Mouthguards are an essential piece of equipment for any athlete playing a contact sport. Mouthguards are responsible for cushioning a hit to the face, which helps lower the risk of injuring the teeth, jaw, tongue or lips. In addition, mouthguards can also reduce the risk of concussions.
There are three main types of mouthguard; custom, boil and bite, and stock. Although boil and bite and stock mouthguard offer some protection, they do not fit each individuals’ mouth well and often make it difficult to breath and talk. Consequently, they do not provide the same level of protection as a custom mouthguard. A study published in General Dentistry, a journal created by the AGD found that high school football players wearing store-bought, over-the-counter mouthguards were more than twice as likely to suffer mild traumatic brain injuries/concussions than those wearing custom-made, properly fitted mouthguards. Oleynik Dental creates custom-made mouthguards that provide great protection, while still being comfortable to the athlete.
Mouthguard Care
In order to prolong the life of your mouthguard, it is important to clean it regularly with a toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition, it is important to store your mouthguard in a clean, dry environment. Keep your mouthguard away from pets and store in the given protective case provided by Oleynik Dental. Additionally, refrain from leaving your mouthguard in a hot environment or in direct contact with the sun. This can misshape the mouthguard and cause it to not fit properly.
Oleynik Dental can make a new mouthguard if significant wear occurs or the mouthguard no longer fits the individual properly. Call (203) 924-4731 or visit our Contact Us page for more information.