Are Over-the-Counter Mouthguards a Good Idea?

A mouthguard, as its name suggests, is a device that guards or protects the mouth. Not only the mouth; also the face and neck.

We offer mouth guards in Livonia for patients that play contact sports or grind their teeth at night, to prevent the damage of their dentition.

You Can Prevent the Damage

You would not believe how many patients visit our dentist in Livonia due to a tooth crack or laceration of soft tissues. Many of them could have prevented it by wearing a mouthguard. If you play a contact sport, don’t hesitate to look for mouth guards near you.

Over-the-Counter Mouthguards

As dental professionals, we care for our patient’s safety. While they are not terrible, off-the-shelf mouthguards are not ideal because they are not customized. Sure, they may cover your teeth, but they may not fit snuggly, which reduces the offered protection.

However, we are not going to tell you that they don’t work at all. Boil-and-bite systems will do if the patient cannot afford a customized one.

The procedure is easy, and the package probably indicates how to use them. You must heat water and place the guard in the bowl until it is soft enough to shape it.

Slide it inside your mouth and gently bite down. Hold for twenty to thirty seconds, remove, and add cold water. If you think it needs adjustment, repeat the step of heating and biting.

Customized Mouthguards

You may benefit from our customized mouthguards in Livonia if you suffer from bruxism or play a contact sport. For sports, your doctor will prescribe a sports guard. For bruxism, a nightguard. 

The function is the same, but the materials, depending on the objective, are different.

For a customized one, you must visit a dentist near you for the molds. They will take an impression of your mouth with putty and create the guard. 

Customized guards fit the best and last longer than any other. Depending on the care you give to them (and the use), they can be effective for many years, up to three.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

For extending the life of your mouthguard, we recommend maintaining it properly. Among the care, you must include:

1. Avoid extreme temperatures – Do not use hot water to clean it and avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. Heat bends it out of shape.
2. Store the mouthguard – When you are not using it, keep it in a vented case. 
3. Clean it daily – We suggest brushing it with a soft-bristled toothbrush and cool to lukewarm water. You may also use a mild soap. 
4. Keep it safe – It includes storing it out of the reach of a pet, a kid, or someone who can damage it.
5. Don’t wrap it in napkins – It is probable that you forget about it and lose it, and they are not cheap. If you lose it, your dentist must take the molds and customize the mouthguard from zero. Take good care of it!

And, of course, take good care of your dentition. Brush your teeth daily, use dental floss, and visit your dental professional regularly. In every checkup, bring your mouthguard. Your dentist will check if it needs any adjustments.

Keep in mind that if the mouth guard is for your kid, the replacement will be in a shorter time since the wear and tear of kids are more significant.

Contact Us Today

If you have any other questions, you may contact our team at your best convenience. We are available today to help you enhance your smile and life quality.