Shop 175, Watergardens Town Centre, 399 Melton Highway , Taylors Lakes 3038 | Email: admin@gardensdental.com.au

Tag: <span>mouthguards</span>

Gardens Dentalmouthguards
Type Of Mouthguard Is Best For You
By Gardens Dental January 13, 2020 Blog ,

What Type Of Mouthguard Is Best For You?

The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommend wearing mouthguards as dental-related injuries are among the most common injuries experienced by athletes.

If you are in any way involved in physical sports activities you probably already know the importance of wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth, jaw, and head from injury, but what type of mouthguard is best for you?

Choosing the right mouthguard for your type of sport that fits well and is comfortable to wear is essential but will any mouthguard do?

While pre-made mouthguards are readily available at many sporting goods stores, a custom-designed guard specially designed by a dentist and moulded to fit your mouth perfectly will provide the best protection against mouth and head injuries.

How does a Mouthguard Protect from Injury?

Anyone who takes part in any kind of sport that may involve physical injury should wear a mouthguard. In the same way that a helmet protects the head from injury, a mouthguard covers the teeth, jaw, and gums to prevent injury.

Not only does it absorb the shock of physical impacts, but it also offers support to the head and helps to protect the brain from injury when you get hit in the jaw, even if you are wearing a helmet.

That is why you often see boxers wearing mouthguards in addition to helmets.

How to Choose the Best Mouthguard

The range of mouthguards is constantly expanding to meet the diverse needs of people involved in different types of sporting activities. This can make it confusing to determine which mouthguard will be the best for you or your child’s sporting requirements.

Having the right information will help you make a better-informed decision and in this blog, we aim to help you do just that.

Types of Mouthguards

Basically there are three types of mouthguards available:

1. Pre-formed or Ready to Wear
This is the simplest type that can be found at many sporting goods stores or even at chemists and supermarkets that stock sports accessories. This option is convenient, affordable and ready to use immediately.

However, ‘one size fits all’ guards won’t fit well and can make it difficult to breathe and talk while playing. In addition, a bad fit may not protect the teeth properly and add to the risk of injury.

2. Boil and Bite
This may be a slightly better option as it is made of a material that can be softened by pouring boiling water over it. By biting into the guard while it is soft it will mould around your teeth providing a better fit than the basic pre-formed type.

3. Custom Made
This type of guard provides the best fit and protection as it is formed by taking an impression of your mouth and creating an exact mould that fits perfectly and comfortably.

Custom-Fit Mouthguards

• Aero Mouthguards
If you are looking for a mouthguard that allows maximum airflow for sports activities like basketball or netball this is a great option.

These types of sports typically require less protection than, for example, football or rugby, but still require oral protection as significant injuries can still occur.

The thinner design is less visible, provides improved breathing, and is well suited for athletes who require a less bulky mouthguard than standard versions.

• Starter Mouthguards
Starter guards are typically recommended for children as they are more affordable and suitable for sports like hockey and football at school level. The single-layer design is thicker than the Aero guard and comes in different colours.

• Pro Mouthguards
A pro guard is recommended for sports like Aussie rules, rugby league, or hockey. The dual-layer protection offers superior protection and comfort for the next level of sports to maintain a high level of protection during play.

• Extreme Mouthguard
The Xtreme option with dual-layer protection is the thickest mouthguard suitable for athletes who take part in high contact sports such as kickboxing, boxing, and rugby where an injury is more like to occur from impact to the face.

The best type of mouthguard for you is one that is custom-designed to fit your mouth perfectly, is comfortable to wear, and allows you to breathe and talk naturally while playing. It is also important to wear the right thickness for your type of sport for maximum protection.

Custom-made mouthguards cost more than pre-made options, however, they are the preferred option for those who want the best mouth and jaw protection while playing their favourite sport.

Are you searching for a reliable dental clinic in Taylors Lakes for a custom made mouthguard or other dental procedures? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website. 

Importance Wearing Mouthguard Playing Sports
By Gardens Dental November 13, 2019 Blog , , ,

The Importance of Wearing a Mouthguard When Playing Sports

Do you play sport and if so, do you wear a mouthguard? If not, you need to keep on reading to learn about the importance of mouthguards in protecting your teeth.

If you or your child plays a contact sport then you should definitely invest in a mouthguard. Our teeth are strong and sharp and are designed to be able to cut and grind food with ease.

However, they are not immune to damage and a clash of heads or a stray elbow or knee to the face could lead to your teeth becoming cracked or chipped or worse still, knocked out.

Even if the blow does not damage your teeth, it could make you bite through your lip, which is still unpleasant!

