checkups for regular inspection.
Call us today, and we will schedule you for an initial consultation. We can begin the process of creating a dental mouth guard once we determine your candidacy. You will need to first undergo a physical examination and get some impressions taken of your mouth.
The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Many mouth guards are made of acrylic, while others are made of acetate, vinyl, or rubber. Mouth guards may also be made of a combination of two or more of the above. We combine both hard and soft elements to ensure durability and comfort.
It is essential to clean your mouth guard regularly. First, rinse in warm water to get rid of any plaque and debris. Then, brush the mouth guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, as it may be too abrasive. Let the mouth guard air dry completely to prevent rapid bacterial growth, and always store it in a case when not in use.
Yes. We can devise special mouth guards for persons with orthodontic devices or fixed dental work. It is crucial for these patients to adequately protect the mouth, lest the teeth suffer orofacial damage leading to soft tissue injuries.
Family dental terminology
Custom impression involves using trays to create an exact replica of the patient’s teeth before creating the necessary restoration to enhance the overall experience.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Injection-Molded Mouthguards help to create a much more specific fit with a type of molding material that fills available space instead of requiring a patient to boil the mouthguard in hot water.
Laminated pressure-formed mouthguards requires a process that involves applying high heat and pressure to form a mouthguard that meets the needs of the patient.
A mandible fracture is a fracture in the lower jaw that breaks through the mandibular bone and is normally a result of trauma.
Oral trauma is any form of trauma or force that results in an injury of the mouth or teeth. Oral trauma can occur after an accident, injury or disease.
Occlusion describes the mandibular and maxillary rows of teeth meeting when the patient bites down. If a patient does not have a healthy bite, they are struggling with malocclusion.
An overjet is a bite orientation that results from the maxillary central incisors (top center teeth) protruding over the mandibular central incisors (bottom front teeth); this may also be known as “buck teeth” by patients.
Learn more about custom mouthguards for sports
A custom-fit mouthguard represents a vital piece of protective equipment for any athlete. To schedule an appointment, call us at 858-748-2101 to let Oak Tree Dental in Poway for more assistance.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.