If you or your child plays contact sports, you’ll want to reduce your chances of getting hurt by wearing the appropriate gear for your sport. While it’s always good to wear padding and helmets, you shouldn’t forget to wear a custom-made sports mouth guard in Ladysmith, WI. Without it, you’ll run the risk of suffering the pain and inconvenience of a dental injury. 

Facts About Sports Mouth Guards You Need To Know

You Can Wear a Mouth Guard With Braces

You’ll have to wear a customized vacuum-formed or pressure laminate mouth guard if you have braces. If you’re wearing a mouth guard that’s too tight, your braces won’t move your teeth into optimal alignment. Conversely, wearing a loose mouth guard may cause you to suffer tooth and orthodontic damage if the mouth guard snags on your braces during impact. 

Most People Only Need a Mouth Guard for Their Top Teeth 

In most cases, people are only required to wear a mouth guard over their top teeth. However, the dentist will also provide you with a mouth guard for your lower teeth if you wear braces or some other type of fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw.  

Mouth Guards Have To Be Replaced Every Six Months

Whether you like it or not, your mouth guard won’t last forever. Over time, its material will no longer be thick enough to protect your teeth. Athletes who don’t replace their mouth guards every six months increase their risk of dental trauma from strong blows. 

Bacteria Love To Live in Unwashed Mouth Guards

Unless you’re willing to allow harmful bacteria to take up residence in the nooks and crannies of your mouth guard, be sure to wash it after every use. Just use a toothbrush to scrub it out and rinse it with cold water before you store it in a dry ventilated container.  

Do You Need a Sports Mouth Guard in Ladysmith, WI?

At Northwoods Dentistry, we’re invested in the safety and well-being of our patients. If you want to experience the highest quality care in a comfortable environment, schedule your appointment with us today.