Custom Sports Mouth Guards in Ottawa

What Are Sports Mouth Guards?

A custom-fit sports mouth guard is a specialized oral appliance designed to protect your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from injury during physical activities. It acts as a shock absorber, cushioning blows and distributing impact forces more evenly across your dental arches. This crucial piece of safety equipment helps prevent chipped or knocked-out teeth, soft tissue lacerations, and even jaw fractures, allowing you to focus on your game with greater peace of mind.

Who Needs a Sports Mouth Guard?

Dental injuries can occur in a wide range of sports, not just those with direct contact. We recommend a mouth guard for anyone participating in activities where there’s a risk of impact to the face or mouth. This includes popular contact sports like hockey, basketball, soccer, and football, as well as non-contact activities such as gymnastics, skateboarding, and cycling. Both children and adults can benefit significantly from this added layer of protection, helping to preserve their natural smiles.

Types of Mouth Guards: Custom vs. Store-Bought

When considering a mouth guard, you generally have a few options. Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and offer a basic level of protection, but their loose fit can be uncomfortable and may interfere with breathing or speaking. Boil-and-bite mouth guards offer a slightly better fit as they can be softened in hot water and molded to your teeth, but they still often lack the precision and retention of a professional guard.

In contrast, a custom-fitted mouth guard provided by your dentist offers the highest level of protection, comfort, and durability. These guards are precisely molded to the unique contours of your teeth and mouth, ensuring a snug fit that stays in place without hindering your performance. This superior fit translates to better shock absorption and a more comfortable experience during play.

The Custom-Fit Process

Getting a custom-fit mouth guard at 7Dental Central Park is a straightforward and comfortable process. It typically begins with an initial consultation where we discuss your sport and specific needs. Next, we will take comfortable, accurate impressions of your teeth, which serve as the blueprint for your personalized guard. These impressions are then sent to a dental lab where your custom mouth guard is crafted. Once it’s ready, you’ll return for a final fitting to ensure it feels just right and provides optimal protection.

Caring For Your Mouth Guard

Proper care of your sports mouth guard is essential to maintain its effectiveness and longevity. After each use, rinse your mouth guard thoroughly with cold water or an antiseptic mouthwash. You can also clean it gently with a toothbrush and mild soap, avoiding abrasive cleaners that could damage the material. Store your mouth guard in a sturdy, ventilated case when not in use to protect it from damage and prevent bacterial growth. Regularly check your mouth guard for any signs of wear, tears, or changes in fit, and let us know if you have any concerns.