We value your overall health and wellbeing here at Sandygate Dental, and whilst participating in sports is a great way to help the body and mind, it can also come with risks. Sports, and particularly contact sports, can result in dental trauma. We would like to help you prevent injury, with these 5 tips for protecting your teeth during sports with mouthguards and more.
1. Mouthguards
Using a mouthguard is a simple and effective way to protect your teeth from impact damage during sports. At Sandygate Dental, our dentists are able to help create a bespoke fit just for you. The science behind using mouthguards is that they disperse the impact force to protect your teeth, and people who use them are reducing their risks of broken teeth, cuts and jaw injuries. For us to provide your mouthguard you will need two appointments, the first will be to take impressions or a 3D scan of your teeth and gums. We then send this information to our dental laboratory to make it. The second appointment will be to fit it and show you how to use it effectively. We can provide sports mouthguards for adults and children. For children, as their teeth grow and change, their mouthguards will need to be replaced regularly to ensure they fit properly.
2. Types of Mouthguards
At Sandygate we promote the use of custom made mouthguards. You can find out more about the different types below:
Stock
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear. These are generally the most inexpensive option. Without the custom fit, these are often uncomfortable to wear, and can be less effective.
Boil and bite
You can buy kits to make mouthguards at home. These can be useful, however are not recommended by our team, as they are typically made of hard plastic which can be uncomfortable and provide only the most basic protection. The fit for these is better than the stock type, but not as good as a custom made one.
Custom made
Our team always recommend custom made mouthguards. They offer the best fit, and the highest level of comfort and protection. Having a bespoke fit allows it to function most effectively, in comparison to standard fit ones that are not made with a dentist. Custom mouthguards are also made from high quality materials that are more durable than other options. Often lasting longer than other types, and with customisation options, we will always recommend a bespoke fit provided by a dentist.
3. Maintain Your Oral Hygiene
Taking care of your oral health doesn’t just impact your overall health and wellbeing, it can also impact your sporting activities. Keeping your teeth clean and healthy is key in preventing dental injuries. Limiting sports drinks and cleaning your teeth and gums regularly can help to protect your teeth during sports.
4. Hydration
Staying hydrated helps to protect your teeth during sports. If you don’t drink enough water then you can get dry mouth. Having dry mouth reduces the amount of saliva you have. Saliva is an essential part of your body’s protection against acids, which can cause tooth decay.
5. Regular Dental Care
Seeing your dentist regularly means that they can help catch any problems early, and provide bespoke oral care advice. Our team are happy to help provide a comprehensive examination, alongside preventative treatment and custom devices. We want to ensure that you are confident caring for your smile at home, and during sports.
Questions?
You can find out more on the Oral Health Foundation’s website:
Ready To Book?
Our friendly and helpful team will be happy to help you. You can book online via our website, or you can give us a call on 01142661265. You can find out more about our mouthguards and dental appliances on our website here: