Mouthguards
Sports Mouthguards
Contact sports, which involve strong physical competition between opponents, are related to a high incidence of oral and dental emergencies. According to the Oral Health Foundation, 1339% of dental injuries in the UK are related to sports. Also, contact sports were found to be responsible for 25% of the front teeth loss in children.
Contact sports, such as hockey, boxing, football, and basketball, and individual activities with high falling risks, such as skating and mountain climbing, require protective gear to decrease the chances of injury.
Mouthguards are protective devices for your teeth. They are an indispensable item in the protective gear for any athlete.
Dulwich Dental Office supports you for safe sports practice with our top-rated custom-made mouthguards to protect your teeth and decrease injury risk.
Protect Your Teeth with Sports Mouthguards
Mouthguards are fabricated to cover your upper teeth to protect them and prevent accidental biting on your tongue or lips if you receive a blow or a high impact on the mouth area. This protection can spare you from complicated and expensive dental treatment to treat the damage caused by trauma. Mouthguards can protect you from:
- Chipped/broken tooth
- Broken restoration
- Damage to the tooth pulp
- Knocked out tooth
- Broken jawbone
- Soft tissue injury to the lips and cheeks
Criteria for a Perfect Mouthguard
Well-fitting and not easily dislodged
Easy to clean
Comfortable
Resilient
Have adequate thickness (at least 4mm) to withstand forces
Durable
Tear resistant to withstand the impact forces without fracture
Should not affect breathing or speech
What is The Difference between Mouthguards and Nightguards?
Mouthguards and nightguards are often confused with one another, as both serve as protective devices. However, they differ in their purpose and the materials used in their construction. Mouthguards are protective devices designed to shield your teeth and soft tissues during sports activities that pose a high risk of injury. They are constructed from thick sections of durable material, enabling them to absorb impact forces without breaking.
Nightguards are protective devices specifically designed to prevent contact between your teeth if you suffer from bruxism. They protect your teeth from wear and help alleviate TMJ pain and muscle soreness associated with this condition. Worn exclusively at night, nightguards are made from thin sections of a harder material than standard mouthguards, enabling them to withstand the chewing forces generated by bruxism. Nightguards do not interfere with breathing; in fact, they facilitate smooth breathing during sleep and can be effective in treating certain cases of sleep apnoea.
Both mouthguards and nightguards are protective devices designed to serve distinct purposes, each with specific specifications tailored to fulfil those purposes.
Types of Sports Mouthguards
Custom-Made Mouthguards
Our dental experts craft custom-made mouthguards based on an impression of your teeth. These mouthguards are the premier choice due to their superior fit, comfort, and durability. They are ideal for patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, as they have a designated area to accommodate the braces. While they are more expensive because they are specifically fabricated for you using high-quality materials, they offer a longer lifespan when compared to other types.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards
These are pre-fabricated mouthguards available in sporting goods stores. Soften them through boiling then bite to be customised. However, they are less durable and offer a poorer fit and protection.
Stock Mouthguards
Prefabricated, ready-to-wear mouthguards are available in many stores. Although affordable, they are the least favourable option due to their poor fit and inadequate protection, as they are made from inferior materials.
Custom-Made Vs. Pre-fabricated Mouthguards
- Protection: Custom-made mouthguards offer the maximum protection against trauma as they are fabricated based on the exact position of your teeth.
- Comfort and fit: Top comfort and fit can be achieved with custom-made mouthguards. Stock mouthguards are bulky, leading to poor fit, easy dislodgment, breathing interruption, and gagging sensation. Boil and bite mouthguards provide a better fit than the stock type but are still incomparable to custom-made ones.
- Durability: Stock mouthguards are the least durable as they are fabricated from thin plastic material that easily wears, while custom-made mouthguards are manufactured from a strong material that maintains its shape for a long time and is not easily distorted.
- Cost: Custom-made mouthguards are more expensive but durable so they are cost effective compared to the less costly alternatives that need frequent replacement.
The choice between the different types of mouthguards depends on your specific needs and budget. During your consultation with our dental experts, the various types of mouthguards will be discussed and compared to your needs to decide the most suitable choice for you.
Fabrication of Custom-Made Mouthguards at Dulwich Dental Office
Dulwich Dental Office fabricates your mouthguards using top-quality materials to provide maximum protection. Your mouthguard can also be customised with different designs and colours. Only two visits are needed to protect your teeth and oral structure while playing your favourite sport.
