Sports MouthguardsA custom-fitted sports mouthguard protects an athlete’s teeth, lips, and tongue from impact far better than a one-size guard off the shelf, and Kaw Valley Family Dental makes custom mouthguards for athletes of all ages in Bonner Springs, KS. A mouthguard works by cushioning and spreading out the force of a blow to the face, so a hit that might otherwise chip, loosen, or knock out a tooth gets absorbed instead. Anyone in a contact or action sport can benefit, from youth leagues through adult rec play. If your goal is protecting against nighttime teeth grinding rather than sports impact, that is a different appliance, and a night guard is what you want instead. Why Athletes Need a Mouthguard Teeth take the brunt of most sports contact, and unlike a broken bone, a knocked-out or fractured adult tooth does not grow back. A mouthguard is the simplest way to lower that risk. It guards the teeth from being chipped, loosened, or knocked out, and it shields the lips, tongue, and cheeks from being cut against the teeth during a fall or collision.Dental research consistently shows that athletes who wear a properly fitted mouthguard are far less likely to suffer a dental injury than those who go without. If a tooth does get knocked out, that is a dental emergency, so call us right away, since acting fast gives the tooth its best chance. The Three Types of MouthguardsNot all mouthguards protect equally. There are three kinds, and the differences come down to fit.
A poorly fitting guard is not just less protective; it can get in the way by crowding your breathing or slipping loose mid-play. That is the real case for a custom guard over a drugstore one. Custom guards cost more than a boil-and-bite, and our Financial and Insurance page lays out coverage and payment. Do Mouthguards Prevent Concussions?This one deserves a straight answer, because a lot of pages online get it wrong. A mouthguard’s proven job is protecting your teeth and the soft tissue in your mouth. The evidence that a mouthguard prevents concussions is mixed and not conclusive. Some studies have found that athletes in custom guards had lower concussion rates than those in over-the-counter guards, while others found no meaningful difference. So we will not tell you a mouthguard stops concussions, and you should be cautious of anyone who does. A mouthguard is not a substitute for a helmet or for your sport’s concussion protocol. Wear it for what it reliably does, guarding your teeth and mouth, and rely on proper headgear and medical guidance for head-injury safety. Mouthguards and Braces If your athlete wears braces or another orthodontic appliance, a custom-fitted mouthguard matters even more. A blow to the face can drive brackets and wires into the lips and cheeks, turning a minor knock into a painful soft-tissue injury. A guard shaped to fit over the hardware cushions that impact and protects both the appliance and the mouth around it.Younger athletes especially benefit here, since their still-growing mouths often need a fresh guard each season, part of the ongoing care we provide for our youngest patients in Dentistry for Kids. Caring for Your MouthguardA mouthguard lasts longer and stays cleaner with a little routine care. Rinse it after every use, brush it gently and let it dry, and store it in a ventilated case so it does not warp or harbor bacteria. Keep it away from hot water and direct sun, which can distort the shape. Replace any guard that gets torn or worn thin, and for kids, plan on replacing it as their teeth and jaws grow, since a guard that no longer fits protects less. Get a Custom MouthguardA custom sports mouthguard is a small step that can save a tooth and a lot of trouble. Call our Bonner Springs office at (913) 441-1600, or set up a fitting through our Request an Appointment page. We will make a guard built for your sport and your mouth, right here in Bonner Springs. |
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