The Importance of Sports Guard Dental Protection
According to the American Dental Association, about a third of dental emergencies are related to sports. When high speeds, flying projectiles, and spirited players come together, it can be a nightmare for your teeth. A sports guard dental can protect your teeth from injury, whether you’re a professional athlete or just playing for fun.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Wearing a sports guard dental significantly reduces the risk of dental emergencies. It acts as a barrier between your teeth and any external force, preventing injuries like knocked-out teeth, fractures, and other traumatic dental issues.
Reducing the Risk of Severe Injuries
A sports guard dental not only protects your teeth but also reduces the risk of severe injuries to your jaw and soft tissues. By cushioning the impact, it helps in minimizing the force that can cause serious damage.
Protecting Your Investment in Dental Health
Dental treatments can be expensive. By using a sports guard dental, you are protecting your investment in dental health. It helps in avoiding costly dental procedures that may arise from sports-related injuries.
Do your part to keep your smile looking great. To be sure you have a mouthguard that is perfect for your teeth and the sports you play, talk to your dental care provider.
How Sports Guard Dental Works
Wearing a sports mouth guard might feel bulky at times, but it’s much more preferable to dealing with a dental emergency, like a knocked-out tooth, in the middle of a game. Here’s how a sports mouth guard functions and why having one is beneficial.
Cushioning Impact
A sports guard dental works by cushioning the impact that can occur during sports activities. This cushioning effect helps to distribute the force of a blow evenly across your teeth and gums, reducing the risk of injury.
Preventing Tooth Fractures
By absorbing and dispersing the energy from a hit, a sports guard can prevent tooth fractures. This is particularly important in high-contact sports where the risk of getting hit in the face is higher.
Reducing Soft Tissue Injuries
A well-fitted sports guard also helps in reducing soft tissue injuries. It acts as a barrier between your teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your cheeks, lips, and tongue, preventing cuts and bruises.
A custom-fit sports guard offers the best protection as it is tailored to fit the unique shape of your teeth and gums, providing optimal comfort and effectiveness.
Custom-Fit vs. Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards
Benefits of Custom-Fit Guards
Custom-fitted mouth guards offer the best protection and can be fully customized, providing athletes with an optimal fit, adaptability, and safety. They are designed specifically for your teeth using digital impressions, ensuring the most comfortable fit. Other advantages include:
- Properly fitted to the wearer’s mouth and adapted to individual oral structures
- Made of resilient material approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Able to stay in place comfortably and securely
- Physiologically compatible with the wearer
- Easy to clean
- High-impact energy absorber to reduce or limit forces upon impact
Drawbacks of Over-the-Counter Options
While store-bought mouth guards are tempting due to their cheaper prices, they might not always last as long or fit quite as well as you’d like. This is because they’re made for the mass market and not specifically for you. Stock mouth guards, for example, are a one-shape-fits-all device. They are the cheapest option but don’t offer a comfortable fit or a high level of protection. They require the mouth to be closed to remain in place and need frequent repositioning during sporting activities.
Choosing the Right Guard for You
When it comes to choosing a sports mouth guard, one important decision athletes face is whether to go for a custom-made mouth guard from a dentist or opt for a stock mouth guard available off the shelf. Boil-and-bite mouth guards are a good middle-ground between stock mouth guards and custom-made in terms of cost and function. They are named after the process used to mold them. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific needs, budget, and the level of protection you require.
Sports That Require Mouth Guards
Contact Sports
Athletes who play contact sports are at a high risk of dental injuries such as knocked-out teeth, loose teeth, and broken teeth. Contact sports include football, boxing, and hockey. These sports involve significant physical contact and high speeds, making mouth guards essential for protecting your smile.
Non-Contact Sports
While contact sports are the most obvious candidates for mouth guards, non-contact sports can also pose risks to dental health. Sports like gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, wrestling, and basketball can benefit from the use of mouth guards. These activities may not involve direct physical contact, but they still carry the risk of falls and accidental impacts.
Extreme Sports
Extreme sports, such as skateboarding, mountain biking, and other high-adrenaline activities, also necessitate the use of mouth guards. These sports often involve high speeds and the potential for falls, making dental protection crucial.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or just playing for fun, wearing a mouth guard can significantly reduce the risk of dental injuries. Protect your smile and enjoy your favorite sports with peace of mind.
Common Dental Injuries in Sports
Sports activities, especially contact sports, can lead to various dental injuries. Every year, approximately 15 million Americans experience some type of sports-related dental injury. These injuries can range from minor to severe, affecting not only the teeth but also the soft tissues of the mouth.
Knocked-Out Teeth
One of the most severe dental injuries in sports is having a tooth knocked out. This can happen due to a direct blow to the face or a fall. If a tooth is knocked out, it is crucial to act quickly. If the tooth is clean, try to place it back into the socket yourself and seek immediate dental care.
Fractured Teeth
Fractured teeth are another common injury. This can occur from a direct impact or biting down on something hard. Fractures can range from minor chips to severe breaks that expose the tooth’s nerve.
Soft Tissue Damage
Soft tissue injuries include cuts, bruises, and lacerations to the lips, gums, and cheeks. These injuries can be painful and may require stitches or other medical treatment.
Protecting your smile during sports is essential. Using a sports guard dental can significantly reduce the risk of these common injuries.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Sports Guard Dental
Proper maintenance and care of your sports guard dental are essential to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Do your part to keep your smile looking great by following these simple steps.
Cleaning Tips
- Clean your mouthguard before and after each use. Your mouthguard will collect bacteria due to thriving in the mouth’s moist environment. The bacteria can cause you to get sick, as well as cause damage to your teeth.
- Keep your sports guard clean by gently brushing it with a toothbrush.
- Store it in a ventilated case. If you don’t have a case designed for your guard, talk to your Progressive Dental Concepts tech about getting one.
Storage Solutions
- Always store your mouthguard in a sturdy, ventilated case to prevent damage and bacterial growth.
- Avoid exposing your mouthguard to extreme temperatures, as this can cause it to warp and lose its shape.
- Keep it out of reach of pets, as they may chew on it.
When to Replace Your Mouth Guard
- Replace your mouthguard if it shows signs of wear and tear, such as holes or tears.
- If your mouthguard becomes uncomfortable or does not fit properly, it’s time for a new one.
- Regularly check with the best dentist in Brantford to ensure your mouthguard is still providing optimal protection.
Regular maintenance and proper care of your sports guard dental can significantly extend its lifespan and effectiveness. For the best results, consider professional dental cleaning services to keep your mouthguard in top condition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting your smile with a sports guard is essential for anyone participating in sports, whether professionally or recreationally. The statistics and expert opinions highlight the significant risk of dental injuries associated with sports activities. By investing in a custom-fit sports mouth guard, you can prevent severe injuries and ensure that your teeth remain intact and healthy. Don’t wait for a dental emergency to take action—equip yourself with a sports guard and play with confidence, knowing that your smile is well-protected.
