Patients from Weston-super-Mare and surrounding areas can require a mouth guard for a variety of reasons. These come in all shapes and sizes, but at Clifton Dental Studio we always recommend you have one prepared by your dentist.
Mouth guards are used most frequently by people playing contact sports such as ice hockey or rugby, but can be used in any occasion where you are worried that your teeth are in danger. The second most common reason for wearing a mouth guard is for people who grind their teeth at night. For this you can get a form of guard called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint to reduce the damage done while you sleep.
The most basic form of mouth guard can be bought in a sporting goods shop or department store. These do not cost very much but nor can they be adjusted to the shape of your mouth. This can make breathing and talking difficult and they do not provide the best protection. One step up from this is the ‘boil and bite’ guards which are also sold in sports shops. These are made from thermoplastic material which is placed in hot water to soften it. Then, when it is placed in your mouth, the material is moulded around your teeth for a better fit.
Ideally though, we would recommend that you get a custom-fitted protector from your dentist. This will undoubtedly create the best fit for your teeth as it is created by a professional. Your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and then mould a mouth guard over your teeth. Obviously this is more expensive than the other options but it will also be the most comfortable and provide the best protection. It depends how much you value those teeth!
Mouth-guards are probably one of the greatest inventions to anyone in Weston-super-mare who loves their contact sports. The mouth is one of the most vulnerable areas of the body when you are throwing yourself around or being battered, especially if you love boxing. The idea of a mouth-guard is to absorb impact forces and stop any damage being done to your teeth and gums, your jaws and your neck, because rectifying injuries caused in this area can not only be costly at the dentists, but can take a long time to recover from as well. There are three types you can choose from: the first is one that is made specifically for you, the shape of your mouth and the sport you will be participating in. the second is one that you soak in warm water and then mould to your mouth before you go out to play. Finally, you can buy one across the counter that generally fits all. Dentists too incorporate mouth-guards in their work. For those people who grind their teeth, it can be very destructive indeed, so mouth-guards are used to prevent further damage being done. They are also used for orthodontic work. To find out how you can look after your teeth and gums and protect yourself with a mouth-guard, you can get more information from Clifton dental.
Dr Gerrard is a Bristol based Cosmetic dentist with many years of experience and is one of only a small number of dentists accredited by The British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
