Sports are an excellent way to make connections with others and move our bodies. However, playing sports or other intense activities comes with the risk of injury, especially those involving teeth. In fact, one of the most common injuries in the sports arena is dental injury. To protect your teeth, you should always wear a mouthguard. They can minimize the damage done to your teeth if you have a sports accident.
While there are many different mouthguards, the type that offers the most protection and comfort is a custom mouthguard. Your dentist can take an impression of your mouth and create a mouthguard that is unique to you.
Types of Mouthguards
There are a variety of mouthguards from which you can choose. However, each type of mouthguard has its own levels of comfort, durability, and protection.
Stock Mouthguard
Stock mouthguards are essentially one-size-fits-most. You can find these at most sporting goods stores or even some convenience stores. While they are widely available, they may not be the best fit for you. The plastic for stock mouthguards is usually thick and tough, which means they aren’t that comfortable. Additionally, it may be hard to find one that fits your mouth well enough.
These mouthguards do provide some protection against dental injury, but there are better options available.
Boil-and-Bite
Many people in the sporting area are familiar with boil-and-bite mouthguards. As in the name, you boil these mouthguards in hot water and bite into them. When you bite into the softened material, it will leave an impression of your teeth. It will help mold the mouthguard to your teeth. This does give it a more personal touch because your teeth will fit in the mouthguard better.
In fact, you may find that a boil-and-bite mouthguard is more comfortable than a stock mouthguard. It does provide more protection and comfort; therefore, it will protect your teeth from most injuries.
Custom Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard is one that your dentist builds for your teeth and mouth. While you are in the office, they will take an impression of your teeth. Later, they will mold the soft plastic material around the impression to create your mouthguard. With custom mouthguards, you will receive more protection for your teeth and gums compared to any store-bought mouthguard.
Why a Custom Mouthguard?
While all mouthguards provide some level of protection, a custom mouthguard is the best choice. Your dentist knows how to mold a mouthguard to provide the best level of protection against sports injuries. With a custom mouthguard, the protective material typically rests higher up on the gum line. This means that your gums are better protected with a custom mouthguard.
Since your dentist designs the mouthguard for your mouth, it is more comfortable than a mouthguard bought from the store. Additionally, you will have an easier time breathing with a mouthguard that your dentist makes. Typically, custom mouthguards have less bulky material, making them more comfortable and easy to use.