If you are involved in any contact sports or similar high-risk activities, consider a mouth guard. A mouth guard contours around your teeth for added protection and support from damage that may occur. Although they will not prevent microscopic damage such as tooth decay and gum disease, they are extremely effective against physical damage. Listed below are three common types of mouthguards that exist:
– Custom-made Mouth Guards: Custom-made mouth guards are designed to fit your exact dental profile. They can be individually crafted for any dental impression necessary.
– Boil and Bite Mouth Guards: Boil and bite mouthguards are designed to be placed in water to loosen them at which point you bite down on them to contour to your exact dental impression. This allows them to be shaped to your needs for a durable and effective hold.
– Stock Mouth Guards: Stock mouth guards are inexpensive, but they come preformed and will not fit your exact dental profile. They are often ready to wear but they can be bulky and potentially make breathing difficult.
No matter which mouthguard you choose, always make sure they are clean so bacterial contamination cannot arise. Furthermore, if you start to show signs of wear and tear on your mouth guards, or they are no longer fitting correctly, they will need to be replaced.
If you would like to schedule an exam for a mouth guard session at Kootenai Family Dental or would like a comprehensive oral exam from Dr. Alexis LaRose and our team at our dentist office, please give us a call at 208-664-8283. We are here to be the dentist you require in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We look forward to having you as our guest soon.