Do you or your child play sports? You must wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums during contact sports. Contact sports are sports with contact between players, which include basketball, lacrosse, and football. At Flower Mound Family Dentistry, we can create a custom mouthguard for you or your child in our Flower Mound, TX office.
Custom sports mouthguards are preventive treatments. Wearing a custom-made athletic mouthguard prevents damage from hits to the face from other players and sports equipment. Our office is dedicated to thorough preventative treatment to help maintain your dental health. Wearing a properly fitting mouthguard can prevent the need for costly emergency care.
Why Should You Wear a Custom Mouthguard?
A custom sports mouthguard is made of flexible, rubber-like plastic. Most mouthguards only cover the top teeth because the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth. The only exception is boxing mouthguards, which cover both the upper and lower teeth.
Our dentists can create sports mouthguards for children, teens, and adults. Custom mouthguards can absorb shock from hits to the face and prevent these problems:
- Tooth chips, cracks, and other breaks
- Damage to soft mouth tissues (lip, tongue, cheek)
- Tooth loss
- Broken braces wires and brackets
- Damaged dental restorations
- Jaw damage
While store-bought mouthguards seem convenient, they do not offer a custom fit. A mouthguard that is too tight or too loose will not last as long as a custom mouthguard. Wearing a poorly fitted mouthguard can increase your risk of tooth damage or loss.
If you have a loose stock mouthguard, you may need to clench your teeth and jaw to keep it in place. This can distract you from your game and contribute to bite problems. If your mouthguard is too tight, it can hinder your jaw movement.
Getting a Custom Mouthguard in Flower Mound, TX
You can get a custom sports mouthguard for you or your child in just two visits to our dental office. During the first visit, we will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a dental lab.
We will fit the mouthguard over your teeth at your next visit to double-check the fit. Once we ensure the right fit, we will provide you with a mouthguard case. You can choose the color of your mouthguard case to bring it home.
Cleaning your mouthguard after each use can help prevent bacterial buildup from bad-smelling mouthguards. After cleaning your mouthguard, place it in its case. Do not place the mouthguard in a napkin or paper towel, as you can accidentally throw it away.
When you notice a change in the fit or appearance of your mouthguard, contact our office. We also recommend calling our office if you lose your mouthguard. We can work with you to create a replacement.
Are TMJ Nightguards and Sports Mouthguards the Same?
You cannot interchangeably use a TMJ night guard and sports mouthguard. A night guard is a hard acrylic guard that covers the upper or lower teeth. This night guard is meant to cover and protect the chewing surface of your teeth.
Wearing a night guard during sleep helps prevent you from clenching and grinding your teeth. A night guard also relieves pressure on the teeth and jaw, reducing the risk of morning headaches.
A sports mouthguard uses a thick, flexible plastic to cover the front of the top teeth. It protects the teeth by absorbing some shock from hits to the mouth.
Wearing a night guard during sports would not protect the teeth, and a sports mouthguard would fall out of your mouth if worn during sleep. We can provide both treatments in our office. However, we do not recommend using one for another.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
If you have more questions about mouthguards, we’re here to help. Discover more about custom sports mouthguards in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these common patient questions:
How should a sports mouthguard fit?
A sports mouthguard should fit snugly over your upper teeth. You should not need to clench your teeth to keep it in place. The mouthguard will cover most of your teeth but not your molars to ensure it is not bulky.
What are the benefits of custom sports mouthguards?
Custom-made athletic mouthguards:
- Protect your teeth, gums, and jaw
- Help you speak clearly to other players
- Allow you to drink easily
- Don’t require clenching to keep them in place
Compared to store-bought mouthguards, custom mouthguards provide better protection. You don’t have to worry about your mouthguard falling out, so you can focus on the game.
How often should I replace my sports mouthguard?
You can replace your mouthguard as soon as it loses its shape. The proper fit is essential for your sports mouthguard. We recommend replacing your child’s sports mouthguard more often. The fit of their mouthguard will change as they lose their baby teeth and grow their permanent teeth.
How do you clean sports mouthguards?
To clean your mouthguard, gently brush it with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can also rinse it with water, and liquid soap. Avoid using hot water because this can warp the mouthguard.
To deep clean your mouthguard, use a mouthguard soak. After you clean your mouthguard, ensure it’s dry and place it in its case. Clean your mouthguard before and after every use to keep it fresh.
How long do mouthguards last?
On average, a sports mouthguard can last one sports season or six months. When it no longer fits, you will need a replacement. Children will need a new mouthguard every six months as their teeth and jaw grow.
Can sports mouthguards cover braces?
Yes, we recommend custom mouthguards for patients with braces. A properly fitting mouthguard can prevent breaks in the brackets or wires. Mouthguards for braces are wider to protect your teeth, gums, and braces. The mouthguard will also protect the soft tissues from possible cuts made by the braces.
Protect Your Teeth
Do you need a mouthguard for the next sports season? Call 972-848-8745 or schedule an appointment with Flower Mound Family Dentistry online. We can also provide replacements if you lose or damage your mouthguard.