A mouthguard is a protective dental device that covers your gums and teeth in order to reduce and prevent injury. This device is most commonly used to treat bruxism, or TMD, and to prevent dental injury during contact sports. It can also be used as a component of specific dental procedures such as tooth whitening. Depending on the application, it's called a mouthpiece, gumshield, gum guard, mouth protector, bite plane, bite splint, occlusal splint, or nightguard.
This research has significant implications for providing emergency dental care to athletes and the need for improved dental injury prevention measures to avoid potentially disfiguring and costly dental injuries in athletes.
Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?
Anyone who participates in contact sports such as boxing, soccer, football, basketball, field hockey, ice hockey, and lacrosse should wear mouthpieces or guards, both adults and children. Even people who participate in non-contact sports such as gymnastics and recreational activities such as mountain biking or skateboarding would benefit greatly from wearing a mouth guard. A bite splint or a nocturnal bite plate can be used by children and adults who grind their teeth at night to prevent tooth damage.
What is the difference between an emergency dentist and a regular dentist?
An emergency dentist, as the name implies, is a dental professional who is readily available in the event that your teeth are knocked out in an accident at two a.m. or if your dental crown needs to be replaced right away. Even if it is late at night, an emergency dentist can take care of your persistent toothaches.
An emergency dental practitioner is well-trained to deal with a variety of dental issues, particularly if the pain has become unbearable. Emergency dental care is not always available from a family dentist. You'll need the help of an emergency dentist to avoid further damage and to alleviate the pain.
When Do You Require the Services of an Emergency Dentist?
If you've had toothaches for several days, you should make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. The following are some of the most common dental issues that may necessitate immediate medical attention.
Toothache
Call a dentist to get the correct information before applying anything or taking any pain medications. Give a thorough description of your issue, and then set up a consultation as soon as possible. Heat should not be applied to your jaw or anywhere near the problem area because it will aggravate your condition.
The Lips and Tongue of Bitterness
If your child's lips have been bitten, an emergency dental professional can take care of his or her needs right away. If your child or a member of your family has bitten his or her lips and there is a lot of bleeding, go to the nearest emergency dental clinic or hospital in your area. Apply a cold compress to the affected area with a clean cloth and seek medical help as soon as possible.
Teeth are knocked out and fractured.
Patients with fractured teeth should thoroughly clean their mouths with warm water, according to dental experts. Use dental floss to clean between the teeth if there are any food particles stuck there. When you have teeth that have been fractured or knocked out, you should avoid taking aspirin.
What Are My Alternatives?
In general, there are three major types from which to choose:
Mouthguards in stock:
These have already been performed and are ready to be won. They are inexpensive and can be found in most department and sporting goods stores.
Boiling water and bite guards:
They're also available at most sporting goods shops. When compared to the stock mouth protectors, they may provide a better fit.
Protectors that are tailored to your needs:
These are made in a professional laboratory according to your dentist's instructions and are custom designed for you. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and then mold a mouthpiece or guard out of a special material. This individually-made mouth protector is more expensive than the other types due to the special material used and the additional work and time required, but it provides the most protection and comfort.
Conclusion
If you want to be sure, call your dentist and ask if he or she is available for emergency cases. You should be able to find a reputable emergency dentist in your area.
Your dentist will be able to suggest the best device for you. A good mouth guard should be long-lasting, comfortable, easy to clean, tear-resistant, and not restrict your speech or breathing in any way.
