Sports Guard It is important that you wear a mouthguard when you play sports in order to protect yourself from injuries. Not only will it protect your teeth, it will also prevent split lips, injured tongues, or any other mouth damage from occurring. The rate of dental injuries, including missing teeth and root fractures, can be reduced by 39% if mouthguards are worn by all athletes. So, it's very important that you use your mouthguard to protect you from unwanted injury. Here at our Kaw Valley Family Dental clinic, our experts will provide you with a custom-made mouthguard.How does a mouthguard help or protect you?A mouthguard is a device that protects your teeth and mouth. A mouthguard should be worn if you play sports where there's a lot of action. Typically, there are three types of mouthguards. The first is the stock guard. This guard comes ready to wear. It's usually not a good fit, as it is one-size-fits-all. With a boil-and-bite guard, you boil it in water, put it in your mouth, and bite down on it until it takes the shape of your teeth. This type of guard fits better than a stock mouthguard, but it still has some problems. It can bunch up at the back of your mouth or on the sides. It can make breathing difficult. Some athletes don't like its rubbery taste. The most preferred type of mouthguard is a custom-made guard. The dentist takes an impression of your teeth and has the lab make a guard from that impression. A custom-made guard will feel the most comfortable and protect your teeth the best. What are the benefits of using a mouthguard while playing sports?The primary benefit of using a mouthguard while playing contact sports (such as football, hockey, lacrosse, rugby, and basketball) is their ability to protect the teeth from impact. A blow to the mouth could knock out teeth or damage the soft tissue within the mouth or tongue. The use of a mouthguard prevents this from happening by acting as a cushion for the teeth and absorbing some of the impact. Another benefit of wearing a mouthguard is that it protects against concussions caused by blows to the head, which can be particularly dangerous. The American Dental Association has stated that athletes who wear properly fitted mouthguards reduce the risk of concussion and jaw fractures. A third benefit is that they can prevent injuries to the soft tissue inside the mouth. What is the right kind of mouthguard to Use?Mouthguards help prevent sports-related dental injuries. Not all mouthguards are created equal, so it's important to know what to look for. Your mouthguard should be comfortable, durable, tear resistant, odorless, tasteless and not restrict your speech or breathing. You should look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval because it means the product has been tested and meets certain standards. An ill-fitting mouthguard can actually increase the risk of injury by interfering with your ability to breath or speak. If you wear braces or other orthodontic appliances, it is highly suggested to have a custom-fitted mouthguard made by your dentist. Book an appointment today!If you are interested in a custom-made mouthguard, make a point to visit us at Kaw Valley Family Dental or call us through 913-441-3373. |
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