Each year, Americans lose about five million teeth due to sports-related injuries. According to the National Youth Sports Foundation, athletes possess nearly a 50% chance of developing an oral injury over the course of their lifetime. The friendly family dentists from the practice of Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC, in Rochester, NY, help active patients of all ages stay safe year-round. Whether you skateboard or play soccer, here are a few reasons why wearing a mouthguard is so important.

Safety

Numerous studies demonstrate the efficacy of mouthguards in preventing dental injury. In one study, college basketball players who wore custom-fit mouthguards suffered drastically fewer oral injuries than those who did not. Accidents in sports commonly lead to cracked teeth, fractured roots, tooth intrusion, and knocked out teeth—all of which are avoidable by wearing the device. While mouthguards are usually used in contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse, they are necessary for a broad range of others.

For example, the American Dental Association urges players to use these devices in non contact sports as well, including basketball, skateboarding, gymnastics, skiing, volleyball, softball, surfing, and soccer. From professional athletes to intramural players, everyone should take this precautionary step to stay safe in the game.   

Custom Comfort

Today, dental mouthguards can be customized for optimal comfort. A qualified family dentist will custom-fit the device to the patient to ensure a seamless, discreet finish. While in the past some athletes may have resisted these devices due to the inconvenience, modern designs are easier to insert, breathe with, and remove.

If you need a custom-fit mouthguard, head to the family dentists at Drs Emery & Scuro DMD, PC. They have over 35 years of experience helping Monroe County athletes and residents, using cutting-edge tools and methods to ensure patient comfort and safety. Learn more about the family dentists by visiting the website. To schedule an appointment, call today at (585) 247-7110.