If you or your child play contact sports, you are most likely required to wear a sports mouthguard. Some parents end up buying the first mouthguard they see at a store or online, but did you know that every mouthguard is made differently?
Dr. Greg Reece proudly provides custom sports mouthguards in Charlotte, NC that are tailor-made to fit your or your child’s mouth with precision. Our dentist helps patients protect teeth from injury and prevents the need for restorative dental work due to sports injuries in the future.
Sports Mouthguards in Charlotte, NC
Dr. Reece will work with you and your child to create a custom sports mouthguard. He will take a dental impression, or mold of teeth so that the final product can be crafted. He will make sure the mouthguard is comfortable and easy to use.
You should regularly clean your mouthguard with cool water and mouthwash or soap to make sure bacteria don’t multiply. Cool water works well as hot water can warp the plastic. The mouthguard should be stored in a ventilated container so it can dry between uses.
Benefits of Mouthguards
Wearing a mouthguard during sports offers many dental benefits. Mouthguards:
- Prevent tooth loss
- Fit securely
- Reduce the chance of concussion
- Protect dental work from damage
- Provide a stable result
“Boil and bite” mouthguards found in stores don’t offer a custom professional fit. Over-the-counter mouthguards may fall out or make it difficult to speak. When you constantly have to clench your teeth to keep a mouthguard in, other problems develop.
Teeth clenching can contribute to problems with TMJ, causing pain and tension throughout your jaw, neck, and head. You may notice problems with opening and closing your jaw, it clicking or popping when you move it, or other issues.
Professional custom-fit mouthguards should fit securely and not restrict speech. Dentistry of the Queen City in Charlotte, NC offers custom professional sports mouthguards to patients.
Mouthguard FAQs
How long do mouthguards last?
Although they can last three to five years, mouthguards should be replaced each year to make sure they fit properly each sports season. General breakdown from repeated use may alter the fit of your mouthguard.
How do I know if my mouthguard fits properly?
Your mouthguard should fit securely on your teeth without the need to bite or clench the mouthguard to keep it in place. If your mouthguard does not fit properly, it can fall out or cause irritation, so it is important to make sure that it fits correctly the first time.
How do I properly clean my mouthguard?
There are two main ways to make sure your mouthguard stays bacteria-free. You can get a mouthguard cleaner if you use it often, although this is not always necessary. You can also simply rinse it with water and hand soap right before you put it away in a protective case for the day.
Schedule an Appointment with our Dentist in Charlotte, NC
Do you or your child need a new sports mouthguard? Call Dentistry of the Queen City at 704-486-8911 or request a consultation online today. Dr. Reece will work with you and your child to find a mouthguard that has the correct fit.