What is Mouth Protector and How Should It Be Used?
For What Purpose Are Mouth Protectors Used?
Mouth guards consist of a soft plastic material that is placed on the teeth of either of the lower or upper jaws, which the patient himself puts on and removes. It is made to be used to prevent damage to the teeth or other oral tissues in any trauma or early contact.
Who should wear mouth guards?
Mouth guards have several uses. One of them is the use of athletes to prevent damage to teeth and oral tissues as a result of an accident. These types of mouth guards are available from sporting goods stores.
The other part is the mouth guards made by the dentist. Such mouth guards can be applied to the patient for the consolidation treatment of patients who have received orthodontic treatment.
Reinforcement therapy; It is the treatment that is done so that the completed treatment does not come back. The patient should use the plate within the time interval told by the physician
In the form of night plaque, it is made to relieve the pressure on patients who grind their teeth at night (with bruxism) when they clenched their teeth.
In this way, even if the patient clenches his teeth at night, since the mouth guard will absorb the pressure, we will prevent the complaints of wear on the teeth or pain in the jaw joints, and the dentist decides on which jaw these plaques will be applied.
It usually does to the jaw with more teeth. The upper jaw can be preferred so that the tongue is not disturbed in the lower jaw. Since it only covers the teeth, it does not cause any problems on the palate.
What should be considered when using mouth guards?
When using mouth guards, it should not be forgotten that they are personal. If it is used by more than one person, there is a risk of transmission and transmission of infection. It must be cleaned very well.
How should Mouthguards be cleaned and maintained?
After removal, it should be cleaned with a toothbrush, washed with water and dried. It should not be exposed to too much heat, should not stay in a humid environment for a long time, its structure may deteriorate.
It should be stored in special prosthesis boxes. In order not to deform its shape, hard and heavy objects should not be placed on it, it should be prevented from breaking.
Since it is thought that bacteria will accumulate on it over time, it should be renewed after a maximum of 2 years.
Pendik Hospital
Chief Physician Dt. Omer KADIOGLU
