Participating in sports is an excellent way to stay active and healthy, but it can also pose a threat to your teeth. From contact sports like football and rugby to individual activities such as skateboarding or gymnastics, the risk of oral injury is always present. Fortunately, wearing a sports mouthguard can significantly reduce this risk and help safeguard your beautiful smile.
As more people get involved in organized and recreational sports, the number of sports-related injuries has also increased. According to recent estimates from the American Dental Association, 10-20% of all sports-related injuries are maxillofacial injuries. These can include broken teeth, damaged jaws, and injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and jaw.
Despite these statistics, there's good news. Wearing an appropriate sports mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of oral injury and the associated damage. It's estimated mouthguards prevent close to 200,000 oral injuries each year.
A well-fitted sports mouthguard is designed to cushion and protect your teeth and surrounding tissues. By minimizing the chances of a blow to the face resulting in broken teeth, it also helps prevent accompanying injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and jaw. Some research even suggests that wearing a mouthguard may lessen the force of impact transmitted to the brain.
Wearing a sports mouthguard is essential for athletes participating in contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, boxing, and martial arts. But it's also beneficial for those involved in non-contact activities with a high risk of falling or getting hit by an object, such as skateboarding, skiing, gymnastics, shot-putting, skydiving, surfing, and weightlifting.
Today, various types of mouthguards are available, each offering a different level of protection. In all cases, it's wise to consult with our office before selecting one. Stock mouthguards, which come pre-formed and ready to wear, provide basic protection but often lack a snug fit. Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a semi-custom fit by softening in hot water and then molding to the athlete's mouth. For the highest level of protection, please speak with our office about a custom mouthguard.
Our custom mouthguards are individually crafted based on the unique specifics of your smile. They offer a precise fit while providing optimal protection and shock absorption, allowing for easy breathing and speaking.
At the office of Wayne T. Yee, DDS, we value your trust and investment in protecting your smile. For more information on sports mouthguards and how we can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, call us today.
