Who Needs a Mouth guard in the First Place?
Anyone who participates in contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey, both children and adults, should wear mouth guards. Even individuals engaged in non-contact sports such as gymnastics) and recreational activities (such as skateboarding and mountain biking that could result in a mouth injury will benefit from using a preventive mouth guard. To minimize tooth damage, adults and children who grind their teeth at night must have a bite plate or bite splint constructed. Moreover, patients who wear braces can also wear mouth guards to avoid any damage.
How should I take care of my mouth guard?
To take care of your mouth guard, follow these steps:
- Before and after each usage, rinse your mouth guard with cold water or a mouth rinse, or clean it with light soap and a toothbrush.
- Rinse the mouth guard thoroughly after cleaning it in cool, soapy water.
- While traveling keep the mouth guard in a hard, perforated container. This allows for air circulation and aids in the prevention of damage. Keep the mouth guard in fresh, clean water if it is made of acrylic material.
- To avoid altering the mouth guard’s design, keep it away from high temperatures like hot water, heated surfaces, or direct sunlight.
- Check the mouth guard for general wear regularly. Replace it if it develops holes or tears, or if it gets loose or causes discomfort.
- And lastly, bring the mouth guard to each of your regular dental appointments so that your dentist can examine it.