Custom Mouthguards

Custom Mouthguards for sports by Dr. Nishan Halim

Dr. Nishan Halim provides custom sports mouthguards to his dental patients in Washington, DC. It’s just one of the many important general dentistry services he provides.

Dr. Halim recommends professional mouthguards for patients who participate in contact sports. Contact sports can include lacrosse, soccer, basketball, football, hockey, and more. Wearing a custom sports mouthguard prevents permanent damage to the teeth and gums.

Over-the-counter mouthguards can feel uncomfortable and bulky since they do not provide a custom fit. Professional custom mouthguards provide comfort and protection. Call 202-543-2020 for a custom sports mouthguard or request an appointment with Dr. Halim online.

Benefits of custom mouthguards

A custom sports mouthguard offers multiple benefits when compared to over-the-counter options:

• Custom and comfortable fit: Dr. Halim uses impressions of your teeth to ensure your mouthguard is custom-made for you. Professional mouthguards are meant to fit snugly over your teeth and gums. Our mouthguards are less bulky than other options and enable you to drink water and speak more clearly with teammates during games.
• Less distracting play: Players may feel the need to clench their jaw to keep their mouthguard in place during a game. With professional custom mouthguards, you can focus your energy on the game.
• Extensive protection: A custom-fit mouthguard not only protects your teeth and gums, but also oral appliances and braces.
• Preventing further issues: If you’re constantly clenching your jaw to keep your mouthguard in, that can lead to further dental issues. Clenching your teeth can cause issues with the jaw joint, like TMJ disorders. The joint can become inflamed, leading to pain and a loss of normal function.

How often should I replace my mouthguard?

Dr. Halim recommends replacing your mouthguard before every sports season. Younger patients may quickly outgrow their mouthguards which is why it is important to replace them every sports season for optimal comfort and protection.

Your mouthguard should fit securely to your teeth without the need to bite the mouthguard or clench the jaw to keep it in place. If your mouth guard does not fit properly, it can fall out.

How do I clean my mouthguard?

It’s important to make sure that you clean your mouthguard regularly. Without cleaning, bacteria builds up on the mouthguard and can make you seriously ill. Every time that you use your mouthguard, you should rinse it off with cool water when you’re done. We recommend that you brush it thoroughly with a toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste as well.

You should also deep clean it at least once a week. Put the mouthguard in a glass with an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash and let it soak for a while. When you aren’t using it, store it in a ventilated case. If the guard constantly stays wet, it encourages bacteria growth. A ventilated case allows it to air dry and also helps you to always know exactly where it is.

Sports mouthguards vs TMJ mouthguards?

Dr. Halim may recommend a mouthguard worn at night to address teeth clenching and grinding, which are common symptoms of TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder. This type of mouthguard repositions the jaw and alleviates muscle tension, jaw pain, and headaches.

A custom sports mouthguard is only meant to be worn for a few hours and not overnight. Mouthguards for TMJ are specially made to correct jaw alignment issues when patients are asleep. You shouldn’t try to wear one mouthguard to protect your teeth for issues it isn’t designed for.

Custom sports mouthguards are made of a soft, slightly bulkier material. It’s designed to absorb shock and protect the teeth from sudden trauma. If you try to wear this guard for teeth grinding, it can actually damage your teeth. The mouthguard would become damaged and wouldn’t be able to do the job it’s designed for anymore.

TMJ mouthguards are made of a harder, thinner material. It doesn’t have to protect your teeth from trauma from a hit, but to adjust your jaw and make sure the teeth don’t grind together. Even with this kind of mouthguard in, you won’t be protected from a severe hit to the mouth.

Schedule an Appointment at Our Washington DC Office

Would a custom mouthguard help you protect your teeth during contact sports? Call us or schedule an appointment online to get a mouthguard that’s the perfect fit for your smile.