With spring sports starting up soon, it’s important to consider the protection you or your children will need for your teeth. If you’re participating in contact sports, a mouthguard is necessary. But you don’t just want any mouthguard from the drugstore. Dr. Fabrizio Dall’Olmo, a dentist in Santa Monica, CA, talks about the importance of getting a quality mouthguard for the sports season.
Why a Custom Mouthguard?
Playing sports can be extremely dangerous for your teeth. Chips, cracks, and even full knockouts can happen to your teeth. This means a trip for emergency dental services. Whether it’s getting hit with a ball, or accidentally butting heads with an opponent, sports and teeth have a complicated relationship.
You may have seen mouthguards when you’re out and about. Many drugstores carry what are called “bite and fit” or “boil and bite” mouthguards. These are large and often made out of a foam or plastic material. They boast a fit for everyone. However, there are many issues with mouthguards that claim to be one size fits all.
These mouthguards are difficult to keep in your mouth while you’re playing. Often, you constantly have to clench your teeth to keep it in. This leads to tension, strain, and pain in your jaw and facial muscles. It’s also almost impossible to talk to your teammates or take a water break with it. Children especially are likely to spit it out so they can call to a teammate instead of dealing with the difficulty of constantly taking it out and putting it back in.
With a custom mouthguard, they’re fitted to stay in your mouth. They can be worn while drinking water and talking, so you don’t have to worry about them constantly being taken out. You also won’t risk developing issues from keeping your jaw clenched to keep the mouthguard in. There’s no pain when you don’t have to constantly hold your teeth together.
What’s the Process of Getting a Custom Mouthguard?
Getting a custom mouthguard is pretty simple. First, you come into our Santa Monica, California dentist office. Dr. Dall’Olmo will take a mold of your teeth so that your mouthguard will fit you exactly. This mold is sent to a lab that specializes in crafting dental equipment. You’ll just have to come back into the office to pick it up when it’s ready!
Mouthguards do need to be taken care of properly. Dr. Dall’Olmo will give you instructions on how to properly care for it when you pick it up. For starters, make sure you only rinse and wash it in cold water. If you use hot water, the plastic can become warped and no longer fit your mouth properly. We also advise that you clean it out regularly with soap or mouthwash. Store it in a ventilated container to make sure it stays both clean and dry, while not accumulating bacteria.
Custom Mouthguards at Your Dentist in Santa Monica, California
Do you need a custom mouthguard for lacrosse, football, or other contact sports? Call us today or schedule an appointment online!