MEDIA AT BRISBANE SMILE Boutique dentists
Different types of Mouth Guards
Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and gums in various situations, like sports or to address teeth grinding. There are three primary types of mouthguards
Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and gums in various situations, like sports or to address teeth grinding. There are three primary types of mouthguards:
1. Stock Mouthguards:
- Description: Pre-formed and ready to wear. Available at most sporting goods stores.
- Pros: Inexpensive, readily available.
- Cons: Bulky, limited sizes, can make breathing and talking difficult, offer minimal protection due to poor fit.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards:
- Description: Made of thermoplastic material. Softened in boiling water and then placed in the mouth to form around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
- Pros: More affordable, better fit than stock mouthguards, relatively easy to obtain and mold.
- Cons: Can become uneven if not fitted correctly, may not offer as much protection as a custom-fitted option.
3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards:
- Description: Made by a dental professional from a mold of your teeth.
- Pros: Superior fit, comfort, and protection. Less bulky, doesn’t interfere with speech or breathing, durable.
- Cons: More expensive, requires a visit to a dental professional.
Why Professional Mouthguards are the Best and Safest Option:
- Custom Fit: They are specifically tailored to fit the exact contours of your teeth and gums, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit. This reduces the risk of the mouthguard being dislodged and provides better protection.
- Maximum Protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection against dental injuries. They absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively than over-the-counter options.
- Material Quality: They are made from high-quality materials under professional supervision, making them more durable and long-lasting.
- Comfort and Ease of Use: Because of the precise fit, they are usually more comfortable to wear and don’t interfere with breathing or speaking, which is crucial during sports or other activities.
- Specialised Design: Dental professionals can design these mouthguards taking into account specific sports or requirements (like braces), offering tailored protection.
- Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness: Though more expensive initially, their durability and effectiveness in preventing dental injuries can make them more cost-effective in the long run.
For individuals engaged in contact sports or those who suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), a professional mouthguard is a worthwhile investment for its superior comfort, fit, and protection.
Different types of mouth guards
Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and gums in various situations, like sports or to address teeth grinding. There are three primary types of mouthguards
Mouthguards are essential for protecting teeth and gums in various situations, like sports or to address teeth grinding. There are three primary types of mouthguards:
1. Stock Mouthguards:
- Description: Pre-formed and ready to wear. Available at most sporting goods stores.
- Pros: Inexpensive, readily available.
- Cons: Bulky, limited sizes, can make breathing and talking difficult, offer minimal protection due to poor fit.
2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards:
- Description: Made of thermoplastic material. Softened in boiling water and then placed in the mouth to form around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
- Pros: More affordable, better fit than stock mouthguards, relatively easy to obtain and mold.
- Cons: Can become uneven if not fitted correctly, may not offer as much protection as a custom-fitted option.
3. Custom-Fitted Mouthguards:
- Description: Made by a dental professional from a mold of your teeth.
- Pros: Superior fit, comfort, and protection. Less bulky, doesn’t interfere with speech or breathing, durable.
- Cons: More expensive, requires a visit to a dental professional.
Why Professional Mouthguards are the Best and Safest Option:
- Custom Fit: They are specifically tailored to fit the exact contours of your teeth and gums, ensuring a snug, comfortable fit. This reduces the risk of the mouthguard being dislodged and provides better protection.
- Maximum Protection: Custom-fitted mouthguards offer the best protection against dental injuries. They absorb and distribute impact forces more effectively than over-the-counter options.
- Material Quality: They are made from high-quality materials under professional supervision, making them more durable and long-lasting.
- Comfort and Ease of Use: Because of the precise fit, they are usually more comfortable to wear and don’t interfere with breathing or speaking, which is crucial during sports or other activities.
- Specialised Design: Dental professionals can design these mouthguards taking into account specific sports or requirements (like braces), offering tailored protection.
- Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness: Though more expensive initially, their durability and effectiveness in preventing dental injuries can make them more cost-effective in the long run.
For individuals engaged in contact sports or those who suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), a professional mouthguard is a worthwhile investment for its superior comfort, fit, and protection.
Is dark chocolate good for your teeth?
Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can have some benefits for both dental and overall health, primarily due to its cocoa content. It's important to differentiate between dark chocolate, which is rich in cocoa, and milk or white chocolate, which have higher sugar and milk contents and fewer cocoa solids
Dark chocolate, when consumed in moderation, can have some benefits for both dental and overall health, primarily due to its cocoa content. It's important to differentiate between dark chocolate, which is rich in cocoa, and milk or white chocolate, which have higher sugar and milk contents and fewer cocoa solids.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Teeth:
1. Theobromine:
- Dark chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which has been shown to help harden tooth enamel. This can make your teeth less susceptible to decay compared to other types of sweets.
2. Lower Sugar Content:
- Compared to milk chocolate, dark chocolate generally contains less sugar. Lower sugar intake is beneficial for dental health as sugar is a primary contributor to tooth decay.
3. Antibacterial Properties:
- Some studies suggest that compounds in dark chocolate might have an antibacterial effect against plaque-forming bacteria.
Benefits of Dark Chocolate for Overall Health:
1. Antioxidants:
- Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Antioxidants can neutralize free radicals, which are harmful compounds that can damage cells and lead to chronic diseases.
2. Heart Health:
- The flavonoids in dark chocolate can help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. They might also help make blood platelets less sticky and able to clot, which reduces the risk of blood clots and stroke.
3. Improved Cognitive Function:
- There is some evidence that the flavonoids in dark chocolate might enhance brain function and improve cognitive performance, especially in older adults.
4. Mood Enhancement:
- Chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create feelings of pleasure. It also contains serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can act as an antidepressant.
However, while dark chocolate has these potential benefits, it's important to consume it in moderation. It still contains calories and fat, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed in large quantities. Additionally, not all dark chocolate is created equal; the benefits are mostly associated with chocolate that has a high percentage of cocoa solids (typically 70% or higher).
When it comes to dental health, good oral hygiene practices are still paramount. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are essential for maintaining healthy teeth, regardless of dark chocolate consumption.
