Spring has sprung, and summer will be here before we know it. With the nicer weather, come spring sports and outdoor activities. These physical activities are great for your overall health, but they can present some risks to your oral health. Whether you get more active during the spring and summer or have a child who is participating in sports this season, our family dentist in Toledo, Ohio strongly encourages you to take steps to ensure your teeth, soft tissues, and brain are protected from sports-related injuries with an athletic mouthguard.
How an Athletic Mouth Guard Protects Your Teeth and Health
Made from soft, yet durable plastic, athletic mouthguards create a shock-absorbing cushion around your teeth and between their chewing surfaces. As a result, they can help to protect your teeth, soft tissues, and brain from sports-related injuries such as:
- Chips, cracks, and broken teeth
- Knocked-out teeth
- Jaw injuries
- Soft tissue injuries (bitten tongue, cheeks, and lips)
- Concussions
When Do You Need an Athletic Mouthguard?
Not all sports and physical activities necessitate wearing an athletic mouthguard. Some sports and athletic activities that we recommend mouthguards for include:
- Baseball and softball
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Football
- Rugby
- Soccer
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Waterpolo
- Racquetball
- Handball
- Tennis
- Wrestling
- Martial arts
- Boxing
- Shotput
- Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Horseback riding
- Mountain biking
- Rollerblading or rollerskating
- Skateboarding
We recommend them for adults and children who participate in sports that involve flying objects like balls or the use of sticks. They are also a good idea for athletic activities that could result in a fall or another type of impact that could result in your teeth clamping together quickly and forcefully.
The Different Types of Athletic Mouthguards
There are three basic types of mouthguards to choose from. The type that’s right for you or your child depends on your preferences and whether or not you have any dental work or orthodontia.
- Stock Mouthguards – These mouthguards are ready-made and come in a variety of sizes.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – These mouthguards are designed to provide a slightly customized fit with a boil-and-bite process.
- Custom-Made Mouthguards – These mouthguards are custom-designed and made to fit perfectly.
Custom-Designed Mouthguards to Protect Your Teeth and Dental Work With Our Dentist in Toledo
At Light Touch Dental Care, we emphasize preventative dentistry. In addition to ensuring our patients protect the health of their teeth and gums with routine hygiene appointments, exams, and good at-home oral hygiene, we also recommend safeguarding your teeth with an athletic mouthguard to prevent injuries and damage from occurring during sports and other physical activities.
We’re proud to provide our patients with custom-designed athletic mouthguards, an excellent choice if you have any dental work or orthodontics or are simply looking for a perfectly comfortable fit. To learn more about mouthguards and the importance of wearing one during sports, we welcome you to schedule an appointment with our Dentist in Maumee, Ohio today.
