Why Are Mouthguards So Important to Wear While Playing Sports?
Did you know that a staggering 15 million Americans sustain dental trauma, and more than 5 million teeth are lost every year as a result of sports-related injuries? That is why your trusted team at Afton Dental recommends wearing sports mouthguards custom-made for you right here at our Concord, NC office. We are all about prevention rather than treating dental injuries after they occur!
What Are the Most Common Sports-Related Dental Injuries?
Sports-related dental injuries include dislodged, knocked-out, chipped, and fractured teeth, as well as fractured tooth roots and temporomandibular joint dislocation. Many athletes sustain soft tissue injuries, such as trauma to the lips, tongue, or the inside of the mouth.
The Importance of Sports Mouthguards
Sports mouthguards are protective oral appliances that cover the top row of your teeth to prevent oral injury due to accidental trauma to the face. They are made of a material designed to cushion blows and absorb the force of sudden impact. Sports mouthguards protect the teeth, lips, tongue, and gums and prevent damage to orthodontic appliances.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), wearing mouthguards during sports activities prevents more than 200,000 oral injuries each year. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation (NYSSF) estimates that athletes without protective sports mouthguards are 60 times more likely to sustain injuries while competing, with many developing long-term dental problems.
Who Should Wear a Sports Mouthguard?
Consider sports mouthguards an essential piece of athletic equipment if you or a loved one participates in sports that involve body contact, falls, or flying equipment. That is true for team sports such as football, basketball, and baseball or activities that result in oral injuries such as skateboarding, gymnastics, and mountain biking.
Choosing the Right Sports Mouthguard
There are several sports mouthguard options available for purchase at sporting goods stores. Stock or pre-made sports mouthguards are ready to wear. However, they usually don’t fit well, reducing their effectiveness, and are often too bulky, which may interfere with breathing and talking. Boil and bite mouthguards are a little better. They require boiling then biting into the warm plastic for a more customized fit.
For the best fit, comfort, and protection, consider wearing a sports mouthguard custom-made at a dentist’s office. The procedure involves taking an impression of your mouth to cast a mold used to create your sports mouthguard.
Custom Sports Mouthguards Near Me
Contact Afton Dental in Concord, NC, to learn more about protecting your smile with the help of a custom-made sports mouthguard. We are all about safeguarding your oral health for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!