Sportsguards: Protecting Your Smile in the Game
Sportsguards, commonly known as mouthguards, are vital for anyone involved in sports or activities that pose a risk of facial injury. This guide provides everything you need to know about these essential protective devices.
Sports offer many health and social benefits but can also cause mouth-related injuries, which are common in both youth and adult sports. At The Hills Family Dentistry in San Marcos, we promote safe sports participation by recommending custom sportsguards to safeguard your teeth during activities.
Most Common Dental Injuries In Sports
- Broken Teeth: Located prominently, front teeth are highly susceptible to injuries from falls, collisions, and impacts during sports, often resulting in chips or breaks.
- Knocked Out Teeth: More severe than broken teeth, knocked out teeth require immediate action to save them.
- Tooth Intrusion: This injury involves a tooth being driven into the gum and bone, more common in children due to their softer bones.
- Fractured Tooth Root: A root fracture might not be visible immediately but can lead to infections.
Protecting Your Teeth With A Sportsguard
Sportsguards, made from a silicone-like material, offer robust protection by distributing impacts across your teeth. While store-bought mouthguards are available, we recommend custom-fitted sportsguards for comfort and effectiveness. Custom sportsguards are tailored to fit perfectly, ensuring they are neither bulky nor uncomfortable, encouraging regular use.
Studies suggest that wearing a mouthguard can also reduce the severity of concussions by absorbing some of the impact during sports.
Caring For Your Sportsguard
Maintaining your sportsguard is straightforward: rinse it before and after each use and be mindful of where you store it to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
If you or someone you know needs a sportsguard, contact The Hills Family Dentistry at (760) 798-7166 to schedule an appointment today.
