Mouthguard

Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports or participating in high-impact activities can reduce your risk of potential dental injuries. The Cuenin Orthodontics team in Danville, California, led by Robert Cuenin, DDS, MS, and Kyle Cuenin, DDS, creates custom mouthguards for athletes and those with an active lifestyle. If you want a mouthguard for dental health protection, call for an appointment or request an appointment online. A friendly staff member will call you back to confirm.

What is a mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a protective device worn over your teeth and gums to prevent injuries to your mouth, teeth, and surrounding structures during sports or recreational activities. It’s typically made of a flexible, durable material that absorbs and disperses impact forces, minimizing the risk of dental trauma.

When should a mouthguard be worn?

A mouthguard should be worn whenever you’re at potential risk of dental or facial injury. It’s commonly used in contact sports, such as:

• Football
• Hockey
• Boxing
• Martial arts

These types of sports can put you in a position of receiving blows to the face, so protection is essential. However, wearing a mouthguard for noncontact sports like basketball, soccer, baseball, and gymnastics can also be beneficial, as accidents or falls can still result in dental injuries.

How is a mouthguard made?

At Cuenin Orthodontics, the process of making a mouthguard typically involves taking an impression of your upper teeth using a putty-like material. The impression is then used to fabricate the mouthguard, which is made from a thermoplastic material. The material is heated and molded to precisely fit your teeth and mouth anatomy.

What are the benefits of wearing a mouthguard?

The many benefits of wearing a mouthguard include:

• Protects against dental and facial injuries
• Helps prevent lacerations or bruising of the lips and cheeks
• Reduces the chances of jaw fractures or concussions
• Reduces the likelihood of tooth fractures, avulsions, or soft tissue damage
• Can prevent treatments, such as tooth restorations or replacements
• Acts as a shock absorber, which protects the jaw from an impactful force
• Reduces the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder and associated jaw pain

Wearing a mouthguard can also enhance your athletic performance. It provides a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to breathe and communicate effectively and maintain optimal oral protection while you play your sport. By reducing the risk of injuries, you can focus on your performance and play with confidence.

If you play a physical activity that puts your oral health at risk, call today to find out if a mouthguard is right for you. You can also request an appointment online, and the office staff will call you back to confirm.