It isn’t a coincidence that every sports player on television is donning a protective athletic mouth guard. In addition to preventing dental fractures and avoiding oral lacerations during games, these dental appliances also help to protect players’ confidence, allowing them to play aggressively without worrying about their smiles. Here is a little more information about athletic mouth guards and why it is best to talk with your dentist to have one made. 

Understanding Athletic Mouth Guards

What Types of Mouth Guards Are Available?

These days, you can find athletic mouth guards everywhere from the internet to the dental aisle of your local grocery store, but that doesn’t mean that every guard is created equally. Some mouth guards are designed to be softened by boiling water and then bitten into to create an impression, but many of these guards aren’t comfortable or effective at reducing facial injuries. Fortunately, dentists can create completely personalized mouth guards that fit the contours of your child’s teeth and gums perfectly, allowing them to stay comfortable while they protect their teeth. 

Why Is It Best to Use Professionally Made Guards?

The benefits of professionally created mouth guards don’t stop at comfort. Studies have shown that since high-quality, dental-made mouth guards absorb impact and encourage proper jaw position, they can actually reduce the risk of concussions in athletes. Additionally, since mouth guards made by dentists are more comfortable for athletes to use, they carry a higher compliance rate, offering kids, teens, and adults alike a better level of protection. 

Who should wear a Mouthguard?

While it may seem obvious that high contact sports, such as Football, Lacrosse, or Hockey, would require athletes to wear a mouthguard, it is just as important to wear one while playing other sports as well.  Dentist see a large number of dental trauma patients from “low contact” sports, such as Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Soccer and Volleyball because often times mouthguards are not required.  At Keen Dental Care, we recommend that anyone playing a sport that has the potential for contact between the participants or between a participant and the equipment wear a mouthguard.  

Protect your child or teen today by making them an appointment with Keen Dental Care to have them fitted for a custom mouth guard. In addition to working with your sports player to select the perfect mouth guard, Dr. Johnathan Mallott D.D.S. can also help with preventative treatments, restorative dentistry, and even emergency dental treatment. To learn more about their comprehensive approach to dental care, visit their Columbia, MO, practice’s website or give them a call at (573) 875-5336.