Fabrication of custom-made mouthguards is a simple procedure. All that is needed is an impression of your upper teeth. The impression and bite recordings are sent to the lab to prepare your mouthguard. On your next visit, you will receive your new customised mouthguard in a protective box and detailed care instructions.
Mouthguard Maintenance
Any device inserted into the mouth for an extended period requires proper cleaning to prevent bacterial accumulation, which can lead to bad breath or oral infections. Follow these tips to maintain your mouthguard:
- Always wear your mouthguard when necessary, and when not in use, store it in its protective container.
- After using your mouthguard, clean it under cold water; never use hot water, as it can cause damage and distortion. You may also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap to clean it occasionally.
- The protective container for the mouthguard must be perforated to ensure proper ventilation.
- N ever store your mouthguards while wet. Leave it to dry before inserting it in its container.Avoid storing your mouthguard in direct sunlight to prevent distortion.
If you experience a dental emergency while participating in sports, the Dulwich Dental Office is here to assist you.
When participating in a contact sport without proper protection, the risk of dental emergencies significantly increases. If you find yourself in such a situation, please contact us immediately to schedule an emergency dental appointment. We offer appointments both during clinic hours and outside of regular hours to accommodate patients in need of urgent care. You do not need to be a registered patient to book an appointment; we are here to assist all individuals experiencing dental emergencies. Sports mouthguard is your way to safe practicing of your favourite sport while decreasing the risk for teeth and soft tissue injury. Consult our dental experts to choose the favourable design and colour of your custom-made mouthguard.
Mouthguards are an essential component of the protective gear for any athlete participating in contact sports, such as boxing and rugby, or engaging in activities with a high risk of falls, such as biking and mountain climbing.
Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and soft tissues from fractures or trauma, and they significantly reduce the risk of injury while participating in contact sports.
Mouthguards should be made from a resilient material that can withstand forces without fracturing. They should fit well, be comfortable, easy to clean, and not interfere with breathing or speech.
Mouthguards are protective devices designed to safeguard your teeth and soft tissues rather than causing damage. Store-bought mouthguards often do not provide an adequate fit, which can lead to soft tissue lacerations. In contrast, custom-made mouthguards offer a perfect fit and enhanced comfort.
Mouthguards are fabricated to cover the upper teeth and prevent contact between the upper and lower teeth, reducing the risk of lip cuts in the event of a blow to the face.
Custom-made mouthguards are durable and can last for many years with proper maintenance. However, after a few years, you will need to replace them.
Caring for your mouthguards is simple. Clean them after each use with cold water, store them in the provided hard case, and avoid exposing them to high temperatures to prevent distortion.
If you have orthodontics braces, ready-made mouthguards will not provide a good fit as they cannot accommodate the braces. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, custom-made mouthguards are your perfect choice as they are fabricated based on a recording of your teeth’ position, shape, and any accessory bulges, such as orthodontic braces, through an impression.
Sports mouthguards are only worn while practicing sports and are not designed to chew on.
Mouthguards are not designed to withstand the non-functional chewing forces of bruxism. To prevent the destructive effects of bruxism, consult our dental experts to receive a nightguard.
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We Have You Covered
Dulwich Dental Office has built an excellent reputation for delivering professional dental care to NHS and private patients throughout London. From routine preventative dentistry to advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, we provide comprehensive solutions designed to keep your smile healthy for years to come. Whether you require a check-up in Peckham, a filling in New Cross, veneers in Deptford, Invisalign in Canary Wharf, or dental implants in Marylebone, our experienced London dentists are committed to providing the highest standards of care.
Our modern dental clinic combines advanced equipment with a patient-focused approach, ensuring every visit is comfortable and stress-free. We offer a wide selection of treatments including routine examinations, hygiene services, fillings, crowns, bridges, composite bonding, porcelain veneers, orthodontics, Invisalign aligners, teeth whitening, prosthodontics, bone grafting and dental implant treatment.
Patients travel from Rotherhithe, Lewisham, Catford, Ladywell and Crofton Park because they know they’ll receive honest advice, tailored treatment plans and exceptional clinical care. We believe prevention is just as important as treatment, helping patients maintain healthy teeth and gums through regular dental care and education.
Whether you’re visiting for your first appointment or continuing your dental journey with us, Dulwich Dental Office is committed to helping you smile with confidence. Get in touch with our friendly team today to book your consultation.
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Dulwich Dental Office is a renowned clinic that delivers a high-quality dental care service in East Dulwich. Call: 0208 6933339
