Do you or your children participate in sports? You should always wear a mouthguard to prevent unexpected visits to the dentist. Without one, you could lose teeth or injure your mouth. If you’re not convinced about wearing one and want to learn more about them, here is a quick guide to mouthguards for sports.

What You Should Know About Mouthguards

Why Wear a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard—also known as an athletic guard or sports guard—protects players from injuries to the teeth, tongue, lips, cheeks, or jaw. Your dentist may also recommend wearing one to protect dental appliances, such as braces, bridgework, or dental implants. In some high-contact sports leagues—such as football or hockey leagues—mouthguards are required. However, even for incidental contact sports, such as baseball and volleyball, it’s worth wearing one. The American Dental Association® estimates that sports are a factor in about one-third of dental injuries.

How Do Mouthguards Prevent Injuries?

Mouthguards are constructed from thick, soft plastic or laminate made to absorb shock. They are designed to cover the upper teeth, protecting them from impact and preventing the wearer from biting the soft tissue of the mouth during a collision. Biting down on the mouthguard decreases the amount of force exerted on the jaw, lessening the chance of jaw fractures, neck injuries, and even concussions. No protective equipment can eliminate the risk of sports injuries, but a mouthguard will reduce the chances of a severe oral injury.

What Type of Mouthguard Is Best?

Over-the-counter athletic guards are inexpensive and widely available in many sports stores. Wearing a mass-produced one is certainly better than using no sports guard at all, but a custom-made mouthguard from a dentist will provide even more effective protection. The dentist takes an impression of an athlete’s teeth to create a sports guard that fits perfectly and is comfortable to wear. Custom-fitted ones cost more than the ones you’d buy in a store, but they are far less expensive than the restoration dentistry needed to repair or replace damaged teeth.

When you want a custom mouthguard, contact Cusp Family Dental in Adams County, CO. They serve patients of all ages throughout the Front Range area. The practice is dedicated to providing expert general and cosmetic dentistry services in a calm, stress-free environment. Call 303-343-2161 today to schedule a dentist appointment or contact their team online.