Mouthguards in Tigard, OR
It’s normal to worry about recent dental implants if you have a habit of grinding your teeth. It is also normal for a parent to feel nervous about their child falling victim to sports-related injury? The solution to both the problems is a custom mouthguard. The American Dental Association recommends athletes to wear custom mouthguards for sports to avoid severe injuries.
Mouth guards are removable dental accessories that protect the teeth and gums from trauma and injuries. Initially used by athletes, mouthguards have become increasingly popular among the people who indulge in recreational sports in the Tigard area as it provides increased tooth protection and are easy to use.
Types of mouthguards
- Preformed mouthguards: Preformed mouthguards are available at sports stores and have a unique teeth pattern. They are the most affordable version available, but they score low on points of comfort. Unless the wearer has perfectly aligned teeth, the comfort level will be average. There are many people who find these preformed mouthguards painful on the gums.
- “Boil and bite” mouthguards: Partially adjustable, the “boil and bite” mouthguards are also found at sports stores. They are flat and relatively hard. Put them in a pot of boiled water to soften, let it cool a little until it reaches a bearable temperature, then mold it onto the teeth using fingers and tongue. These mouthguards are significantly more comfortable than the preformed ones.
- Personalized or custom mouthguards: Made in the dental office, personalized mouthguards are the best fitting devices. To make the safest and most comfortable mouthguard, Dr. Chung takes an impression of patent’s teeth. The impression is used to mold a personalized mouthguard from a soft, and resistant material. They are unbeatable when it comes to comfort and protection. Personalized mouthguards are highly recommended for patients wearing braces.
Who should wear mouthguards
- Professional athletes who play boxing, ice hockey, soccer, football or any other sport where the risk of dental injury is high. Mouthguards for rugby is essential.
- Children and adults who engage in the above-mentioned sports or other dangerous activities with risks of injury (e.g. skateboarding).
- People who grind their teeth at night. Grinding damages the tooth enamel applies pressure on jaws and provokes pain and headache. To prevent the discomfort, a special mouthguard or a nocturnal bite plate can be attached to teeth. Worn all night long, it prevents grinding and eliminates its disadvantages.
Mouthguards Care and maintenance
Care and maintenance of mouthguards is relatively simple and does not require a lot of time. The basic rule is to keep it clean! Rinse you mouthguard or clean it with a mild cleanser after each use and rinse it thoroughly before putting it back in your mouth. Dispose it in a ventilated container to prevent damage or bad odor. If the mouthguard is made in acrylic, it needs to be kept fully immersed in water to maintain its shape and properties.
With the right mouthguard you will feel confident. If you are planning to get a mouthguard, contact our friendly staff today. Prior to using a mouthguard, it is recommended to ask for a dentist’s advice. Regardless if it is a personalized mouthguard or just a simple preformed version, they will give you the best advice about how to best use it and care for it.
