Mouthguards

mouthguardWhile you’re living your active life, be sure to protect your smile. A mouthguard is essential safety gear whenever you participate in any sport or activity that could lead to dental trauma.

Oral and dental injuries are very common for athletes, and often these injuries can be prevented or reduced with a mouthguard. Mouthguards are designed to absorb and distribute the force of impact on teeth, jaw joints, and jaws. Mouthguards help prevent cuts and lacerations to the gums, lips, inner cheeks, and tongue.

That’s why the American Dental Association recommends wearing a mouthguard for, among other activities, baseball, basketball, boxing, cycling, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, softball, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, and wrestling.

In fact, if you participate in any sport or activity with the potential for collision with hard surfaces, equipment, or other bodies, you should wear a mouthguard. A mouthguard is doubly effective if you wear braces, because in case of impact it protects your braces and also shields the inside of your mouth from contact with brackets and wires.

Choose a mouthguard that provides effective protection, fits comfortably, and allows you to breathe and speak easily. There are three common options available:

  • Stock

Stock appliances can be found at sporting goods stores and drugstores. These are the most affordable option, but, because they are pre-formed, with a narrow range of sizes, they may not give you an ideal fit.

  • Boil-and-Bite

This type of over-the-counter mouthguard generally provides a better fit than a stock guard can. The guard is heated first to soften it, and then, after cooling, the user bites down and molds the mouthguard to the teeth and mouth.

  • Custom

Your dentist can create a mouthguard specifically for you. While they are more expensive, custom mouthguards are the most effective, durable, and comfortable guards available. With less overall thickness and a precise fit, a dentist-fabricated guard makes both talking and breathing easier while you’re exercising.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

A mouthguard can’t protect you unless it’s worn consistently, and it won’t protect you effectively unless it’s cared for properly.

  • Keep Your Mouthguard Clean

If you don’t clean your mouthguard as recommended, plaque, viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other organisms can collect on your guard and in your case, especially when the guard is put away damp. Keep your mouthguard clean, healthy, and odor-free by rinsing it after use and brushing daily with a soft toothbrush. Let it dry before returning your guard to a clean, dry case. Ask your dentist about cleaning tips for your specific mouthguard.

  • Protect Your Mouthguard

When your mouthguard isn’t in your mouth, it should be in its case. Sharp edges on cracked or broken guards can damage soft tissues. Don’t chew your guard because this can break it. Be careful where you leave your mouthguard because hot water, hot surfaces, and sunlight can warp it.

  • Replace Your Mouthguard as Needed

A mouthguard which doesn’t fit properly doesn’t protect properly. If your mouthguard is showing signs of wear, it’s probably time to replace it. If your mouthguard is broken or warped, don’t try to trim or repair it yourself. Your dentist can tell you if your guard is working effectively or needs repair or replacement.

Your smile deserves the best protection you can provide. Talk to your dentist about how a mouthguard can help you enjoy your active life to the fullest.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.