Everyone who participates in contact sports is in jeopardy of injuries to their mouth and teeth. It doesn’t matter if you are a professional athlete, high school player, or a 5-year-old playing youth soccer.
When it comes to protecting your mouth, a custom-fitted mouthguard is a crucial piece of athletic gear that should be used from an early age.
What age group has the most injuries?
8- to 12-year-old kids who participate in basketball, hockey, baseball, soccer, rugby, football, and lacrosse are typically most affected by lost or damaged teeth. But even those that participate in non-contact sports like skateboarding, mountain biking, or climbing can benefit from wearing a custom mouthguard.
Mouthguards are made of strong, flexible materials that are designed to protect your teeth, gum, and jaw in case of an impact. A mouthguard forms a protective layer between your teeth and the point of impact. The following are three vital ways a mouthguard can safeguard you while playing sports.
Absorb Force
Any jolt to the face or jaw involves force or energy. A mouthguard absorbs some of the energy, ensuring that the potential harm caused by the impact is limited. The cushioning effect of a mouthguard can prevent your teeth from being slammed together. By absorbing force, mouthguards can also help prevent jaw fractures and neck trauma.
Prevent Broken Teeth
Another advantage of using a mouthguard is that it disperses the energy directed at the teeth. For example, if you are hit in the mouth with a hockey stick, the mouthguard spreads out the energy that accompanies the impact. This can prevent broken teeth by minimizing the possibility that a single tooth will take the total brunt of the force.
Avoid Lip and Tongue Injuries
Mouthguards cover the upper teeth completely. This creates a functional barrier between your teeth and the rest of your mouth. This decreases the chance of lip and tongue injuries by making it more difficult for your teeth to cut your lip or your tongue.
With an individually-constructed mouthguard, you will make sure you get an effective and comfortable fit. It makes playing sports safer for your smile.
Contact Almeida & Bell Cosmetic, Implant & Sedation Dentistry:
303-858-9000
Locations (Tap to open in Google Maps):
Almeida & Bell Dental – Lone Tree
8683 E Lincoln Ave Ste 200
Lone Tree, Colorado
80124
Almeida & Bell Dental – Denver
9126 57th Ave.
Denver, Colorado
80238
