Sports are a great way to have fun and get physical exercise. Participating in sports can also result in unfortunate dental injuries that are painful and expensive to fix. That’s why wearing the proper safety equipment, including an athletic mouthguard, is so important.
Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Trauma to the mouth can happen during sports that may involve contact with other players, equipment, or the ground. This can include football, soccer, hockey, rugby, basketball, baseball, softball, skateboarding, gymnastics, martial arts, racquetball, and more. A cracked tooth, chipped tooth, fractured root, or a knocked-out tooth are common dental emergencies during sports. An “intrusion” is an injury where impact pushes a tooth back into the jawbone. This happens to baby teeth more often than adult teeth.
Some injuries, such as a chip or small crack, may not be obvious at first. If you get hit in the face or fall, watch for symptoms like increased tooth sensitivity or pain when you chew.
How an Athletic Mouthguard Protects Your Teeth
A sports mouthguard acts as a protective barrier between your teeth and anything that might hit you in the face. That includes sports equipment (like balls), elbows, hands, and the ground. Mouthguards also help shield your lips, tongue, and cheeks from lacerations.
There are a few kinds of athletic mouthguards available:
- Stock Mouthguard – come in only a few generic sizes. Although they are better than no protection at all, they usually fit poorly and are not very comfortable.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguard – after being softened in hot water, it is crudely molded to the shape of the teeth using pressure from your tongue and fingers. help to mildly soften the force of impact to the mouth.
- Custom Mouthguard – is created specifically for your smile! While this is more expensive than a store-bought mouthguard, you are paying for superior protection and comfort.
Sports Mouthguards in Fredericksburg, VA
If you play sports, a custom mouthguard can help prevent dental injuries and protect your smile. Our team offers mouthguards as part of our preventive dentistry services. If you have any questions or want to schedule a consultation, please contact us today.
