If you were to lose your two front teeth right this moment, how would that make you feel? While you may not think that it will ever happen to you, there is a chance that it could, especially if you play recreational sports or engage in physical activities outside of your home. Once you lose your two front teeth, everything about your smile will change and you may experience a dip in your self-esteem. If this occurs, Dr. Sohn is here to help you.
Mouth guards provide you with additional cushion in your mouth to prevent damage to your front teeth. These guards should always be used when you play sports because the front teeth stick out more than the bottom teeth and are the first to usually break or get knocked out.
If you are interested in a custom-fitted mouth guard, C.S. Family Dental is ready to talk to you in our Denver, CO office.
Different Types of Mouth Guards You Can Choose
There are a number of mouth guard options to choose from, but that does not mean that each one is a good option for you. If you are worried about what type of mouth guard to choose, you should speak with Dr. Sohn immediately. You should always have a mouth guard fitted to your mouth, but when you cannot opt for that option at the moment, you should choose something to protect your teeth.
1. Custom Mouth Guards
A custom mouth guard is one available option and Dr. Sohn can fit one to your mouth. These types of mouth guards offer the best protection for your teeth and they are recommended because they fit snugly and are contoured to your teeth. Of course, this option is more expensive than others, but it truly works the best.
2. Boil and Bite Mouth Guards
Boil and bite mouth guards are a good choice for those who cannot have a custom fitted one made at the time, but need the protection. These types of mouth guards work by placing them into boiling water to soften the material and then you place the guard in your mouth and bite down. They offer a slight custom fit, but they do not provide as much protection as a true custom made option.
3. Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards do not offer much protection and they should only be used when you have no other mouth guard choices. You can find these at any sports store and most large retailers. Stock mouth guards are often bulky in your mouth and may be uncomfortable to wear.
How to Take Care of Your Mouth Guard
Your mouth guard is not a dental appliance that you can just neglect. In fact, you need to make sure that you take care of it or else it will become stained and lose some of its integrity. If you are unsure of how to care for your mouth guard, Dr. Sohn will teach you and explain it to you. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you out:
• Always rinse your mouth guard when you take it out of your mouth
• Brush your mouth guard with toothpaste when you are done wearing it for the day
• Never place your mouth guard in hot water or leave it out in the sun
• Watch for signs of wear and always inspect it to make sure it does not need to be replaced
• Keep your mouth guard in a protective container
If you would like to discuss a custom mouth guard, contact Dr. Sohn and come into our Denver, CO office for a consultation.
