Since you are here, you likely place a high value on having a healthy smile. You’ve followed the recommended oral hygiene procedures, such as brushing and flossing daily and visiting the dentist every six months. But you might wonder whether a mouthguard could make your smile even better. Your dentist could advise wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth’s enamel if you grind your teeth when you sleep, participate in sports, or for other reasons. Let’s discuss the numerous types of mouthguards if any are suited for you, and how to take care of them.
Do you need a mouthguard?
Mouthguards are a great preventive measure for various incidents that could damage or injure your teeth and gums. Although the outermost covering of our teeth, called enamel, is more durable than bone, damage can still happen in several ways. If you grind your teeth while you sleep, participate in sports, or have TMD symptoms, your dentist may advise you to wear a mouthguard.
How your dentist creates a mouthguard?
Typically, a custom-made mouthguard requires two sessions with your dentist. They will create a model of your teeth using impressions taken of them and send it to a lab to construct a mouthguard specifically tailored to fit you. Your second appointment is to ensure the mouthguard fits after it has returned from the lab. Finally, your dentist will smooth down any sharp edges and make any required modifications to give you the ideal form and size.
How to take care of your mouthguard?
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that you’ll need to clean and sterilize your mouthguard after using it, just like you brush your teeth daily to remove bacteria. After wearing your guard, brushing it with a toothbrush and toothpaste would be beneficial. After giving it a thorough rinse:
- Immerse it in an antibacterial solution, like diluted mouthwash or denture cleanser, once or twice a week.
- Make sure it’s dry, and keep it in a case with ventilation.
- To avoid having a mouthguard that irritates your gums or harbours bacteria, check it for cracks or jagged edges.
Consult a specialist before deciding whether a mouthguard is the best solution for your dental issue. We all sincerely believe daily tooth brushing and interdental cleaning will be sufficient to maintain oral health. However, unanticipated yet frequent problems like TMD, sleep apnea, and bruxism frequently enter the picture. You already put a lot of effort into maintaining your dental health, so you understand the importance of prevention. Wearing your mouthguard daily will be essential to maintaining strong enamel and a confident smile.