Unfortunately, there are many things that can harm and damage your smile. In addition to poor oral hygiene and a high-carbohydrate diet, high-contact sports and activities can also harm your smile. This is because while you are active, hard objects, like a ball, bat, knee, elbow, or helmet, can hit your mouth and cause a severe oral injury. This is why Dr. Marilyn Amaral and our dental team strongly recommend protecting your smile with a mouth guard.
When it comes to selecting a mouth guard, you have many options. There are three different types of mouth guards you can use, like stock mouth guards, boil-and-bite mouth guards, and custom-made mouth guards. The stock mouth guards are ready to wear when you buy them. They are inexpensive and they can be found at most sporting goods stores. The boil-and-bite mouth guards are likely next to the stock guards in the store, and they are made from a thermoplastic material that can be molded. You usually personalize the mouth guard by softening it in boiling water, placing it in your mouth, shaping it with your fingers and tongue, and then letting it cool. Custom-made mouth guards are made by your dentist just for you and your smile. It will help you fully protect your smile because it will properly sit in your mouth.
There are also other people who can benefit from this handy appliance, and those people are the those who are victim of bruxism. Bruxism is the teeth-grinding habit. If you have this habit, it’s important to wear a mouth guard while you sleep. This is because the grinding can break and wear down your teeth.
To learn more about mouth guards in Miami, Florida, or to schedule an appointment regarding a custom-made mouth guard, please call our dental team at Foreversmile Dentistry and schedule an appointment. We will be more than happy to help you protect your smile!