Staying active is an important part of staying healthy. From walking to rock climbing and everything in between, an active lifestyle can make you feel better and help you to live longer. With that in mind, many sports and activities have specific safety equipment that you need to wear. If we are talking about football, soccer, hockey, martial arts or lacrosse, most people would agree that a mouthguard should be an essential part of your equipment. However, there are many sports and activities in which a person could damage their mouth and teeth. If you wear braces, a mouthguard it is extremely important to protect your dental work. Before starting a sport or activity, it is a good idea to sit down with your dentist and discuss the potential risks to your smile.
There are three basic types of mouthguards. The first is the stock mouthguard, which can be bought in sporting goods stores, and other retail outlets. While you can wear a stock mouthguard as soon as you take it out of the package, it may not fit very well, and will not offer the best protection.
A boil and bite mouthguard can also be purchased in many stores. It offers better protection that a stock mouthguard since it can be fitted to your teeth to a certain degree. You place the mouthguard in boiling water to soften it up. When it has cooled, you put it in your mouth and bite down on it so it can conform to the shape of your teeth.
A custom mouthguard is made by your dentist and fitted exactly to your teeth and bite pattern. It offers the best protection of the three types of mouthguards. They are also more comfortable than the store-bought versions.
If you, or a member of your family are getting ready for to participate in sports this season, or if you enjoy an active lifestyle, you should talk with our dentist, Dr. Brawley Marze about using a mouthguard. To make an appointment to discuss injury prevention, a problem with your teeth, or to schedule your regular dental exam, contact Marze Dental in Sherman, Texas at 903-892-4531. We will be happy to get you in as soon as possible.