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Mouthguard (Sports)

Beachwood, OH

kid with mouthguard in Beachwood, OH

Playing sports can result in injuries, including injuries to your mouth. These injuries can include damage to your teeth that range from chipping and breaking them to knocking them loose. Your teeth can also cut into your gums or lips, which can be quite painful. If you play any sport, regardless of whether or not it is considered a contact sport, you need to wear a mouthguard. Here at Aspire Dental Spa, we can help you get the right mouthguard to protect you while you enjoy playing your favorite sport.

What Are Sports Mouthguards?

Sports mouthguards are small plastic guards that fit over your teeth. Generally, you only need to wear a mouthguard over your top teeth. This protects those teeth from being damaged and from cutting into your bottom gums and lip. If you wear braces or have a bridge on your bottom teeth, you may need to wear a bottom mouthguard as well.

How Mouthguards Work

Mouthguards are quite simple in their design and function. The stiff layer of plastic helps to support and protect your teeth in the event of an impact. The plastic does absorb some of that impact, and the stiffness of the mouthguard prevents your teeth from being knocked out. The bottom of the mouthguard is dull, so even if your mouth snaps shut, it is less likely that your upper teeth will cut into your bottom gums and lip. While you may still have some damage to your mouth, wearing a mouthguard helps to prevent major damage such as lost teeth.

Which Type Of Mouthguard Is Right For You?

Mouthguards are available in several different types. You will find standard stock mouthguards at many stores for a fairly low price, but these are not the best option. They are pre-formed, which means they may not fit your teeth very well. Because of that, they can be uncomfortable, and they may not provide the best protection.

A boil and bite mouthguard is a better option. This mouthguard is made of a material that becomes flexible when boiled. After heating the mouthguard, you put it into your mouth and bite down. This leaves an impression of your teeth in the plastic. Once the mouthguard cools, you have a protective oral appliance that is more of a custom fit than a stock guard.

Mouthguards are available in several different types. You will find standard stock mouthguards at many stores for a fairly low price, but these are not the best option. They are pre-formed, which means they may not fit your teeth very well. Because of that, they can be uncomfortable, and they may not provide the best protection.

Do You Need A Sports Mouthguard?

If you play high-contact sports such as football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, you certainly need to wear a mouthguard. However, you should still wear a mouthguard even if you play a sport where you do not come into contact with other players. You can fall and injure your mouth while biking, skateboarding, and doing gymnastics. Regardless of what sport you are doing, it never hurts to wear a mouthguard. If you would like to learn more about getting a custom mouthguard, contact Aspire Dental Spa at (216) 342-4388 today.