Dentist Arlington-Fall In Love with Mouthguard

Sports are an essential part of their lives for many adults and youngsters. Unfortunately, there have been numerous showstopping accidents in recent years. As the American Dental Association suggested, mouthguards should be worn by anyone who participates in sports with a risk of knocks to the face, regardless of age. It’s a safe way to play any sport that may involve contact. We are a dental office in Arlington, TX, and we see many cases of broken and chipped teeth due to impact.  

Why Use A Mouthguard?

Using a mouthguard is one of the most cost-effective ways to protect your mouth from injuries. Mouthguards can cushion a blow to the face, decreasing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of your mouth. In addition, a properly fitted mouthguard will keep your upper and lower teeth from banging together and prevent you from biting your tongue or lip.

Choosing The Right Mouthguard

There are three main types of mouthguards: ready-made, boil-and-bite, and custom-fitted. Ready-made mouthguards are the least expensive but offer the least protection and comfort. Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be fitted to your teeth at home using hot water to soften the material.

What sporting activities should I use a mouth guard to play?

There are a lot of sports that require mouthguards, but they should also be used for other tasks where injuries might occur.

Contact Sports: Football, Boxing, Rugby, Martial Arts

Collision Sports: Basketball, Hockey, Water polo, Lacrosse, Netball, Baseball, Softball, Squash, Soccer, Cricket.

General Activities: BMX Bike Riding, Horseriding, Skateboarding, In-line skating, Trampolining, Water winter sports, Snow ski auto racing.

Use a mouthguard while having fun and training, so you’re constantly secured versus mouth injury.

Why do I require a mouthguard?

“Every year, more than 5 million teeth are avulsed during sports activities, resulting in nearly $500 million in tooth replacement costs.1″ According to the Journal of the American Dental Association (JADA), 13-39% of all dental injuries are sports-related.”

from Dentalcare.com

The Sports Medicine Association reports that 50% of youngsters experience oral injury.

It is a must for young sportspeople to wear a mouthguard due to the likelihood of sustaining a sports-related mouth injury. The mouthguard absorbs the shock of a blow to the face and decreases the possibility of cracked or damaged teeth. 

Injuries like these can result in work or school setbacks, agonizing and disfiguring, and may require costly and lengthy dental therapy. Consider the cost of a custom-fitted mouthguard as insurance against mouth injuries.

There are two primary sorts of mouthguards:

Custom-fitted mouthguards – skillfully fitted by your dental practitioner

Over-the-counter or “boil-and-bite” mouthguards – offered by sporting activities and also drug stores stores

Custom fitting your mouthguard correctly around your teeth and gums is crucial to getting the best protection—the better the fit, the better the defense. The American Dental Association highly suggests a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dental practitioner. It is not possible to protect against significant injuries with over-the-counter products.

Custom-fitted mouthguards

To make custom-fitted mouthguards, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth and then develops a plaster mold. Your physician can create a mouthguard with the ideal density, protection, and measurements. Custom-fitted mouthguards are:

• Tight-fitting, supplying optimal defense for gum tissues and also teeth
• Comfortable, which makes them easier to use while playing sports
• Shaped to enable you to speak without limiting your breathing

Over-the-counter (” boil and also attack”) mouthguards

Custom-fitted mouthguards are much more reliable at protecting you from significant mouth injuries than ones that are not. An uncomfortable mouthguard is a great deal much less comfy to use, and also, as some researchers recommend, several be a little much better than not putting on one in any way. The American Dental Association and Standards Australia do not advise non-prescription mouthguards. They might give a temporary option if there is no other option.

How long does a mouthguard last?

You ought to obtain your mouthguard examined every 12 months by your dental practitioner to ensure that it still fits appropriately and also hasn’t been harmed. In addition, youngsters should routinely replace their mouthguards as brand-new grown-up teeth come with them. Then, please take it to your regular oral examination to inspect it by a professional to ensure the guard is still protecting their teeth.  

Caring for a mouthguard

• Rinse in cool water after usage and also shop in a well-aerated plastic container
• Store it out of direct sunshine – mouthguards misshape it heats
• Rinse it sometimes in mouth wash
• Take your mouthguard along to your regular oral check-up
• Replace it if it obtains harmed

Please set up an appointment if you have any questions about a mouth guard for your young teens playing contact sports. We will take care of your questions and provide them with a fitted guard to protect their bright smile at our dental office in Arlington or the surrounding DFW area.