If you play team or individual sports, one of the best ways you can protect your health is with a mouthguard. Not only can it protect your teeth, but it also has other benefits. This simple dental appliance prevents or minimizes a wide range of injuries when worn consistently, helping you avoid pain, expense, and a possible absence from your chosen sport.

Why You Need to Wear a Mouthguard

1. Prevent Broken Teeth

If you fall or are struck in the face or jaw, your teeth can break either because of direct impact or because they're forced against your other teeth. The damage could be minor but cosmetically unappealing chips, serious cracks that reach to the tooth root, or knocking a tooth out completely. A mouthguard creates space between your teeth and cushions them against impact to make breakage less likely.

2. Protect Your Tongue

When your teeth are forced together, you may bite your tongue. This is painful, but biting down hard enough can also seriously injure the tissue, causing difficulties speaking and eating. Your mouthguard keeps your tongue out from between your teeth, so this won't happen.

3. Preserve Your Jaw Joint

When your jaw is struck and forced closed, it can be hard on the joint. The temporomandibular joint can cause problems when injured, including bite misalignment, head and neck pain, and locked or clicking jaws. The mouthguard softens the impact and preserves a space between your jaws to protect the joint.

For the most effective protection during sports, visit William U. Britton DDS, MAGD for a custom-fitted mouthguard. Dr. Britton provides general dentistry and dental hygiene services in both Jackson and Chillicothe, OH, and he offers emergency care like root canals and tooth extractions in addition to restorative work like implants. He has over 35 years of history serving Ross County patients of all ages. To make an appointment, call (740) 772-2225 or reach out online.