Gum Shields - Winning Smile Dental & Aesthetic Clinic
What is a Gum Shield?
A gum shield, also known as a mouth guard, is a plastic device made to fit a person’s teeth. It is a piece of protective equipment worn by athletes to prevent damage to the teeth from trauma caused by contact sports.
Gum shields are often mandatory for participation in high-impact sports such as Gaelic football, rugby, hockey, basketball, and others.
Why are gum shields important?
Gum shields (mouth guards) are highly important as they protect the mouth, teeth, jaw, and gums while playing high-impact sports that may involve contact or collisions.
Without gum shields, athletes are vulnerable to serious dental trauma such as broken teeth, lacerations to the mouth, or even jaw fractures. These injuries can be costly in terms of both money and time, and may hinder a person’s involvement in sports or daily life.
Am I suitable to get a mouth guard?
Gum shields (mouth guards) are suitable for everyone. Some people may be able to buy a gum shield in a general shop and mould it at home by following the instructions.
However, others may require a gum shield made specifically to fit their mouth. This can be done by the dentist for greater comfort and protection.
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The treatment process for a gum shields
Taking impressions
- The dentist takes a dental impression of the person’s teeth.
- From this, a mould of the teeth is made.
Creating the gum shield
- A gum shield (mouth guard) is created to fit the mould.
- This process can take a few days to complete.
Collection
- The treatment involves one appointment for the impression.
- The patient returns when the gum shield is ready.
- At this stage, no further dentist appointment is required, and the gum shield can simply be collected.
Questions about Gum Shield
Frequently Asked Questions
How to clean a mouth guard?
Maintaining a clean mouth guard is essential for good oral hygiene. Without proper cleaning, the mouth guard can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which can lead to infections.
After every use, the mouth guard should be rinsed under running water to remove all saliva and bacteria.
Periodically, the mouth guard should be washed by soaking it in cold water with a Milton solution.
If visible residue or dirt remains, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to remove it. This should be a separate toothbrush from the one used to clean your teeth.
How to break in a mouth guard?
The gum shields made by the dentist are custom-made to fit each patient’s mouth and should fit comfortably from the beginning. However, it may take some time for the mouth and gums to adjust to the gum shield.
The patient should wear the gum shield during the sports and exercises for which it is required.
How to use a mouth guard?
Once the gum shield has been made, it is simple to use.
Before engaging in sport, the patient should place the gum shield in their mouth and fit it around their teeth.
The gum shield should remain in place for the duration of the sporting activity.
How much does a mouth guard cost?
Mouth guards can be purchased cheaply in sports shops for around €10. However, these may not fit properly and provide only minimal protection against dental injury during contact sports.
Bespoke mouth guards are custom-made to fit the teeth of each athlete, offering optimal protection while allowing for easier breathing and swallowing.
The price for a bespoke gum shield can range from €80 to €120, depending on the individual case.
How to fix a broken mouth guard?
A broken mouth guard can be frustrating for any athlete.
It is best to replace the mouth guard rather than repair it, as the level of protection decreases if a gum shield is damaged.
Can you choke on a mouth guard?
Choking is a serious concern in many contact sports. Gum shields are commonly used in these sports to protect the mouth against dental injuries.
Patients should be reassured that choking on a gum shield is very unlikely, as the gum shield is larger than the oral cavity.
A properly fitting gum shield is less likely to become dislodged and allows for easier breathing and swallowing. This can reassure patients concerned about choking.