Every year at about this time I get questions about mouthguards. Are they all the same? Surely a chemist mouthguard does the same job?
But when it comes to buying a mouthguard they are not all the same. You may recall the media coverage over concussions in sport a couple of years ago – well that sparked a fair amount of research into the topic and some of it was surprising. Players wearing store bought mouthguards were more than twice a likely to suffer mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) than those wearing custom-made, properly fitted mouthguards.
In addition to this, the main function of a mouthguard is to protection teeth and gums – we find, if a player is not comfortable and cannot talk with the mouthguard in they are far less likely to wear the mouthguard. A mouthguard not in the mouth doesn’t do anyone any good.
So the choice you make will impact the comfort and wearability of the mouthguard and also determine the level of protect against concussion. So that answer is – no, not all mouthguards are the same.
One of the studies ends on a poignant note: “The benefits of protecting your child far outweigh the costs associated with a dental or medical injury, which is likelier to occur with a store-bought model."
If you are investing I a custom made mouthguard, here are some care tips:
After each use brush your mouthguard with a toothbrush and cool (not hot) water.
Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Your dentist will provide you with a case for your mouthguard.
Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a hot car. The heat can melt the mouthguard, altering the way it fits in your mouth and resulting in less protection.
When you see your dentist for your regular cleaning and check-up, bring your mouthguard with you. Your dentist can check it’s clean and check its structure and fit.
Keep your mouthguard out of reach of dogs and pets – it looks a lot like a really fun chew toy and will never been the same after a good round chew!
Call your dentist if you have any concerns about your mouthguard.
To get custom-made mouthguard for your child, talk to your general dentist or call bcdental on 9589 2675.