Benefits of Mouthguards
Mouthguards offer a variety of benefits for your teeth, gums, and jaw. While effective in preventing your mouth from being damaged or injured, mouthguards can also mitigate or relieve symptoms associated with certain dental issues.
Some advantages of mouthguards include:
- Protects your teeth during physical activities
- Relieves symptoms like teeth grinding
- Improves the strength of your jaw
- Non-invasive
- Don’t have to be worn all day
During your regular dental exams, Dr. Gabriel will inspect your teeth to determine which type of mouthguard is right for you as well as answer any questions you may have.
How We Make Your Mouthguard
Creating your custom mouthguard can be completed in one appointment at our Wexford practice. During your visit, Dr. Gabriel will take an impression of your mouth and send it to the laboratory to be developed. After a few weeks, you’ll return to our office so that he can ensure your mouthguard is comfortable and fits properly.
Dr. Gabriel will also provide you with instructions on how to take care of your mouthguard and wear it properly during your activities. If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out to our office by calling (724) 935-2100 so that a helpful staff member can assist you.
Types of Mouthguards
Our Wexford practice offers a variety of custom mouthguards for a variety of purposes. The two main types that Dr. Gabriel specializes in administering are:
- Bite Guards: These mouthguards are great for patients involved in sports or physical activities that can potentially damage their smile. Baseball, football, and snowboarding are all activities that can result in unfortunate accidents,leaving your teeth in need of costly cosmetic repair.
- Night Guards: Patients wear these mouthguards at night to protect their smile during sleep. Patients who experience teeth grinding or jaw clenching may find themselves with eroded teeth and painful symptoms during the day. A night guard works to minimize these effects, preventing your teeth from developing any issues.
While generic mouthguards can be used for these purposes, oral appliances that are custom-made to your specific oral health needs offer a higher level of protection. Dr. Gabriel can make a mouthguard that’s comfortable enough to wear for any situation while also maintaining the integrity of your smile.
Caring for Your Mouthguard
It’s important to maintain the condition of your custom mouthguard and clean it properly to avoid potential sickness or sore throat. If not washed properly, your oral appliance can be a breeding ground for bacteria, putting your teeth more at risk of further dental complications.
To clear your mouthguard, rinse it in warm water whenever you remove it. Dr. Gabriel and our office also recommends lightly brushing it with just a toothbrush and no toothpaste.
For a more thorough clean, soak your mouthguard in distilled vinegar for 30 minutes. Then, rinse it out and then soak it in hydrogen peroxide for another 30 minutes. Afterwards, simply let the mouthguard dry on a piece of paper towel. You can also soak it using a denture cleanser.
