An athletic mouthguard is an essential piece of safety equipment for any athlete. Whether participating in competitive or recreational sports, having the right mouthguard can significantly protect your oral health.
Contact sports like hockey and football pose risks, including lost teeth, jaw fractures, and cuts to the gums. A high-quality mouthguard not only safeguards your teeth but also protects the soft tissues around your mouth. In the event of an impact, a well-designed mouthguard can reduce the risk of jaw fractures by absorbing and dispersing the force of the blow.
When it comes to choosing an athletic mouthguard, there are several options available:
Custom-made mouthguards are tailored specifically to your mouth using precise molds or scans. Created by our dentists, these guards are designed for your unique dental anatomy and the demands of your sport, offering the best fit, maximum comfort, and superior protection without interfering with speech or breathing.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards come in a few general sizes and require heating in warm water before molding to your teeth. They provide a more personalized fit than stock guards, though they may feel bulkier and less comfortable and might affect speech and breathing.
Ready-made mouthguards are a one-size-fits-all solution, often the least comfortable. Due to their bulkiness and less precise fit, they provide the least protection and can be cumbersome during physical activity.
While both athletic mouthguards and night guards protect your teeth, they serve different purposes. Athletic guards extend higher to cover your gums and soft tissues for comprehensive protection against impacts. In contrast, night guards are typically shorter to avoid prolonged pressure on your gums and are intended for managing teeth clenching and grinding.
Choosing the right mouthguard is crucial for ensuring your safety and comfort during sports. At Merrimack Smiles, we’re here to help you select and fit the perfect mouthguard for your needs. We proudly make customized solutions for patients in Merrimack, NH and surrounding communities. Contact us today to reserve your appointment and protect your smile on the field!
Doctors Mark S. Morris, Julia F. Kapala, and Catherine G. Cagino redefine dental care with personalized, compassionate service. Our approach is rooted in patient-partnered decision-making, taking the time to understand our patient’s unique needs and concerns. Our practice thrives on open communication and transparency, ensuring every person receives the dignity and respect they deserve. By empowering our patients with education and helping them understand their dental health and available options, we ensure they feel informed and confident in their care decisions. As the only B Corp-certified dental office in Northern New England, we dedicate ourselves to the health and betterment of our community. We conduct business with a focus on people and place, implementing best practices in governance and sustainability to create positive impacts that extend beyond our practice’s doors. At Merrimack Smiles, we treat more than teeth; we care for people, creating an environment where you feel heard, respected, and valued.
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