Athletic Mouth Guards
Portland, OR
 Playing sports is a great form of exercise for individuals of all ages. Whether you play for fun or on an organized team, they are a wonderful way to spend time with friends and stay fit. Some sports, however, come with a risk for injuries. To protect yourself, wearing the proper gear is essential. An important piece of protective gear often overlooked is a mouth guard. Athletic mouth guards are not only important for protecting your teeth but your jaw and your intraoral tissues as well. West End Dental can provide you with a custom athletic mouth guard to provide you with optimal protection.
What is an Athletic Mouth Guard?
For contact sports, you already know the importance of protective gear such as knee pads, chest padding, and helmets. Athletic mouth guards are also crucial. An athletic mouth guard is a device that is made to be worn over your teeth and is designed to protect your teeth, your intraoral tissues, and your jawbone. It can help to protect you in a variety of different situations, including falls on the field, being hit with a piece of equipment, or colliding with another player.
Is There More Than One Type of Mouth Guard?
There are a few different types of mouth guards. These include:
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Stock mouth guards. A stock mouth guard is a pre-molded mouth guard available at most sporting goods stores. While it is the most affordable option, it is not always the best. Because it is pre-molded, it may not fit your mouth properly, which can increase your risk for injuries as well as interfere with breathing.
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Boil and bite mouth guards. A boil and bite mouth guard is also available at most sporting goods stores. It is designed to enable you to create a semi-custom fit at home by biting into the material after softening it in boiling water.
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Custom mouth guards. A custom mouth guard is one that we create for you here in our office. This allows for a completely accurate and customized fit. While this option costs more than other types of mouth guards, a custom mouth guard uses the highest quality materials and provides the greatest protection. |
What are the Benefits of an Athletic Mouth Guard?
An athletic mouth guard provides several benefits. These include:
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Preventing injuries to your teeth, such as chips, cracks, displacement, and avulsion.
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Protecting your intraoral tissues from lacerations and other contusions. This aids in protecting your blood vessels, nerves, salivary glands, and salivary ducts.
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Protection against jaw fractures.
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Reducing your risk for concussion.
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Saving money. By preventing dental and other oral injuries, you prevent the need for expensive dental treatments. |
How Do I Take Care of My Mouth Guard?
To provide you with the best possible protection, it is essential that you take proper care of your mouth guard. It should be rinsed before and after each use. It should periodically be brushed with soap and water or with toothpaste. When not in use, it should be stored in a hard, protective case with vents to allow airflow. Keep it stored in a safe location away from young hands and pets. Do not store your mouth guard in the car or leave it exposed to direct sunlight, as heat and light can cause the material to warp and lose effectiveness. Check your mouth guard every so often for any signs of damage. As soon as you notice any, your mouth guard should be replaced.
With a custom mouth guard, your teeth, jaw, and intraoral tissues are protected from potential injuries while you play your favorite sports. For more information, and to get your custom fit athletic mouth guard, call West End Dental today at (503) 446-2957.
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