Mouthguard Musts

It’s the beginning of the new school year and the beginning of many sports! This means for many parents are selecting and purchasing mouthguards for their athletes.  The Mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic equipment! Whether you are playing soccer, field hockey, football, hockey, lacrosse or any collision sport, a mouthguard is a must!  A mouthguard is even worn in some non-contact activities like gymnastics, skating or even jumping on the trampoline in the backyard. A slight bump can cause tooth trauma, a fracture or chip that can lead to a dead tooth and eventually a root canal or even an implant.  A mouthguard can easily prevent that!

Protective gear is much different and better today than when we were growing up.  Today, it’s a no-brainer to have your kids wear bike helmets. When we were growing up in the ’70s, wearing a bike helmet wasn’t a consideration. They didn’t have them.  But today, it’s a must.  Wearing a mouthguard is similar to that.

Athletes are 60 times more likely to experience tooth damage when a mouthguard is not worn. They don’t just serve to protect your teeth but also help cushion a blow to the face and minimize injuries to your lips, tongue, jaw, and face. It helps avoid chipped teeth, tooth loss and nerve damage.

There are different types of mouthguards—there is your basic store-bought ready-to-use type. Next, and a bit better option, are the boil and bite mouthguards that can be purchased at the store which offer a better fit than a basic mouthguard.  The best and most protective types are custom mouthguards from the dentist which will ensure a proper fit, attachments and the best level of protection. This is especially true for kids with braces!

We can help you choose the best option for your athlete that provides the most comfort and effective protection and make sure it fits within your sport’s rules and regulations. Your mouthguard should be stored in a clean, rigid and ventilated plastic container.

If you want to learn more about custom mouthguards, please call us at (440) 335-5930 to schedule your athletic mouthguard fitting.