Mouthguards are essential for good dental health. At the office of Dr. Martin Urban, we specialize in restorations and often assist people who chipped or lost teeth in sports-related accidents. It’s a shame whenever restored teeth are further damaged by preventable emergencies, so we want our patients to understand the basics of their mouthguard options and how to maintain these crucial oral appliances.
Athletic stores sell one-size-fits-all mouthguards that offer basic protection. People are better off using these than nothing at all, but some people find that their bulkiness obstructs their breathing. Better-fitted mouthguards avoid this problem. Although there are options for having a mouthguard custom-fitted, people whose teeth are still shifting rapidly, such as teenagers and people undergoing orthodontic therapy, might prefer a boil-and-bite model. These models can be adjusted each month at orthodontic examinations and may be shaped to slide over braces.
Formal athletic associations require athletes to wear mouthguards as appropriate, with people who wear braces sometimes being required to wear both upper and lower mouthguards. Dentists also recommend that people wear mouthguards whenever they go jogging, cycling, or skating. Mouthguards and their containers should be cleaned with antibacterial soap and patted dry after each use. Like dentures, they need to be kept out of extreme temperatures to avoid cracking or warping.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Martin Urban, call 508-425-9640 or visit us at Martin Urban DDS.
No comments:
Post a Comment