A sports mouthguard is an appliance worn over the teeth to protect them from trauma. They are designed to reduce the risk of injury to your teeth and mouth and should be worn by anyone at risk and not just professional athletes. They usually protect the upper teeth to prevent fractures and cuts to your lips, tongue, and mouth.

Here at Red Rock Dental, we are always concerned about your teeth and your oral health. That’s why we recommend a sports mouthguard for those who are at risk of sustaining injuries while participating in contact sports.

What Are the Types of Sports Mouthguards?

There are three basic types:

• Standard Mouthguards

These kinds of sports guards are often used by new athletes who head straight to the sporting goods store to pick out a sports mouthguard. They are pre-fabricated and ready to wear mouth guards. They are pretty economical but may be uncomfortable and not provide a proper fit. Due to their ill-fit, they could cause gagging, difficulty in breathing, and hinder your speech.

• Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards

Boil-and-bite sports guards make use of thermoplastic which can be made to fit when heated. These sports guards are heated using boiling water, and then the bite is customized by biting into the flexible plastic, which takes the shape of the teeth. If the fit is not comfortable, you can adjust them by heating them again. They are available both at drug stores and some sporting goods stores. These mouthguards offer an affordable option with a better fit than stock mouthguards. 

• Custom Mouthguards

Custom mouthguards are tailor-made to provide a superior fit and are much more comfortable. The customized fit increases protection. These kinds of mouthguards can be made at our dental office in Las Vegas. We take an impression of your teeth and send them to a dental laboratory for the fabrication of your mouthguard. Although this is a little costlier, the mouthguard will protect all of your teeth and is created to add effective cushioning to safeguard you against falls and blows to the chin. 

How Should You Take Care of Sports Mouthguards?

Taking proper care of your sports mouth guard is relatively easy. Some essential tips are:

• Always store it in an appropriate container
• Clean it thoroughly after every use with soap and water
• Do not soak it in hot water, as this can change the shape and fit
• Check them regularly for any sign of damage like cracks and chips

If you need help with getting a customized sports mouthguard, make sure to visit us at Red Rock Dental or call us at (702) 243-8788 to schedule an appointment.