Sports are a fun and popular way to socialize and get exercise for people of all ages, but it’s important to take the proper precautions before play so you can stay safe. While contact sports like football, soccer, and hockey are notorious for causing dental injuries, wearing a mouthguard can provide your smile with the protection it needs to stay safe out on the field. While you can buy an athletic mouthguard at a sporting goods store, your dentist can provide one that is customized to fit your mouth. Here’s why a custom mouthguard from your dentist is the way to go.
What Is a Mouthguard?
A mouthguard is a device designed to cover the teeth and gums in order to protect them as well as other tissues in the mouth from injury. Mouthguards provide a cushion that absorbs much of the energy from a blow to the face if they are worn correctly. This reduces the chances of injuries to the teeth, gums, lips, jaw, tongue, and face. An athlete wearing a mouthguard can play their hardest with minimal risk to their oral health.
Why Is a Mouthguard from My Dentist Better?
Mouthguards are common sights on the shelves of sporting goods stores everywhere. While these “one-size-fits-all” protective devices can provide a fair amount of protection, they simply can’t match the exacting specifications of a customized mouthguard from your dentist. By creating a device specifically designed to fit over your teeth, your dentist can provide you with a protective device that can deliver the best protection your teeth can get out on the field. Customized mouthguards carry benefits such as:
- They are less likely to slip during play, allowing them to provide consistent protection.
- They are much more comfortable than store-bought mouthguards.
- They are made of more durable materials.
- They last longer, meaning that they will not require frequent replacement.
- They save you the pain and expense that can arise from dental emergencies.
- They provide you with the peace of mind that comes when you know your smile is as safe as it can be.
If you’re planning on playing contact sports or if your child is going out for the team, it’s important to make sure all teeth involved are protected. By investing in a customized mouthguard from your dentist, you can reasonably expect that the season will pass without any dental emergencies.
About the Author
Dr. Dina H. Cocco earned her dental degree at the University of Michigan in 1989 and has practiced dentistry in Ann Arbor, MI since 1990. She proudly serves as a member of the American Dental Association, the Michigan Dental Association, the American Association for Women Dentists, and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry. For more information on custom mouthguards, contact her office online or dial (734) 668-8636.