Do you need to protect your smile during high-impact sports? Are over-the-counter options not working for you? If so, we invite you to ask about our sports mouthguards during your next appointment. A custom mouthguard in our Gaithersburg, MD office is a great, affordable, and effective oral appliance that we can incorporate into many treatment plans.
Whether you play one of the many sports that require a mouthguard for participation or you suffer from bruxism and need to protect your smile from the damage of teeth grinding, TotallySmiles is happy to provide you with a custom mouthguard that is tailored to your specific needs. Our mouthguards are part of our general dentistry services to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
Custom Mouthguards in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are experienced general dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. They are here to provide you with all of the dental services you need to achieve and maintain your dream smile. A huge part of your oral health and wellness is ensuring that your dental structures are protected from major dental damage at all times. Sports mouthguards offer a secure barrier that keeps your teeth, gums, and jawbone safe while you play high-impact sports.
Custom Mouthguards for Teeth Grinding
If you suffer from teeth grinding, a custom mouthguard in Gaithersburg, MD, can help you prevent major, unintended dental damages. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common dental concern that many of our patients have. Often, patients do not even realize that they grind their teeth until it results in dental damages like worn-down enamel.
Our doctors look for signs and symptoms of teeth grinding during your preventative care appointments. If we suspect you have been grinding your teeth, we will suggest incorporating a custom mouthguard into your treatment plan to be worn at night. The custom mouthguard will ensure that even if you grind your teeth together while you sleep, no dental damages will occur.
Custom Mouthguards for TMJ Disorders
We can also use mouthguards in TMJ treatment plans. Patients with TMJ disorders experience chronic jaw pain, as well as a variety of other debilitating symptoms.
Some patients may benefit from oral appliance therapy. This therapy uses a custom mouthguard to prevent strain on your jaw joints and facial muscles. If you suffer from TMJ, our doctors will recommend a treatment plan designed specifically around your needs. We will treat your jaw pain at the source.
Custom Mouthguard FAQs
Discover more about custom mouthguards in Gaithersburg, MD, with answers to these common questions:
How should a professional sports mouthguard fit?
A professional sports mouthguard should fit snugly and comfortably in your mouth. It should cover all your upper teeth, from the back to the front. Also, the muthguard should stay in place while you’re moving, even if you’re running, jumping, or talking. It shouldn’t slip around or fall out.
You should close your mouth naturally, and it shouldn’t press on your lips or gums. There should be no spaces between the mouthguard and your teeth. If there are gaps, it means the fit isn’t right, and you might need a new one or adjustments.
Can I get a sports mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes, you can get a custom mouthguard in Gaithersburg, MD, if you have braces. A mouthguard helps prevent cuts on your gums and lips from the braces. They also protect your teeth from getting damaged if you get hit in the mouth. We can customize the mouthguard so it fits properly.
How do custom mouthguards protect your mouth during sports?
Custom mouthguards protect your mouth during sports by fitting perfectly to your teeth and gums. Since they are made specifically for your mouth, they offer the best protection against injury. The mouthguard absorbs impacts, so if you get hit in the mouth, it helps prevent damage to your teeth, gums, and jaw.
Because a custom mouthguard is made just for your mouth, it stays in place better than store-bought ones, making it more comfortable and effective. It can also help prevent knocked-out teeth or broken teeth.
How do I take care of my custom mouthguard?
After you wear your mouthguard, rinse it with warm water to get rid of any saliva or dirt. Use a toothbrush and mild soap to gently clean your mouthguard. Avoid using toothpaste, because it can be too abrasive and could damage it over time.
After cleaning, let your mouthguard air dry completely before putting it back in its case. This helps prevent bacteria from growing. Always keep your mouthguard in a hard case when you’re not using it. This will protect it from getting bent or damaged.
Don’t clean your mouthguard with hot water, as it could lose its shape. Stick to cool or warm water instead.
How often should you replace sports mouthguards?
How often you should replace your sports mouthguard depends on how often you use it and how well you take care of it. If you play sports regularly, replace your mouthguard at the start of each new season. This ensures it’s still in good shape and offers the best protection.
If your mouthguard gets cracked, torn, or doesn’t fit properly, you should replace it immediately. A damaged mouthguard won’t protect your teeth as well. If you don’t play a lot, you can usually keep a mouthguard for about 1-2 years, but you should still check it regularly for wear and tear.
Can adults get custom sports mouthguards?
Yes, adults can get custom sports mouthguards! While mouthguards are often thought of for kids or teens who play sports, adults can benefit from them, too. Whether you play contact sports like football, hockey, or basketball, a custom mouthguard can help protect your teeth from injury.
Schedule An Appointment
Want to learn more about how a custom mouthguard can help you and your smile? Schedule an appointment with TotallySmiles, your family dentist office in Gaithersburg, MD.
If you have questions about treatment, please ask us so we can help. We look forward to seeing you soon.