Check out the variety of gum shields

While playing sports, we all do wear knee and elbow pads for safety, but very few realize the need to get gum shields for themselves. At many instances like, while playing sports or when a tooth irritates you, you must use a mouth guard. This mouth guard is a protection layering that covers the teeth and gums. When these mouth guards are used while playing sports to diminish the effect of any injury caused to the lip, teeth, gum or arches. Just like a protective gear while playing outdoor sports protects you similarly, these protect the gums.

The use of gum shield

Majorly used while playing maximum sports like hockey, ski, cricket, rugby, boxing, figure skating, etc. where there are chances of great harm being caused to the jaw from injuries. Surprisingly, along with protecting gums and minimizing injury affects, gum shields UK companies also reduce the adverse effects of concussion with their top-quality products. While wearing a gum safety gear, protection cannot be insured unless the wearer is sure of a maker and fit. In case this protective equipment is of wrong fit, it can cause harm and even provides negligible protection to the mouth.

Kinds of gum guards

Gum guards of various kinds are available; they can be bought ready-made but are preferred to be made of customized size. Take a look at these different kinds of personal protection equipment:

• Ready-made:

These are the gum shields that are found stocked up in various shops. They have a general uniform shape and are made of common sizes. They could be taken in case of emergencies but are not preferred since they are not really adjustable and can only be trimmed a little with the help of a knife or pair of scissors.

• Boil and bite type:

These are made of Ethylene-vinyl acetate and are most commonly used by amateurs and new budding sportsmen. They are low in comfort but provide sufficient protection. They are adjustable to a certain extent and found in many standard sizes. On boiling them they get exposed to heat and become a little flexible. After boiling when put in mouth and bit they get molded in shape of the wearer and you can find these products in gum shields Ireland companies of repute. Thus, they are called ‘boil and bite’.

• Custom made:

These gum shields are considered the best, since they provide protection and are comfortable as they are made as per the size and fit of the wearer. The impression of the gums and teeth can be taken in two ways. One is by a dentist where he uses alginate material and second is when an impression kit is used along with dental putty. The impression is then sent to a lab and the gum shield is made accordingly. Custom made mouth guards could be made through pressure lamination or even in a vacuum form. The one made through pressure laminated form provides better fit, more protection and superior comfort.