Sports injuries to the mouth happen faster than most athletes expect. In one sudden impact, the athlete could lose their teeth, gum, and even jaw. A custom athletic mouthguard, when fitted correctly, provides proper protection for the oral cavity during all practices and games. This will help parents and athletes estimate the period required for purchasing a new mouthguard.
Why Custom Athletic Mouthguards Are Better
The traditional boil-and-bite guards may be practical; however, it rarely fits the same way after multiple uses due to its nature. A custom athletic mouthguard is crafted using a digital impression or dental impression of an athlete’s bite. Such a perfectly fitted mouthguard provides better shock absorption, comfortable breathability, and the willingness to wear it constantly.
Real Risks of Going Without a Mouthguard
According to a study published in Frontiers in Medicine, the orofacial trauma risks of participating in contact sports increase 1.6-1.9 times when an athlete lacks mouthguard protection. This data shows the significance of proper fitting and constant wearing of a custom athletic mouthguard.
Life Span of the Custom Athletic Mouthguard
On average, a custom athletic mouthguard can survive up to one to two years. For growing children and teenagers, whose bites will change with time, the mouthguard should be replaced much sooner. Otherwise, adults, who have a fixed bite, tend to increase the lifespan of their mouthguards almost up to two years.
Signs It Is Time for a Replacement
You should not ideally wait until your mouthguard visibly breaks to get a replacement. There are many subtle signs indicating that replacement is necessary, such as:
- Thinning of the mouthguard or holes near its biting surface
- Losing the tight fit of the mouthguard, causing it to fall out
- Cracks, tears, discolorations caused by wear and tear
- Odor that cannot be removed even with regular cleanings
- Problems with speaking or breathing through the mouthguard
Basic Things for Maintaining the Life of the Guard
Some basic practices will make a mouthguard last and perform at its best. The majority of damage occurs slowly due to heat, moisture, and rough use, rather than a single event that will break the guard. Understanding when a small problem needs a professional touch will prevent many of those problems from growing and ending up with a trip to an emergency dentist Marietta GA.
A small crack is not a serious problem for a mouthguard. However, leaving it untreated might result in problems with wearing and losing a properly fitted guard during an athletic event. Any chipped tooth or sudden pains in the jaw area should be evaluated by an emergency dentist Marietta GA right away.
Why Is Local Same Day Dentistry Important for Athletes?
Scheduling sports-related dental appointments weeks in advance is usually impractical. The choice of local same day dentistry for mouthguard repairs and other emergencies allows athletes to continue competing with the least possible interference.
Conclusion
A well-fitted and regularly maintained custom mouth guard not only protects teeth but also ensures uninterrupted participation of an athlete in his or her sport. Dental offices like Marietta Dental Professionals provide local same day dentistry that can help replace a broken mouthguard right before the upcoming match.
FAQs
1. How often should a custom mouthguard be replaced?
On average, a mouthguard lasts up to two years; however, due to the growth of the young athlete, he or she may need new devices even earlier. Checking the fit at the beginning of each season will help avoid any problems.
2. Is it safe to use a cracked mouth guard?
Although there may seem nothing wrong with a small crack, most likely, it makes the mouth guard incapable of absorbing shocks properly. It is better to consult a dentist before wearing it again.
3. Can a custom mouthguard obstruct breathing?
Absolutely not; on the contrary, breathing is not affected by a correctly fitted custom mouth guard. Usually, only improperly fitted store-bought mouth guards cause this problem.
4. What should I do if one of my teeth is knocked out during a game?
Getting assistance from a local same day dentistry dentist immediately is going to be very helpful in saving the tooth. The amount of time that passes before taking any action is crucial.
5. Should I purchase a custom mouthguard?
The answer is yes, because it will pay off in the long run due to the fact that they need to be replaced less frequently. They will be more durable, and the risks of getting dental injuries will be reduced.
Author
Dr. Ray Cornay
Bio
Dr. Ray Cornay is originally from Newnan, Georgia, and attended Georgia College and State University. Dr. Cornay received his DMD from the Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University and specializes in general and cosmetic dentistry at Marietta Dental Professionals.
2551 Roswell Rd., Building 100
Marietta, GA 30062
Phone: 770-514-5055
Email: staff@mariettadentalpros.com