How a Mouthguard Protects You

Mouthguards protect your teeth and gums from damage. If you’re wearing braces, then the mouthguard will help to reduce the risk of impact to the face damaging the braces (or the braces hurting the soft tissue in your mouth).

Mouthguards essentially spread the force of any impact to the head.

Some studies even suggest that wearing a custom-fit mouthguard when playing high school football can reduce the risk of sports-related concussion because the mouthguard spreads the force from any impacts to the head.

These findings are new and further studies are needed to confirm these benefits, however, the other benefits are clear and long-established, so this is just one more thing in a long list of reasons to wear a mouthguard.

Mouthguards act as a shock absorber, protecting the teeth by stopping them from crashing into each other, and also protecting your gums. They greatly reduce the risk of chipped or broken teeth, tooth loss, and nerve damage.

The Value of A Properly Fitted Mouthguard

There are three types of mouthguard. The cheapest are simple hard plastic gumshields. These are uncomfortable to wear and offer the least protection.

A poorly fitting mouth protector provides very little protection and in some ways could do more harm than good by providing a false sense of security.

The next option is the boil and bite mouthguard with ‘fins’ to provide a better fit. These offer slightly better protection and can be a good option for someone who needs a ‘spare’ mouthguard.

However, these are still mostly a “one size fits most” option, and it is easy to make mistakes when fitting the mouthguard. Boil and bite protective devices tend to be thicker and heavier, and aren’t always comfortable.

Dentist-fit mouthguard are usually lighter and more comfortable since they are designed expressly for your jaw. A dentist or dental technician will take a mould of your teeth and use this to make a custom-fit mouthguard that fits over your teeth perfectly.

These offer the best protection and are also comfortable enough that you can eat or drink while wearing them, breathe normally, and generally feel comfortable.

Safer Sport For All

One recent study of high school athletes found that 75% of oral injuries occurred when the participant was not wearing a mouthguard. Aussie Rules and Rugby were among the sports where head/oral injuries were common.

Of those surveyed, nine per cent of the athletes had suffered some kind of injury to the mouth or teeth, and three per cent had suffered a concussion. More than half of all concussions occurred when a mouthguard was not being worn.

These statistics make it clear. Mouthguards are essential for your dental health and safety. If you or your child dislikes wearing mouthguards because they are uncomfortable, we recommend you talk to your dentist about lightweight mouthguards.

While it is necessary to wear a full-thickness mouthguard in some sports, for others a thinner mouthguard will offer sufficient protection while being far more comfortable.

Cracked and damaged teeth are painful and expensive, so it makes sense to take proper precautions when playing sports.

Are you searching for a reliable dental clinic in Taylors Lakes Australia for advice on mouthguards? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website. 

 

Custom Fitted Mouthguards
By Gardens Dental September 18, 2019 News , , , ,

What Are The Benefits Of Custom Fitted Mouthguards?

Do you wear a mouthguard for either sport or medical purposes? Have you tried to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard? Let’s take a look at these now on more detail.

Mouthguards play an important part in protecting your teeth and gums while playing sports.

The Australian Dental Association recommends that you wear a custom-fitted mouthguard when participating in sports such as hockey, boxing, basketball, rugby, martial arts, gymnastics, skiing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.

If you have to choose between a pre-made and custom-fitted mouthguard, you should always opt for the latter. That’s because of the numerous benefits offered by a custom-fitted mouthguard.

This article provides information on what are custom-fitted mouthguards and their benefits.

  • What are custom-fitted mouthguards?
  • Benefits of custom-fitted mouthguards

What Are Custom-Fitted Mouthguards?

Mouthguards come as pre-made and custom-fitted. The mouthguard you buy at the sports shop is pre-made. It’s a one-size-fits-all mouthguard. This type of guard won’t protect your teeth and gums because it isn’t made to precisely fit your mouth.

A pre-made mouthguard is better than not having one at all. The jaw, teeth, and mouth vary is size and shape from person to person. That’s why pre-made guards are not the best for you. However, a custom-fitted guard is specially made to fit your teeth and gums.

That’s why a custom-fitted guard is the best solution for you. Custom-made guards are designed with your dental history in mind. The dental laboratory will also take into consideration the sport you will be participating when making a custom-fitted guard.

Any braces or appliances you are wearing will also be protected with a custom-made guard. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to the dental laboratory where the mouthguard will be constructed.

This impression is a near-perfect model of your mouth. The laboratory will mould the material necessary for a proper fit. Once the guard is constructed, your dentist will examine it and make sure you are satisfied with the fit.

That’s why you need a custom-made mouthguard when playing sports.

Benefits Of Custom-Fitted Mouthguards

Comfort is an important benefit of wearing a custom-made mouthguard while playing sport. The mouthguard will be made from a direct impression of your mouth. There won’t be any bulk or unnecessary material left over.

