Blog Post

A Mini Guide to Mouthguards 

Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd • Feb 17, 2020
Mouthguard

Mouthguards are used by both children and adults as they are an important piece of protective gear for common injuries, especially in sport. If you’ve joined a new sports team or your child requires one for school, you may be wondering what a mouthguard actually does.

In this blog, we explain all you need to know about mouthguards.


What are mouthguards?

Mouthguards are plastic guards that fit around your teeth and gums to protect your entire mouth from injury. They are also sometimes given to those who grind their teeth, as the mouthguard creates a barrier between the top and bottom set to prevent further damage.

Mouthguards are custom-made so they fit your mouth exactly. The dentists will make an impression of your teeth and use this as a model to mould your guard.


What are the benefits of mouthguards?

Mouthguards are mandatory in many collision sports such as boxing, rugby and hockey. Since these activities put players at risk of injury, either caused by the equipment used or other players, mouthguards are designed to cushion the blow and prevent injuries. Without a mouthguard you could experience any of the following issues:

Broken or chipped teeth

Broken jaw

Root damage

Fractured jaws

Concussion

Damage to your cheeks or lips


By wearing a mouthguard the impact of these injuries or collisions is majorly reduced. So you can feel confident when you’re playing your favourite sport.


How do you look after your mouthguard?

Anything that’s used in your mouth such as a mouthguard or retainer needs to be kept hygienic. You can look after your mouthguard by:


Keeping it in a hard, ventilated case to prevent damage and stop bacteria from growing

Keeping your mouthguard away from direct sunlight to prevent the plastic from melting or warping

Brushing or soaking the mouthguard regularly


Here at Manor Road Dental , based in Swansea, we offer professional dental care for adults and children. From oral hygiene services to cosmetic dentistry, our fully trained team will put you at ease throughout the whole procedure. For more information get in touch today.

Box of vegetables
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Jun, 2022
Ageing affects everyone over time, but the effects on your face can be reduced and held back. Here are some tips for keeping your face fresh and youthful.
Perfect white teeth
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Jun, 2022
Brushing your teeth alone isn't the best way to better your oral hygiene. Here are some of the ways to improve your oral hygiene beyond brushing.
Lady receiving acupuncture treatment
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Jun, 2022
Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that has grown popular in the worlds of dentistry and pain relief. Read on to find out more about how it can help.
Female vaping
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 27 Apr, 2022
Vaping is a relatively new phenomenon that has increased in popularity significantly in the past decade. Many use it as a way to wean off cigarettes but some people are becoming addicted to e-cigarettes at a young age. Smoking is widely recognised as a very unhealthy habit, causing gum disease, tooth loss, staining and even oral cancer, whereas vaping is considered a healthier alternative. However, how much damage is being done by vaping? Read on to learn more. Can vaping cause gum disease? While the effects of vaping are not yet known for certain, here is what we do know about smoking nicotine. - Nicotine causes vasoconstriction which means that your gum has a poor blood supply. Ultimately, this can make your gums more prone to infection and lead to gum recession. - Smoking will also dry out your mouth which means your mouth loses its first line of defence against bacteria. Gum disease is caused by bacteria getting under your gum line which is more likely if you have lower levels of saliva. - Generally, your immune system is lowered if you are a smoker which means infectious diseases such as gum disease are more likely to occur. What ingredients should you avoid? When choosing an e-cigarette fluid, there are some ingredients that have known negative side effects. These include: - Nicotine - Propylene glycol - Menthol It’s also worth noting that flavoured e-liquids can cause even more inflammation of your gums than non-flavoured e-liquids.  How can you minimise the side effects of vaping? There are ways to look after your teeth that can help reduce the impact of vaping on your teeth. These include: - Limiting nicotine intake. Try to pick low-nicotine or nicotine-free juices as nicotine will affect your teeth and gums over time. - Drink water every time you vape. This will help you avoid dry mouth and rehydrate you after vaping. - Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Brushing removes plaque to help prevent cavities and promote overall gum health. - Floss before bed. Similarly to brushing, flossing helps remove plaque and promotes gum health. - Visit your local dentist often. Your dentist can help ensure your teeth are still in good condition and let you know when you need any work done. You can also get teeth whitening treatments to get rid of any stains. Need dental treatment or dental coverage from your local dentist? Manor Road Dental is located in Swansea and offers a range of dental services to help you stay on top of your dental health. If you notice any issues with your mouth or dental hygiene, get in touch with us today to book an appointment.
Person having acupuncture
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 27 Apr, 2022
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that has helped many people live healthier lives. Whether you experience TMJ or anxiety, here’s how it can help.
Poor teeth
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 27 Apr, 2022
Although dental care is important to ensure our oral health is as good as it can be, there are a few myths surrounding it that puts people off. Find out more.
Couple having a drink
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 05 Apr, 2022
Not only do healthy teeth give you a gorgeous smile, but maintaining dental hygiene can prevent issues. Discover the effects of alcohol on your teeth.
Mouthguard
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 05 Apr, 2022
Whether you play for your local rugby team, or your child enjoys martial arts or boxing, continue reading to discover sports which require mouthguards.
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 01 Mar, 2022
Having a consistent and comprehensive dental care routine is something that cannot be underestimated. Here we outline what makes a good routine.
By Manor Road Dental Practice Ltd 23 Feb, 2022
What really classes as a dental emergency? It might be nothing to worry about but in some cases it can be drastic. Here is how to tell.
Show More
Share by: