Guard Your Tongue: Why mouth guards are so important

Guard Your Tongue: Why mouth guards are so important

Guard Your Tongue: Why mouth guards are so important

One of the best things about sweet, summertime is being outside! Soaking up the sun means playing more sports, which makes the importance of having a mouth guard a buzzworthy topic among our patients at Krengel Dental. Here are some common questions and helpful answers regarding the use of mouth guards to protect your smile.

Q: Who needs a mouth guard?

A: There are many reasons to use a mouth guard for children and adults. Patients who play contact sports ( soccer, basketball, lacrosse, football, etc.) or even non-contact and recreational sports (gymnastics, biking, rollerblading, etc.) can benefit from wearing a mouth guard to prevent (expensive) damage or injury to the mouth. Mouthguards are also useful in preventing tooth damage to patients who grind their teeth at night.

Q: Why wear a mouth guard?

A: While sports are fun, we also know they can be dangerous or lead to injury. Wearing a mouthguard is the most effective way to limit the risk of injuries related to the mouth or teeth. Mouth guards are designed to protect the soft tissues in the mouth region and prevent the risk of nerve damage, breakage or even the loss of teeth. Since accidents happen and the mouth region is sensitive, getting a custom fit mouth guard is the chosen way by the Krengel Dental team to keep your mouth happy, smiley and pain-free.

Q: What is a mouth guard and what does it do?

A: A mouth guard is made of thick, protective plastic and is shaped like a dental tray, customized to create the shape and form of your smile?s teeth and gums. By customizing the mouth guard, the protective, form-fitting device creates a barrier that keeps the top and bottom teeth from crashing or being damaged during impact.

Q: What option for mouth guards are there?

A: There are over-the-counter mouth guards and customized mouth guards made to fit the form of your unique smile. Over-the-counter stock mouth guards are the least expensive option, made in pre form and ready for use. Boil and bite mouth guards are also available over-the counter and can be found at many sporting good stores. While they allow for a more customized fit than a stock mouth guard, they are not as protective as a custom-fit mouth guard. Custom mouth guards are an investment in that they are the most long-lasting, form fitting and durable option, made to maintain their shape.

Questions about what kind of mouth guard you or your household athlete may need? As always, we are here to serve you and only a call away! Give your friendly team at Krengel Dental a ring at 952-888-1311.