Do you or your child play contact sports? Receive a mouthguard in Dr. Ned Greenberg’s dental office. Patients need to wear mouthguards when playing lacrosse, soccer, hockey, football, and other contact sports. Sports mouthguards are a general dental treatment that allows patients to play the sports they love while protecting their teeth and gums from damage. Mouthguards are made of thick plastic that acts as a layer of protection for your teeth and gums. Learn more about the benefits of mouthguards as well as answers to questions about custom sports mouthguards in our Baltimore, MD office below:
Benefits of Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards
Wearing a custom mouthguard during sports:
- Protects the teeth and gums in a collision
- Prevents tooth loss
- Protects dental work from being damaged including braces
- Snug fitting and less likely to fall out
Over-the-counter mouthguards do not offer a custom fit. As a result, they may fall out or make it difficult to speak. Alternatively, professional custom-fit mouthguards fit securely and do not restrict speech.
Custom Mouthguard Treatment in Baltimore, MD
To create a custom sports mouthguard, Dr. Greenberg will take dental impressions of teeth to ensure a custom fit. When the mouthguard is complete, he will make sure it is comfortable and fits properly in the mouth. To care for your sports mouthguard, regularly clean it with cool water and mouthwash or soap to ensure they do not multiply. Use cool water as hot water can warp the plastic. Store your mouthguard in its ventilated container so it can dry between uses. If you find that your mouthguard smells, soak it in hydrogen peroxide and then mouthwash or denture cleaner. Regularly cleaning your mouthguard ensures that it stays fresh and is free from bacterial infection.
Sports Mouthguard FAQs
How long do sports mouthguards last?
Replace your mouthguard each sports season to make sure it fits properly. Mouthguards will eventually fit differently due to repeated use.
How do I know if my mouthguard fits appropriately?
Your mouthguard should fit securely to your teeth without biting or clenching your jaw. Ill-fitting mouthguards can fall out or make it difficult to speak, so they must fit securely against the teeth.
Can I wear sports mouthguards for bruxism?
Bruxism, or teeth clenching and grinding, is a problem that often occurs unconsciously during the night. We recommend dental mouthguards to stop the teeth from wearing down. However, sports mouthguards are different from night mouthguards. Sports mouthguards can only be worn for several hours during sports. They are made from thick plastic and cannot be worn at night. We will provide you with a nightguard if you suffer from bruxism, but the two types of mouthguards cannot be used interchangeably.
Receive Your Custom Mouthguard in Essex, MD
Do you need a sports mouthguard that fits properly? Call Dr. Greenberg for a custom mouthguard in Essex, MD, at 410.686.4646. You may also schedule a dental exam with Dr. Greenberg online. If you have any remaining questions about receiving a sports mouthguard, let Dr. Greenberg know at your next consultation. He will clarify your treatment plan for you and the care of your mouthguard.