Physical activities, especially team sports, come with the risk of injury, particularly to the face and teeth. As such, using a mouth guard is an important measure for preventive dentistry. Below are a few ways mouth guards protect your teeth and tongue.

Prevent Tooth & Tongue Injuries

When the jaw is forced closed and teeth hit each other, they can chip, crack, or fall out. When you are wearing a properly fitted mouth guard and using it correctly, it keeps your teeth from striking against each other if you are hit in the face. It also stabilizes the teeth against impacts from other objects. Additionally, the protective material makes it hard or impossible to bite down on your tongue. All this adds up to significantly fewer mouth injuries requiring a dentist’s attention.

Getting the Most from Your Mouth Guard

The best mouth guards are made from resilient material and comfortably fit your mouth. Over-the-counter “boil and bite” mouth guards provide some protection, but they are less comfortable and effective than a custom-fitted option created by a preventive dentistry professional. Once you have your mouth guard, it’s important to wear it whenever you play or practice, and to remove any other dental appliances, like retainers, which may interfere with its function. To keep your guard clean between uses, make sure to rinse it every time and to regularly clean it with toothpaste or soapy water. To allow it to dry thoroughly, store it in a ventilated container. This will help keep it from growing bacteria.

If you need a mouth guard or other preventive dentistry services, visit Main Street Dental in La Crosse, WI. Serving clients throughout the county for over 30 years, they provide compassionate restorative and preventive dentistry services using cutting-edge techniques, and also offer some cosmetic treatments including teeth whitening. To make an appointment, call (608) 784-4063, and visit their website to learn what to expect during your first appointment.