The History of Dentistry
Why Are Mouthguards a Good Idea?
Regina Carlson
Dentists recommend mouthguards for a variety of reasons. If your dental practitioner says that you should wear one at certain times, then it is best to take their advice. Not doing so could lead to long-term problems with both your teeth and gums. Read on to find out why wearing one is likely to be a good idea and the main types of guards that are on offer these days.
1. Sports
Contact sports often mandate the use of mouthguards these days. They are common in rugby, martial sports and any activity which might lead to you accidentally biting your tongue in contact. In addition, mouth protectors will help to prevent teeth from becoming dislodged from the gums if a blow lands on them.
2. Dangerous Activities
There are lots of non-sporting activities where you might need a good-fitting mouth protector. Some people will wear them on roller coaster rides, for example, or when they are engaged in certain industrial work where they might need extra protection. Operating a pneumatic drill, for example, might mean you need to brace yourself against the forces you will be exposed to so a mouthguard will often be beneficial.
3. Braces
Although you are unlikely to cut the soft tissue of your mouth on an orthodontic brace, it can happen. Some people will choose to wear a guard over their brace at times so that their lips and cheeks are fully protected.
4. Grinding
People who grind their teeth, especially those who do so at night when they are asleep, will also benefit from going to bed with a mouth protector. This will prevent excessive wear on the molars and preserve their lifespan.
Three Common Mouth Protectors
Some mouthguards are made to measure and these are generally considered the best. Your dentist will be able to fashion one for you that fits perfectly regardless of anything else you have in your mouth, such as dental braces, for example. The next type of protector is a so-called boil and bite guard. These use a malleable plastic that will bend when it is heated up. Place one in your mouth when it is cool enough and shape it by biting down. It should then retain its form once it has dropped to room temperature. The last type is pre-formed. Although these are the least expensive option they are often ill-fitting and consequently uncomfortable to wear for long.
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Ever since I was a little girl, I have loved stories about the past. Whether the stories were about horses, wars, exploration or even dentistry, I loved to hear them. I find that knowing the history of something helps it to make sense and feel approachable. I know that some people have dental anxiety, and I too have suffered, but I also feel like the more you know about dental work and its history, the easier it is. This blog is dedicated to exploring the history of dentistry – What did ancient people use for fillings? How did early dentists numb their patients? Who was the first dentist? Those are just some of the questions I plan to answer here. Ready? Okay, let's dive into the history of dentistry together!