Top 7 Myths About Mouth Guards Debunked

It is common knowledge for those who have been playing sports for a while that safety precautions pay off both on and off the field, court, or mats. Whether you practice martial arts like judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu or full-contact sports such as football or boxing, safety is unquestionably an important consideration. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that athletes who do not wear mouth guards risk suffering damage to their teeth 60 times higher.

Misinformation is easily spread and becomes widely accepted myths. mouth guard use has recently gained some well-deserved favor in several areas. But certain misunderstandings can arise as demand and popularity rise. We are here to dispel the fallacies surrounding mouth guards, which may cause some individuals to be wary of using them in the wrong direction!

What is Mouth Guard?

Dental appliances that protect your teeth are called mouth guards. They are used during sports and to guard teeth from damage caused by teeth grinding. Mouth guards can be custom-made by a dentist or purchased from a retailer.

What Does a Mouth Guard Do?

Mouth guards are advised by dentists for a variety of reasons. One could be necessary in the following cases:

• Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism).
• Engage in contact sports including boxing, football, basketball, hockey, and soccer.
• Engage in high-risk sports that increase your chance of falling, like ice skating, motorcycling, or gymnastics.
• Snore.
• Possess obstructive apnea while sleeping.
• Possess TMJ dysfunction.

Myth #1: Only Athelets Need Mouth Guards

Most individuals believe that only athletes require mouth guards. Even though athletes should wear them to protect their teeth during sports. People who grind their teeth at night (a condition known as bruxism) wear a specific type of mouth guard called a night guard to prevent permanent damage to their teeth and lessen discomfort in the joint that joins their lower jawbone to their face. For protection against dental damage caused by clenching and grinding, most dentists prescribe an individual night guard.

Myth#2: All Mouth Guards Are Same

Mouth guards are of different types according to their use, and all the types have their applications. Among the three primary categories are:

• Custom-Made Mouth Guards: Dentists develop them to be particularly fit to the shape of your mouth. But these are more expensive than the other two kinds and are the most comfortable and protective.
• Bite-and-Boil Mouth Guards: These are semi-custom mouth guards that have to be pressed into shape by the bite once the mouth guard has been boiled in water. They are mid-to-high priced, but they seem to offer good value as far as security is concerned.
• Stock Mouth Guards: These are more common and pre-formed and are not as comfortable or as protective as the custom or boil and bite ones.

Whether you are using a mouth guard for sports or midnight grinding, it is important to select the appropriate model.

Myth #3: Mouth Guards are Uncomfortable to Wear

Some people may not like wearing mouth guards due to the initial discomfort of the devices; however, both the design and the technology have worked to enhance the comfort of the mouth guards. The custom mouth guards are less noticeable as they are made to fit the teeth as well as the gums perfectly. Most people find it easy to use mouth guards once they understand how much protection they offer to their teeth. With consistent use, many users observe a noticeable improvement in comfort.

Myth#4: Mouth Guard Use Is Only Required for High-Impact Sports

A mouth guard is required during high-impact sports, but many low-contact sports are equally injurious to your teeth. People who practice gymnastics, cycling, skateboarding, and other such activities are likely to sustain injuries to the teeth. Indeed, whenever there is a possibility of oral injury during any activity, the ADA (Australian Oral Association) recommends the use of mouth guards.

You can also use mouth guards during those activities where you may accidentally fall and injure your mouth, making it clear that you have to protect your smile while undertaking activities.

Myth#5: Mouth Guard Can Affect Breathing or Communication

Many people avoid using mouth guards because they think they will be uncomfortable and bulky. In this way, customized mouth guards are made with comfort in mind.

Custom mouth guards are made of lightweight, high-quality materials. Since they’re fitted to your unique dental structure, they feel more natural and less heavy.

Myth#6: You Don’t Have to Clean Your Mouth Guard Regularly

Though it is never enjoyable, cleaning is occasionally required! The misconception that your mouth guard does not need to be cleaned every time you use it could be detrimental to your dental health. Your mouth guard has to be cleaned properly and frequently for several reasons. Bacteria can grow on a dirty mouth guard, and nobody wants that! This bacterial buildup may result in some infections or smells. Certain gum disease and tooth infections may become more likely as a result. Your mouth guard should never be the source of your oral issues—rather, it should be the solution. The deterioration of your mouth guard due to infrequent cleaning might also lessen its effectiveness, so you need to replace your mouth guards.

Myth#7: Mout Guards Can’t Be Worn with Braces

It is crucial to use a mouth guard over braces. A mouth guard can shield your braces from hurting your lips or cheeks if you take a blow to the face. Additionally, it also aids in preventing tooth damage. Even with braces on, using a mouth guard can increase comfort and safety when participating in sports. It is an easy method to stay active and protect your mouth at the same time. However, not every mouth guard is made for braces, so make sure you get one that is compatible with braces.

It is enlightening to be informed of these myths about mouth guards, which put you in a good position to improve your dental health. Mouth Guard is commonly recommended for the athlete looking to prevent damage to the teeth, but it can also be recommended to anyone with an interest in protecting their teeth from future harm.

For those thinking of getting a mouth guard, they should consult a dentist to get the most suitable mouth guard for themselves. Myths should not prevent you from safeguarding your smile!

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