Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards
Custom Mouthguards for Athletes
A mouthguard is a soft piece of plastic that fits snugly over the upper teeth, providing essential protection for anyone participating in physical activities. Without one, the risk of injuries to the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth significantly increases.
For the best protection, consider a custom-fit mouthguard, which is tailored specifically to the athlete's mouth. At Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove and the surrounding areas, we offer custom-fit mouthguards to ensure optimal safety and comfort. Contact us at (973) 857-0567 to learn why a custom-fit mouthguard is the superior choice.
The risks of not wearing a mouthguard
For over 50 years, the American Dental Association has been recommending the use of properly-fitted mouthguards to reduce the risk of oral injuries while participating in sports. While mouthguards cannot guarantee complete protection from oral injuries, athletes are 60 times more likely to get injured when not wearing one. Hard impacts and flying objects can all pose a serious threat to the teeth and jaw.
A custom-fitted mouthguard, worn over the top teeth, provides protection by cushioning the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue, absorbing shock, and stabilizing the jaw during impact. It is important to consider the various risks associated with not wearing a mouthguard, such as broken or lost teeth, jaw injuries, cuts to the lips and cheeks, and damage to orthodontic appliances.
Broken or Lost Teeth
Teeth, despite their hardness, are vulnerable to breaking. Without a mouthguard while playing sports, teeth are at risk of being hit hard without any protection. This can result in cracked, fractured, or even lost teeth. A damaged tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires immediate attention.
Jaw Injuries
In sports, jaw injuries are a common occurrence. Mouthguards play a crucial role in preventing or minimizing the severity of these injuries by providing cushioning to the jaw and absorbing shock from impacts. Additionally, teeth, which are meant for chewing, can cause harm to the soft tissues of the mouth if left unprotected. By wearing a mouthguard, you can safeguard your mouth against punctures and lacerations.
Damage to Orthodontic Appliances
Braces or other orthodontic appliances require a custom-fit mouthguard from a dentist to provide proper protection. This specialized mouthguard can be made for both the upper and lower teeth, safeguarding them from damage and preventing the metal components from causing harm to the soft tissues of the mouth.
"Strong impacts and objects in motion can lead to serious damage for your teeth and jaw."
The Risks of Store-Bought Alternatives
Not all sports mouthguards are created equally. A custom mouthguard fitted by a dentist provides the most protection, offering a tailored fit for the unique shape of the upper teeth. This level of smile security cannot be matched by a generic mouthguard found at a sporting goods store.
Stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards take the “one size fits all” approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they are often uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear more easily, do not fit correctly, and are made of weaker material, which is not sufficient for contact sports.
Investing in a custom-fit mouthguard also means investing in an athlete’s long-term oral health. The materials used are durable, yet still allow the athlete to breathe and talk with ease. However, using a temporary mouthguard while waiting for a custom one is better than not wearing one at all.
Mouthguards that can be stock, boiled, and bitten provide a universal fit to protect teeth and jaws.
Long-Term Effects of Sports Injuries to Teeth
More than 25% of dental injuries occur during sports activities. While oral-facial injuries are usually not life-threatening, they can be very painful and may require ongoing care as the athlete gets older. It is important to seek immediate treatment after a sports-related tooth injury to prevent long-term oral health issues.
Not wearing a mouthguard significantly increases the risk of serious dental injuries during sports. Mouth hits can lead to tooth loss or the need for a root canal to prevent infection. Missing teeth, replacements, fractures, and cracks will require special attention for the athlete's lifetime. A custom-fitted mouthguard is the best way to protect against these injuries.
As an athlete gets older, an oral-facial injury, while not usually life-threatening, can be very painful and may need extra care.
Enhanced Fit and Stylish Design
Get a custom mouthguard made at our dental office for the most durable and protective option. Our dentist will assess the athlete's needs and customize the mouthguard, including accommodating growing teeth and jaws which generic mouthguards cannot do.
The process involves creating an impression of the teeth, followed by trimming, polishing, and ensuring the proper fit. A well-fitted mouthguard is protective, odorless, tasteless, and has sufficient thickness in key areas.
Each mouthguard is tailored to the individual athlete for comfort and protection. With its quality construction, this mouthguard can withstand the demands of any contact sport. Parents can have peace of mind knowing they have provided their athlete with the best protection for their mouth and teeth.
