Spring has sprung and that means outdoor recreational activities and organized sports will be on everyone’s mind, but according to most dentists, helmets and pads are not the only equipment that you should consider if you and your kids will be participating in recreational or organized sports this season.
The American Dental Association says that the majority or recreational sports injuries can be reduced with the use of mouthguards. Mouth protectors will provide the protection you need to provide adequate protection when it comes to contact and non contact sports.
Mouthguards are devices that are used in recreational and professional sports to prevent injuries to the jaw, tongue, cheeks, mouth, and teeth. The ADA says that about one third of injuries that are orally related occur because of sporting injuries. Mouth protectors can actually prevent over 200,000 injuries each year.
Without a mouthguard, you risk fractured bridgework, crowns, and broken teeth, not to mention root damage, concussions and jaw fractures.
In a recent study, seventy-five percent of all injuries occurred when athletes did not wear mouth protectors. Mouthguards should be worn when participating in contact sports such as football, hockey, soccer, and basketball, but can also reduce injury for those who surf, in-line skate or enjoy the occasional game of racquetball.
Dental injuries account for the majority of orofacial injuries. Athletes are more susceptible to permanent damage if a mouthguard is not worn.
There are three types of mouthguards available. These include custom-made mouthguards that can be fitted by your dentist, boil, and bite mouth protectors and stock made mouthguards both of which can be purchased at your local sporting goods store.
Custom fitted mouthguards are the best option when it comes to protection, comfort and fit as they are made in a dental lab. Because the mouth protector is custom made to fit your teeth it will fit perfectly.
Boil and bite mouthguards would be the second best option as the mouth protector is immersed in hot water before being shaped by your teeth.
Stock mouth guards are the least favored option as they can be uncomfortable and could cause problems with talking and breathing.
Keep you and your family safe this spring and summer, and schedule an appointment with your dentist in East Greenbush for custom made mouth protectors.