How Do Mouth Guards Protect Your Teeth?

Think of mouthguards as your own superheroes keeping your teeth safe. Have you ever thought about how these simple tools can do such a great job of protecting your teeth? Let’s talk about how they work. Mouthguards are really good at making sure your smile stays the way it should.

What Is a Mouth Guard?

Before we jump into the nuts and bolts of how mouthguards shield your teeth, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. A mouthguard is a flexible piece of plastic or other protective material that fits snugly over your teeth. Generally, they cover your upper teeth since they tend to take the brunt of the trauma, but in some cases, you’ll find ones for the lower set, too.

There are a few different types of mouthguards out there:

1. Stock Mouthguards: Ready to wear, straight out of the package, and the most wallet-friendly option but with the least custom fit.

2. Boil and Bite Mouthguards: These offer a more personalized fit. You soften them in hot water and then bite into them for a custom fit.

3. Custom-fitted Mouthguards: Made by a dentist for you personally, they promise the best fit and comfort but also come with a higher price tag.

Understanding the Mechanics of Protection

Now, let’s talk brass tacks. You might not think teeth need all that much protection — they’re pretty tough, right? Well, they are, but they’re not invincible. From sports injuries to nighttime grinding, various scenarios can lead to tooth damage, which is a road no one wants to go down. Here’s how a mouthguard acts as a guardian to your grin.

Distributing the Impact

Understanding the importance of wearing a mouthguard becomes apparent when considering its role as a shock absorber. Imagine taking a hit to the face or clenching your jaw during an intense moment; that pressure could easily damage your teeth. With a mouthguard in place, that harsh impact is spread out more evenly, greatly reducing the risk of serious dental injuries. It serves as your frontline protection, ensuring a minor incident doesn’t lead to major tooth damage.

Preventing Tooth-on-Tooth Contact

When your jaw clenches, your top and bottom teeth can grind against each other. Without protection, this can wear down the enamel, causing your teeth to become sensitive, cracked, or even loose. A mouthguard acts as a buffer, limiting the wear and tear from grinding, especially during sleep — also known as bruxism.

Shielding Soft Tissues

Your lips, gums, and cheeks also benefit from the presence of a mouthguard. Think about it — when there’s a collision, without a mouthguard, your teeth could cut into these soft tissues. Ouch! A mouthguard keeps your soft tissues safely separated from your teeth, reducing the risk of bites and tears.

Lowering the Risk of Jawbone Damage

Beyond teeth, your jawbone can suffer from heavy hits. The mouthguard helps to cushion the blow, potentially preventing more severe injuries like fractures. It’s all about absorbing and spreading out that energy away from where it can do the most damage.

Preventing Tooth Loss and Damage

Direct trauma to the face can knock a tooth out or break it. Wearing a mouthguard provides a protective barrier, reducing the chances you’ll need a trip to the dentist for repair — or worse, a tooth implant. Making sure your mouthguard fits correctly is crucial for this type of protection.

Sports

Sports are one of the main reasons people wear mouthguards. Whether you’re a weekend warrior on the basketball court or a child getting into soccer, a mouthguard should be part of your standard gear. It’s all fun and games until a stray elbow or ball comes flying towards your mouth.

The Daily Grinders

If you grind your teeth in your sleep — and many people do without even knowing it — wearing a mouthguard at night can save your enamel from erosion. It’s not just about protecting your teeth; it’s also about improving sleep quality and reducing jaw pain come morning time.

For Those Just in Case Moments

Even non-contact activities can benefit from mouthguards. Accidents happen in the most unexpected ways, and it never hurts to be prepared, especially if you’ve had dental work done in the past that you want to keep intact.

Proper Mouthguard Care

So you’ve decided a mouthguard is for you — fantastic! But buying one is just the first step. You’ve got to keep it in tip-top shape so it can continue to protect your smile. Here are some friendly tips on how to care for your mouthguard:

• Rinse it before and after each use or brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

• Store it in a firm, perforated container to prevent damage and allow it to air dry.

• Keep it out of hot water and direct sunlight to maintain its shape.

• Check it regularly for wear and tear — if it gets damaged, replace it.

• Put it on your dental check-up list so your dentist can check it too.

And if there’s an oopsie after hours and you find yourself with a mouth injury, it’s time to call an emergency dentist in Markham. They’re the folks who can get you sorted in no time, preserving that sparkly smile for future adventures.

Choosing the Perfect Mouth Guard

Lastly, you’ve got choices when it comes to mouthguards. Your dentist is your best resource for finding the one that’s right for you. They can guide you to the boil-and-bite kind or fit you for a custom one that’s as unique as your smile. Sure, the custom ones have a heftier price tag, but considering they offer the best fit and most robust protection, they could be worth their weight in gold.

Finding Your Fit

When looking for mouthguards, consider these factors:

• Comfort and fit

• Durability and material quality

• The level of protection needed to be based on your activities

And remember, kids and teens especially need to update their mouthguards regularly due to growth and changes in their mouths.

The bottom line is that investing in a good-quality mouthguard is investing in your health.

Wrapping Up

Mouthguards are crucial for dental safety, shielding teeth from sports hits and teeth grinding at night. They work by spreading out force to prevent damage, making them a smart addition to your dental care. Looking after your mouthguard and visiting the dentist ensures it’s ready for action. Whether you’re playing sports or sleeping, wearing a mouthguard is an easy step to keep your smile bright and healthy, no matter what.