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Protective Prosthetics to Retain Smiles, Speech, And Beauty

by - April 17, 2018

Types of Injuries

The human mouth is a prominent feature of the face, and it needs protection. The internal and external structures have to be kept safe. The lips, cheek, tongue, and teeth are important for smiles, speech, and appearance. Accidents are unpredictable, and sports injuries are too common. The best quality mouthguards used by adults and children are alike. They have to be kept clean and replaced at regular intervals for best service.
mouthguards
Mouthguards
  • Outdoor activities are healthy for the body, mind, and spirit. But the associated risks include falling down and injurious physical contact.
  • Face and mouth are vulnerable as they are the main target of opponents. In contact sports, rules are applied but emotions can run high.
  • Sportsmen from cycling, boxing, football, hockey, etc., have to take extra care. Moreover, helmet, gloves, padding, arm guards, and mouthguards have to be reliable.
  • Cuts, abrasions, and bruises are very common sporting injuries. Bleeding lips, cheeks, and gums is not a pretty sight for anyone.
  • Tongue cuts and injuries to face cause unbearable pain. The player's physical appearance is affected by gashes and tears.
  • Any sort of trauma to the teeth can spoil the smiles and speech. Eating food becomes difficult due to broken, chipped, and knocked out teeth.
  • The jaw bone has many important functions, and injuries to the jaw bones are harmful. A crack or fracture is traumatic and extremely painful.
  • Basketball, skateboarding, riding, cricket, etc., lead to dental wounds. Healing takes time due to moist gums and soft tissue.
  • Those with protruding front teeth and thin lips are very susceptible. Braces are a risk factor, as falling down or getting hit is normal in sports.

Protective Prosthetics

Different Types - These are the prominent prostheses for mouth and jaw protection:
  1. Stock - The off the shelf products that can be worn by anyone. Buyers can get a small, medium, or largely sized guard. It is a cost-effective solution for sporting activities. It may not be very comfortable.
  2. Boil and Bite - These mouthguards have to be boiled to make the lining thin. Then they are bitten to alter the shape. They may not fit perfectly and need frequent or seasonal replacement.
  3. Custom Designed - The dental technician finds the best fit during the consultation. Ideal for sports and children who wear braces. Dental guards are also prescribed for headaches and bruxism (teeth grinding).
Desired Features - The prosthetic devices can protect, heal, and support the teeth. The best mouthguards have these desirable properties –
  • They have to be comfortable yet offer stability and retention.
  • Breathing and swallowing should not be obstructed at any time.
  • Patients do not like guards that hinder normal speech patterns.
  • The devices that cause gagging, itching, and irritation are unpopular.
  • They have to be odourless, tasteless, and thick (minimum of 4 mm).
  • Effective functionality has to be complemented by an aesthetic look.
Oral Hygiene
  • Children and adults have to brush, floss, and gargle on a daily basis. Good quality of mouthwash, toothpaste, and water have to be used.
  • Check the mouth guards’ condition before putting it in the mouth. Damaged prosthetics have to be discontinued and replaced immediately.
  • Visit the clinic regularly and keep the follow-up appointments. Get the guard inspected by the dentist during a checkup.
  • Store it in a plastic box with a sufficient number of holes for air inflow. Do not leave the mouth guard in sunlight, heat or car's dashboard.
  • Rinse in tepid soapy water after every use and air dry for some time. Disinfect at periodic intervals using a mouthwash.
  • Child guards should be replaced after 12 to 16 months. Adults should renew on account of teeth loss or dental treatment.

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