Protecting Your Smile with Mouthguards

Protecting Your Smile with Mouthguards

If you participate in sports or other physical activities, it’s wise to consider getting a mouthguard. Also known as mouth protectors, mouthguards are a device worn over the teeth to lessen the impact of a blow to the face.

This reduces the chance that you might lose teeth or sustain other serious oral injuries. We recommend that all patients involved in a contact sport such as wrestling, football, or hockey wear a mouthguard because of the high risk of such injuries.

However, anyone involved in a physically demanding sport or activity should wear a mouthguard as well.

Can you imagine what it would be like to lose a few of your front teeth? The way you talk, eat, and smile would all change. Potential injuries when you don’t wear a mouthguard include chipped and broken teeth, fractured jaws, root damage, damage to crowns and bridgework, concussions, and/or injury to the lips, cheeks, or gums.

Types of Mouthguards

There are three different types of mouthguards — typically made of a soft plastic material or laminate. You can decide which works best for you in terms of budget, fit, and comfort.

  • Stock mouthguards are prefabricated to a standard size. They offer adequate protection, but you need to make sure you find one that fits properly and comfortably. Stock mouthguards are readily available at department stores, sporting goods stores, and online.
  • Boil-and-bite mouthguards are placed in boiling water to soften them, then into the mouth so they can conform to the shape of the teeth. Boil-and-bite mouthguards are more expensive, but offer a more customized fit than stock ones. You can find these in department stores, pharmacies, sporting goods stores, and online.
  • Custom-made mouthguards are created just for you by the doctor. These offer the best fit and comfort of all the options, but they are also the most expensive. Ask a member of our Hartland, Michigan team for more information.

The American Dental Association says a good mouthguard should be easy to clean, fit properly, be comfortable, and resist tearing or damage. It shouldn’t restrict speech or breathing.

Still not sure if you need a mouthguard or which kind is right for you? Ask the doctor or one of our staff members for more information.

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Monday:

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday:

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Wednesday:

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Testimonials

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  • "Yep gentle dental indeed! You guys were awesome! My 3yr old had a wonderful experience. Thanks so much!"
    Stacey Wimbledon
  • "The doctor and staff at Harland Gentle Dental have been a welcome change to my dental experience. They have wonderful technology (where they will show you via camera what the problem issues are in your mouth, if any) and are very kind and through. The office is clean and inviting. I would recommend anyone to visit Dr. Bouhana and team."
    Jennifer Emery
  • "Had a dental issue today so I called Gentle Dental. They got me in same day on a cancelation. I didn’t wait at all. Dallas was my hygienist and she was great. Highly suggest if you’re looking for a friendly office that’s easy to get in and get out."
    Matt Smith
  • "Dr. Bouhana and his staff are nothing short of excellent! Mary at the front desk was understanding, very knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. Dr. Kyle is informative, transparent and he lives up to his practice's name, Gentle. He is great at what he does and I highly recommend him!"
    Andrew Kelley
  • "These guys are amazing!! I had a very bad experience with my previous dentist messing up fillings, so I came here with an emergency. They were able to see me right away and fix all the issues with my teeth. I ended up needing a root canal done on another tooth and I was so scared (it was my first root canal), but they were super helpful and supportive with the whole process, it couldn't have gone smoother! They are an awesome team and the dentist genuinely cares about your teeth! I'm so grateful for them!!"
    Chelsea Augustine
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