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It is important to protect your mouth with a mouthguard while you play a contact sport. It typically protects your upper teeth. 

Why Is It Important?

Playing without the mouthguard could result in serious oral injuries to your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and other areas of your mouth. The following are the reasons why: 

Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth

Mouthguards set a boundary between your teeth and forces that could damage them. They reduce the risks of getting injuries to your gums, cutting your lip, or dislocating your tooth.

They Protect Your Braces

You shouldn't think twice about wearing the mouthguard if you play sports with braces. Physical contact while playing could lead to damage to your braces, bridge, or retainer. It could also damage any other semi-permanent orthodontic care you have received. 

It is important to talk to your dentist about the type of product to buy before you make the purchase. You must ensure whether a custom-made mouthguard could provide you with better protection.

What Are the Different Types?

There are different types of mouthguards available depending upon one's needs. Mouthguards can be customized and molded to fit your mouth. It can also be brought ready-made from the sporting goods store. The following are some of its types:

The Custom Mouthguard

It perfectly fits your teeth because it is tailor-made by your dentist. It ensures comfort, better performance, and protection. It fits over the teeth perfectly and is the preferred choice of athletes. 

The Ready-to-Use Mouthguard

It is sold in most sports equipment stores. It is cheap to buy and one can simply slip it in their mouth. It doesn't always fit well to the shape of the teeth and offers very little protection. 

The Boil-and-Bite Mouthguard

It is immersed in hot water before it is put in the mouth. It matches the shape of the mouth and fits well around the teeth as it cools. It offers better protection than ready-to-wear mouthguards. 

Mouthguards Should be Clean

While a mouthguard protects your teeth, you must make sure to wash it after every use. Also, store the mouthguards in a clean container that allows the air to escape. Taking proper care of it helps prevent the buildup of germs and bacteria.

Schedule an appointment with Premier Dental Group HI to know more about the type of mouthguards that suit you the best. Contact us at (808) 487-1554 or visit our website to book an appointment with us.