A mouthguard is a simple but extremely effective method to protect your teeth and gums. Your mouthguard can prevent potential pain and long-term damage, whether you’re playing sports or grinding your teeth at night. But with so many types, choosing one could be an uphill task. If you are searching for a mouthguard near you, it is first useful to understand the various types and what they are used for. In this way, you will be well prepared to make the most suitable choice for your smile.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Mouthguard
Mouthguards serve to protect the mouth from injuries that may arise from any sort of accident, fall, or even grinding your teeth at night. These are worn by athletes during contact sports such as hockey, football, or boxing. Individuals who grind their teeth, known as bruxism, may wear them to prevent the destruction of their tooth structure, if not jaw pain. This further strengthens the notion that it should be a properly fitting mouthguard according to the specific needs of an individual. That’s why choosing a mouthguard that fits properly and is made for your specific needs is very important. An appropriate mouthguard can protect your teeth and save you from heavy expenses for dental treatments in the future.
The Role of Your Dentist in the Process
There are three main types of mouthguards: stock, boil-and-bite, and custom-made. Stock mouthguards are ready to wear right out of the box, but they usually don’t fit well and may feel bulky. Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a better fit—you soften them in hot water, then bite down so they mould to your teeth. They’re easy to find at pharmacies or sporting goods stores. However, the most comfortable and effective option is a custom mouthguard made by a dentist in Grande Prairie. These are designed to match the exact shape of your teeth, making them more comfortable to wear and better at protecting your mouth from injuries or grinding.
How to Pick a Mouthguard That Fits Your Needs
If you’re unsure about how to select a mouthguard, start by thinking about what you need it for. Do you play a sport where your mouth could be hit, like basketball or soccer? Then, a strong, shock-absorbing mouthguard is most suitable. If you grind your teeth at night, you’ll want one made to wear while sleeping, often called a nightguard. Also, think about comfort. A good mouthguard should fit snugly without being too tight. It should allow you to breathe and speak normally while wearing it. You’ll also want to make sure it’s easy to clean. Most mouthguards just need to be rinsed after each use and stored in a clean, dry case. Some can be brushed with a toothbrush and toothpaste to keep them fresh.
In addition to comfort and use, check how long the mouthguard is likely to last. Some materials wear down faster, especially if you grind your teeth heavily. If your mouthguard starts to feel loose, gets holes, or changes shape, it may be time to replace it. A dentist can check it during your regular check-ups to make sure it’s still working properly.
Keep Your Smile Safe with Bear Creek Dental
At Bear Creek Dental, we believe protecting your smile should be simple and stress-free. Our skilled team of dentists will guide you through the process of finding the right mouthguard based on your daily habits, activities, and comfort. Whether you need a sports guard for the season or a nightguard to stop grinding, we’ll make sure you leave with a mouthguard that fits well and feels right.
Your teeth work hard for you—let us help you protect them. Book an appointment with Bear Creek Dental today to get started on a safer, healthier smile. It’s never too early to take the right step toward protection and peace of mind. Let’s work together to keep your smile strong every day!