Mouthguard can play an important role in your oral health. Although you go to your check-ups and hygiene visits twice a year you might grind your teeth why you are asleep or might need some support and comfort when doing physical exercises. This is why dental experts developed mouthguards for your help.

What is a mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a flexible appliance made out of plastic that is worn in athletic activities to protect teeth from trauma.

Why should I wear a mouthguard?
To protect your mouth from injuries and grinding. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities and when sleeping. There are more injuries occur to the mouth and jaw occur each year than you might think (appr. 200 000 a year).

Are all mouthguards the same?
Not all mouthguards offer the same grade of protection and comfort. Most shop mouthguards are uncomfortable making breathing and speaking difficult, with the result people often choose not to wear a mouthguard at all.

Do mouthguards prevent injuries?
A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks.

In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?
Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, football, rugby, hockey and martial arts should wear mouthguards while competing.

Why don't kids wear mouthguards?
Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all schools, reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports.

How should I care for a mouthguard?
Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and warm (not hot) water. Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. Keep your mouthguard in the supplied plastic storage box when not in use. Heat is bad for mouthguards, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed car.

For more information or to book an appointment please call us on 0208 870 0030.