Sports Guard Our teeth are an incredibly important aspect of our overall health. As active individuals, the desire for sport and competition drives us to achieve physical heights and extremes that carry equally heightened risk. Much like protection for your bones and organs with pads, or your skull with helmets, teeth are just as equally important to protect. According to the National Institute of Health, over five million teeth are injured or knocked out annually, leading to almost a half-billion dollars being spent repairing or treating the damages incurred. At Viva Smiles Family Dental we firmly believe that one of the simplest ways to save money, but more importantly preserve your health, is by using a mouthguard for sports. Why are Mouthguards Important, and Who Needs Them?Mouthguards protect your teeth from incurring any damage. With sports, there is an increased risk in collision with another person or object that could result in tooth damage. In order to understand why mouthguards are worthwhile and affordable preventative care options for your dental health, you must understand what it actually is protecting against. There are three major types of tooth damage that are found commonly due to sports activities. The main types of tooth damage are fractures, avulsions, and luxations. Fractures are cracks or chips on a tooth. They can exist on the surface or extend down into the roots of the teeth. Avulsions occur when any teeth get knocked out, root and all. Finally, luxations are forced malalignments that leave a dislocated tooth. To help prevent these issues, sports mouthguards are essential. Mouthguards are wearable devices that protect teeth from blows to the head. They are typically formed out of soft and malleable plastics. Mouthguards work by cushioning the teeth during any hit or damage they may receive. By cushioning the blow, teeth are not hit directly, and teeth do not collide into each other. Typically covering the upper set of teeth, mouthguards are important because they mitigate risk for damage that would otherwise be painful and costly. Types of MouthguardsThere are three major types of mouthguards: readymade, boil and bite, and custom-made mouthguards. Readymade (or "stock") guards are affordable but often fit poorly. In turn, they can affect speaking, breathing, or talking. Boil and bite mouthguards fit slightly better, as it is warmed plastic, partially customized by your bite. Finally, custom-made mouthguards are the best fitting and are made by our dental specialists. They are modeled over an impression of your unique mouth and bite. Furthermore, we are able to make them thinner than its more cumbersome counterparts. Electing to use a mouthguard for sports is a wise decision for protecting your teeth and jaw from any hits it could possibly receive during any bouts of camaraderie or competition. Choosing a proper mouth guard is not easy to do, as price and comfort vary widely. Fortunately, our specialists can aid in that process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding protecting your teeth during participation in a sport, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Viva Smiles Family Dental or by phone at today. |
