Protecting Yourself From Sports Related Mouth Injuries

          Regularly playing sports and being active comes with the risk of injuring  your mouth and jaw. Football players use helmets to protect themselves from head injuries, you never see them playing a game or practicing without them on. Just Like a helmet, a mouth guard is a key piece of athletic gear.

What is A Mouth Guard?

A mouth guard is worn to cushion impact that may cause broken teeth, a broken jaw, a cut to the lip, or a cut to the tongue. They are commonly used in contact sports but can also provide protection in noncontact sports like skateboarding and gymnastics.

Do I Need A Custom Fitted Mouth Guard?

A sports related injury can be costly, have your dentist make a custom fitted mouth guard to avoid the cost, pain, and sometimes embarrassment of a sports related injury. A custom mouth guard will not tear or break, it will be comfortable because it was made specifically for your mouth, and it will not limit your speech or breathing.

What about a Premade Mouth Guard?

There are options to get a non custom mouth guard from your local store, however, it may not be as comfortable as a custom fitted one. Remember, if it isn't comfortable,  it is less likely that you will wear it. And if it doesn't fit well enough, it may not protect you.

How To Take Care of a Mouth Guard

Carry your mouth guard in a firm, non airtight container when you are not using it

Rinse before and after use

Brush daily with toothpaste and a toothbrush

Keep it out of the sun and out of hot water to prevent warping

Replace if it becomes worn

Do not wear with other removable appliances

If you are ready to protect your mouth from injury while playing sports, call your dentist for a custom fitted mouth guard.