The mouthguard is also known as mouth protector. It covers teeth and gums and protects them from Dental Injuries.
What are the Functions of Mouth Protector?
- They hold soft tissues of the lips and cheeks away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks against the hard and irregular teeth during impact.
- They cushion the teeth from direct frontal blows and redistribute force that would otherwise have caused the fracture or avulsion or dislocation of anterior teeth.
- They prevent opposing teeth from coming into violent contact reducing the risk of tooth fracture and damage to supporting structure.
- They provide the mandible with resilient support, which absorbs the impact that might fracture the unsupported angle or condyle of the mandible.
- They are psychological assets for contact sports athletes.
What are the Types?
- Stock
- Mouth-formed
- Custom-made (most satisfactory in terms of acceptability and comfort)
What are the Indications of the mouthguard?
- It should be used by anyone during sports such as football, boxing, hockey, basketball, lacrosse etc.
- In bruxism, it’s used to prevent tooth attrition.
- It’s used as a splint in TM-joint disorders.
- In dentistry, it's used in many works.
How to Take Care of Mouthguard?
- These should be washed with soap and water immediately after use.
- These should be dried thoroughly and stored in a perforated box.
- Rinse in a mouthwash or mild antiseptic immediately before use again.
What is the Life of Mouthguard?
A mouth protector constructed for a child in the mixed dentition may need to be renewed once a year. Once the occlusion is established if well looked after should not last for two and three years.