Mouth guards are oral implements that fit around your teeth and are specially designed to protect your teeth and mouth.
Three main types of mouth guards promote oral health and protection: Custom-made Mouth Guards, Stock Mouth Guards, and Boil and Bite Mouth Guards. Let’s briefly describe each and then focus on the boil and bite type of mouth guard.
- Custom-made mouth guards are made from models of your teeth and specially designed by your dentist. They provide the best fit and protection but are also the most expensive option.
- Stock mouth guards come in pre-formed sizes and do not require any customization. They are the least expensive option, but they also provide the least amount of protection. The stock mouth guard is a pre-made mouth guard made of thin, flexible plastic and available in most sporting goods stores.
- Boil and Bite Mouth Guards differ from other mouth guards in that they’re made from a soft, pliable material that you have to boil and then bite to make them fit your mouth.
How to choose the right mouth guard
Your choice of mouth guard will depend on your needs and preferences. Boil and bite mouth guards are a good option for people who want an affordable, customizable option. Custom-made mouth guards provide the best fit and protection but are also the most expensive. Stock mouth guards are the least costly option, but they give the least amount of protection.
Why the Boil and Bite Mouth Guard is Very Popular
Many people prefer the boil and bite mouth guards because you can customize them to fit your mouth. They’re made from a thermoplastic material that is soft when heated and hard when cooled.
Because many sporting events require them, you can find boil and bite mouth guards in most sporting goods stores.
Boil and Bite mouth guards are available in various colors, so you can find one that suits your preference and allows you to express your personality.
How to use a boil and bite mouth guard
- First, boil water and let the mouth guard sit in hot water for a few seconds. This will make the guard softer and more pliable.
- Secondly, you need to put the warm mouth guard in your mouth and bite down on it firmly. The heat and pressure from your bite will cause the boil and bite mouth guard to mold to the shape of your teeth.
- Once it has cooled, you will have a custom-fit mouth guard that is comfortable to wear and provides good protection for your teeth.
After using the mouth guard, rinse it off and store it in a cool, dry place. Taking care of your Boil and Bite Mouth Guard can last for a long time.
How to care for Boil and Bite Mouth Guard
After each use, you must wash boil and bite mouth guards thoroughly with soap and water, or clean them with denture cleaner or toothpaste. They must also be replaced every 12 months.
When To Use A Mouth Guard
Sports and Activities
It would help if you used mouth guards when participating in any activity that could cause injury to the teeth, mouth, or jaw.
Mouth guards are important, especially for people of all ages who participate in contact sports like football, hockey, martial arts, and boxing. People who participate in non-contact sports or other activities like basketball and tennis, mountain bike riding, bike races, or even skateboarding are also at risk.
Dental work
Dental work, like implants and braces, can be expensive. If you have them and are participating in any activity that could cause injury, using a mouth guard makes sense to protect your dental work from damage. They are also helpful in preventing injuries to the lips, cheeks, and gums against sharp edges of dental work like braces.
Bruxism
Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a condition that causes people to grind, gnash, or clench their teeth unconsciously. Bruxism can damage teeth, wear down dental work, cause headaches and facial pain, and lead to jaw disorders.
Mouth guards were thought to protect against the damage to teeth caused by bruxism, but new studies now reveal they could worsen it. Experts say those mouth guards accelerate the damage to your teeth, providing them more pressure during grinding.
A different type of mouth guard, called a night guard, is recommended for bruxism. A night guard is specifically designed to stop you from grinding your teeth while you sleep, helping protect your teeth from further damage.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder or TMJ
TMJ or Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is a condition that affects the joints that connect your lower jaw to your skull. It can be caused by injury, stress, or clenching your teeth. TMJ symptoms include pain in your jaw, face, and neck; headaches; dizziness, and popping or clicking sounds when you move your jaw. Mouth guards can help protect against TMJ by cushioning the joints and preventing your teeth from clenching.
Fortunately, teeth guards and bite guards can help protect you from TMD. They work by preventing excessive force on the jaw joint, which can help keep it healthy and functioning correctly. If you are experiencing any TMD symptoms, you must see a dentist immediately for diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, however, using a teeth guard or bite guard may relieve your symptoms.
The Easy Way to Take Care of Bruxism and TMD
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