Sports Mouthguards and Bite Splints

Teeth are strong, but they can be damaged by impact to the face or excessive and ongoing force.

Many dental injuries amongst kids and adults alike occur on the sporting field. Your teeth can sustain damage off the field too. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching can wear down your teeth, weakening them over time. In most cases, teeth grinding and jaw clenching happens during sleep.

Luckily, sport-related dental injuries and wear from grinding your teeth and clenching your jaw during your sleep are preventable. Palm Beach Dental is here to help you keep your and your family’s teeth protected with our custom-made sports mouthguards and night guards.

Custom-Made Sports Mouthguards

Mouthguards are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of your smile while playing sport. Wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard is the most effective way to protect yourself or your child from oral trauma and expensive medical bills.

A facial injury as a result of impact can lead to chipped teeth, cracked teeth and even lost teeth. It can also result in jaw fractures and damage to your tongue, cheeks, lips and gums. The Australian Dental Association states that roughly a third of dental trauma injuries happen on the sporting field.

Custom-made mouthguards are made especially for you, to exactly fit your mouth and teeth. Their quality and protection they provide surpass that of store-bought “boil and bite” mouthguards. Usually, you will only need to wear a mouthguard on your upper teeth to effectively reduce your risk of dental injury. If your lower teeth protrude, your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouthguard on both your upper and lower teeth.

Sports Mouthguards For Children

A lot of the dental emergencies we see are children who have sustained a dental injury whilst playing sport. Some children may not be too thrilled with the idea of having to wear a mouthguard. In these cases, it can be helpful to remind them that the professional sporting stars wear them too!

How Does a Sports Mouthguard Work?

Sports mouthguards provide a buffer in the case of facial impact. Direct impact to your face, especially the lower half, can travel through your teeth, jaw and sometimes even your skull. Direct impact on your face may also cause your top and bottom teeth to come together with force. Sports mouthguards are made from a material that lessens force and absorbs impact.

Custom-Made Night Guards

Like a sports mouthguard, our custom-made night guards are made specifically to your smile. They are designed to be worn while you sleep. Teeth grinding and jaw clenching doesn’t only do damage to your teeth and put your oral health at risk. It can also result in headaches, fatigue and facial pain.

The experienced dentists at our Palm Beach dental practice can help protect your teeth from ongoing force through the night. Our custom-made night guards are lasting and comfortable.

How Does a Night Guard Work?

By wearing a night guard, you are preventing the grinding motion of your jaw and protecting your teeth from rubbing against each other. A night guard also acts as a barrier between your teeth when clenching your jaw.
The Process For Getting a Custom-Made Sports Mouthguard or Night Guard

The process for getting a custom-made sports mouthguard or night guard is simple. The process is usually carried out over two appointments. In the first appointment, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth. This will get sent to the dental lab for the creation of your mouthguard or night guard.

Making of your mouthguard involves layering and shaping superheated plastic to your specifications. It is then cooled, holding its shape.

When your mouthguard is ready, you will come in for your second appointment during which your dentist will ensure the perfect fit.

Mouthguard Care Tips

Custom-made mouthguards are made from a high quality, durable material that holds its shape well. The general rule of thumb is that you should replace your mouthguard every few years or if you experience changes to your mouth or teeth. Taking good care of your mouthguard will help keep it clean and extend its life.

Before and after using your mouthguard, rinse it with clean water or an antibacterial mouth rinse. We also recommend giving your mouthguard a brush with your toothbrush and some toothpaste now and then. When you are not using your mouthguard you should store it in its container. This helps protect it, keep it clean and aerated.

Avoid exposing your mouthguard to extreme temperatures. High temperatures can lead to distortion.

Routinely check your mouthguard for any signs of wear and tear. A mouthguard that has become misshapen or damaged can irritate your mouth. It is also far less effective when it comes to protecting your teeth. It’s a good idea to bring your mouthguard with you to your regular dental check-ups and have your dentist check its condition.

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