Gresham Dental Mouth Guards

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Gresham dental mouth guards

Protect Your Smile with Mouth Guards

Read any books or articles about caring for your teeth, and you will repeatedly be told to brush your teeth properly, to floss daily, and perhaps even to use mouthwash. And yet two of the biggest threats to your dental health would not be affected by following any of the above advice.

Playing active sports is no doubt excellent for your health, but depending on the sport in question, it exposes your teeth to significant risk. Any sport that involves a hard ball, such as baseball for instance, or a sport such as boxing where the aim is to inflict damage on your opponent, puts your teeth in great danger. The explosive force that a hard baseball struck properly can do should it directly hit you in the face does not bear thinking about. There is no guarantee that any mouth guard can prevent catastrophic damage, but your teeth’s chances of survival will be significantly increased if you are wearing a professionally fitted sports mouth guard.

Another significant risk to your teeth is known as bruxism. Bruxism is where a sufferer subconsciously grinds their teeth when sleeping. By wearing a bite guard while you sleep, you are physically prevented from grinding your teeth. As you could be wearing a bite guard for up to 8 hours a day, it is imperative that it fits properly, and is as comfortable as possible to wear. The best way to achieve this is to have your teeth and mouth professionally measured, and then having a bite guard manufactured to those exact measurements. At Main Street Dental, we complete many of these types of fittings every year, which is why it is a smart choice to purchase your bite guard from us.

Gresham Dental Mouth Guards FAQ

Q: Are Mouth Guards Uncomfortable To Wear?

A: Any foreign object in your mouth is going to take a little while to get used to, but a professionally fitted mouth or bite guard from your Gresham dental mouth guards dentist should always be comfortable to wear, once you become used to it. You will be able to speak and breath normally, and therefore it won’t have any impact on your everyday life or sports performance.

Q: I Have Been Playing Active Sport For Many Years Without A Sports Mouth Guard, Is One Really Necessary?

A: Statistics from the American Dental Association show that up to one-third of all oral injuries occur as a result of participation in sport. Simply by wearing a mouth guard, you are helping to protect your teeth and mouth from injuries or damage such as chipped teeth, jaw fractures, cut or bruised lips, and shattered crowns. When you consider the odds of a mouth injury happening, it is common sense and pragmatic to invest in a sports mouth guard.

Q: What Sports Should I Wear A Mouth Guard For?

A: Essentially, any sport where this is likely to be an increased risk of physical contact. Although not an exhaustive list, we would include sports such as martial arts, football, lacrosse, field hockey, boxing, baseball, rugby, water polo, and wrestling.

Q: Why Can I Not Just Buy An Over The Counter Mouth Guard?

A: There are many over the counter mouth guards for sale across the country, but by their very nature, they are not, nor can they be professionally custom fitted to your individual mouth. You do not want to find out after being involved in a sporting injury, that your poorly fitting mouth guard did not offer the protection you had hoped for.

Q: I Have Some Missing Teeth, Can I Still Get A Bite Guard?

A: Absolutely, in fact, if you have any teeth missing, then it is even more important to get your dentist to custom fit your bite guard, to take this into consideration.

Q: I Know That I Have Crooked Teeth Which Is Why I Have Been Too Scared To Ask About A Mouth or Bite Guard

A: You might be surprised to learn that this is one of the most common questions we get asked, and we have a couple of answers to this question. The first answer is to deal with the root problem, so rather than concerning ourselves with the bruxism, we would aim to come up with a solution by finding a way to straighten your teeth. This would have many benefits, one of which could be permanently solving your bruxism problem. If you would prefer not to undergo treatments involving braces or Invisalign, then a custom fitted mouth guard would take into account your crooked teeth, and still provide the best fit and protection.

Q: How Long Do Mouth Guards Last?

A: All of our mouthguards are made from high-quality materials, and so provided they are cleaned and looked after properly they should last for many years. The only exception to this is if your mouth is still growing, in which case you will need new mouth guards to be made as and when required.

Q: Do I need a bite guard?

A: You absolutely need to be fit for a custom bite guard if you participate in sports or activities that put your oral health at risk. These guidelines also apply to children, who often play sports like football or participate in activities like martial arts, which can cause tooth-related injuries. You may also need a bite guard if your dentist diagnosis you with bruxism, or tooth-grinding. Over time, grinding or clenching the teeth can lead to wear and irreversible damage. Sleeping with a bite guard can protect the teeth from these unwanted side effects.

Q: What should I expect when being fit for a dental bite guard?

A: Being fit for a bite guard is simple. You’ll visit your dentist, who will take an impression of your teeth and send it off to a dental laboratory. The lab will carefully construct a durable and comfortable new bite guard that you can pick up at your dentist’s office in just days.

Q: Will I need to return to my Gresham dental mouth guard dentist after getting my new bite guard?

A: Yes. Although custom bite guards are made of durable materials and designed to last through many uses, they do need to be replaced from time to time. Keep an eye on your bite guard, checking it frequently for wear. Also, bring it with you to your normal dental cleanings and check-ups for a professional inspection. Be sure to tell your dentist if your bite guard no longer offers an optimal fit or if it has become uncomfortable to wear.

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