Do you like to participate in sports during your free time? That’s great for both your mental and physical health. However, doing so can increase your risk of experiencing a dental injury. But this does not mean that you should shy away from sports out of fear. That’s why mouthguards are available from your dentist. An emergency dentist in West Mobile recommends that you wear one when playing many different sports. Read on to learn how mouthguards can keep you safe while keeping you in the game.
How Common Are Sports-Related Dental Injuries?
It is estimated that approximately 36% of injuries to children and adolescents are a result of playing sports. Out of those, anywhere from 10-20% are dental injuries according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The National Youth Sports Foundation reports that an athlete is about 60 times more likely to end up with damage to the teeth when they are not wearing a protective mouthguard. Ultimately, if you aren’t protecting your smile, you could easily end up with a dental emergency on your hands.
When Should You Wear a Mouthguard?
The good news is that dental injuries can usually be easily prevented with the use of a mouthguard. The American Dental Association recommends that people should wear mouthguards when playing any of the following sports (and many more):
- Basketball
- Boxing
- Football
- Martial Arts
- Baseball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Lacrosse
- Skateboarding
What Types of Mouthguards Are Out There?
There are three main types of mouthguards you can get, and they aren’t all equal:
- Stock Mouthguards: This is the most widely available and affordable type of mouthguard out there. They come in different sizes and usually only fit over your top teeth. However, due to their limited size options, they can be uncomfortable, and don’t usually offer a tight, protective fit.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: You can find this type of mouthguard at drugstores, and they are also relatively inexpensive. The mouthguard must be boiled until it becomes soft, and then you bite down on it to form the shape.
- Custom Mouthguards: The best option when it comes to mouthguards is to have a custom one made by your dentist. They provide a much better fit than both stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards. This makes them more comfortable and harder to accidentally dislodge.
Instead of leaving the wellbeing of your smile up to fate, ask your dentist about a custom mouthguards. This way, you can protect your teeth when you’ve got your head in the game!
About the Author
Dr. Hube Parker is an experienced dentist who has been practicing in Mobile for over 25 years. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Dental Association and the Academy of Sports Dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Parker is proud to be one of only a few hundred dentists worldwide to become a certified team dentist, enabling him to serve various area sports teams as well as volunteer for the U.S. Olympic team. For more information on custom-fit mouthguards or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (251) 634-2341.