The mouthguard will stay put in the mouth without having to close your mouth. It will make swallowing, breathing, and talking much easier compared to a pre-made guard. Custom-made mouthguards are more comfortable than any other mouthguard on the market.

Children prefer to wear such a mouthguard because they will find them a very comfortable fit. Custom-made mouthguards are made for the exact sports activity you participate in. It’s not a one-size-fits-all guard which you wear for all sports activities.

Sports activities like boxing and hockey need the right thickness to handle the impact of the activity. The correct thickness of the mouthguard is important when designing it That’s where a custom-made mouthguard comes in handy.

It is made to the correct thickness to protect the teeth and gums of the wearer. A custom-made mouthguard offers the maximum protection for your mouth. It will protect all of the teeth from impact.

It can absorb the shock, distribute the impact, and protect your mouth in the process. It also protects the appliances you may have in your mouth such as braces and retainers.

That’s why you need to invest in a custom-made mouthguard when participating in contact sports. If you need to visit the dentist for advice on custom made mouthguards or any type of dental procedure, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of dental services in Taylors Lakes and Caroline Springs to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website. 

Mouthguards gum damage
By Gardens Dental August 11, 2019 News , , , ,

Can Using Mouthguards Cause Damage to Your Gums?

Do you use a mouthguard? Do you know if this can actually be causing damage to your gums and teeth? Let’s take a look at this in more detail.

Mouthguards are often used by people who grind their teeth at night. They are a useful tool for protecting tooth enamel from long-term damage. 

They are also used by people who play contact sports in order to protect their teeth in the event of an impact to the mouth or jaw. 

However, they are not without problems. It is important that you use a mouthguard as directed, and clean it properly, to protect your oral health.

What are the Dangers of Mouthguards

Aside from playing sport, mouthguards are designed to treat a condition called bruxism. However, they are not a one-stop solution for oral health. 

You should make sure that you brush your teeth before you put your mouthguard in, and also make sure that you keep the mouthguard clean. 

A mouthguard can harbour bacteria which can cause gum disease.

Can Mouthguards Make Your Gums Recede?

If you use a mouthguard properly, then it should actually protect your gums, rather than damage them. If, however, you use a dirty, damaged or ill-fitting mouthguard then you could actually be damaging your gums.

Some people who are nervous about going to the dentist, or who think that they cannot afford to go to the dentist, will wear stock mouthguards that are cheap but are ‘one size fits most’. 

These may offer some protection from griding, but they do not fit well and they can make it hard for people to breathe normally while they are in. 

In addition, they can be hard and uncomfortable and may irritate the gums, making them at greater risk of infection. There are ‘boil and bite’ mouth protectors, which are often used by young athletes who play contact sports. 

These are better than a stock mouthguard, and they could be used to manage bruxism. However, they are thicker and heavier than the mouthguards that a dentist would usually provide if you grind your teeth, so they are not the ideal option.

Custom-fit mouthguards are a more expensive up-front investment, but they are more comfortable and are gentler on your gums, too. 

Custom-fit mouthguards allow you to breathe comfortably and even talk while they are in. You may need them refitted every year or so, but it is well worth the expense to get something that is kinder to the delicate tissue in your mouth.

Caring for a Mouthguard

To reduce the risk of infection or gum damage, we recommend that people clean their mouthguard between use. Simply rinse it with mouthwash before and after wearing it. 

In addition to the daily cleaning, it’s a good idea to clean the mouthguard with warm soapy water on a regular basis. 

You don’t need to scrub the mouthguard particularly vigorously, because this could actually damage it, creating small scratches where more bacteria could live. Keeping it generally clean, however, is important.

Don’t Neglect Dental Check-Ups

Regular dental health check-ups are a must for everyone, but particularly for people who suffer from bruxism. 

It is important that you wear a mouthguard that properly covers all of your teeth, and that you have regular checkups to ensure that your ‘bite’ is not shifting over time because of an ill-fitted mouthguard. 

We recommend that people get their mouthguards checked regularly, to ensure that they still fit properly and that they are not damaging their gums. We also recommend that people see a hygienist regularly to ensure that their gums are in good health.

When it comes to the health of your teeth and gums, it really is true to say that prevention is better than cure. Getting corrective dental treatment is expensive and can be painful in some cases. 

Taking a few moments a couple of times a year to ensure that everything is OK, and to catch issues early, is a much better option. Are you concerned about the effect of mouthguards on your teeth and gums? If so, then look no further than Gardens Dental.

Gardens Dental offers a full array of advice and dental services in Taylors Lakes to help you and your family maintain healthy teeth. 

To learn more about our services or make an appointment, please contact us today on (03) 9449 2626 or through our website.