‘March’ For Oral Health: Athletic Mouthguards

 

 

 

 

 

Spring is nearly here (officially). That means Spring football practices, other sports, and outdoor recreational activities.

That also means that this is a good time to get or replace an athletic mouthguard. The best option is a custom-fitted  athletic mouthguard, like the ones we can create for you and your family at Galleria of Smiles.

Our dentist office in Tulsa, OK, wants every athlete to enjoy the health benefits that come from participating in sports. We also want you to keep smiling off the field regardless of what happens during the game.

To get your new or replacement mouthguard, schedule an appointment by calling  (918) 496-8010  or by  contacting us online.

 

Who Should Wear An Athletic Mouthguard?

For some sports, wearing a mouthguard is mandatory in order to participate. It won’t surprise you to know that boxers were the first athletes to include mouthguards as a part of their equipment.

And today, any serious combat athlete understands that wearing a mouthguard is just part of the game.

Likewise, mouthguards are required in many sports that involve a lot of contact, like football.

We also want to point out that both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend mouthguards for anyone who participates in a high-impact sport.

So, what are some examples of high-impact sports? The combat and contact sports we mentioned earlier certainly fit in this category. But so do sports like basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and activities including bicycling and cheerleading.

If what you are doing involves frequent changes of direction, changes in speed, jumping, and landing, then you should be wearing a mouthguard when you play and when you practice.

The ADA has pointed out that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer a tooth injury if they are not wearing a mouthguard. Considering the cost of a mouthguard compared with the cost of replacing teeth, this seems like a worthwhile investment in your smile.

If you are getting ready for a new sports season, talk to our dentist in Tulsa, OK, about how we can create a mouthguard for you.

Call us at 918-302-2401.

 

Why Should You Use A Custom-Fitted Athletic Mouthguard?

Once you have decided that you will get a mouthguard, you then have to choose which kind is right for you.

Again, we would refer to the recommendations of the AAPD and the ADA. Custom-fitted athletic mouthguards offer the best protection.

Stock mouthguards are better than nothing. The problem is they may not fit your mouth. As a result, stock mouthguards can be uncomfortable to wear (which may discourage you from wearing them).

Boil-and-bite mouthguards are common in many stores. These are an improvement over stock mouthguards. You can mold them somewhat to fit your teeth, but these are still made to fit standard molds.

As a result, they can be bulky, which could interfere with how well you can breathe and how well you can communicate while wearing the mouthguard.

A custom-fitted athletic mouthguard is created directly from a mold of your teeth. Because of this, the mouthguard is smaller but better suited for you. This makes it more comfortable. You also will find it’s easier to breathe and to communicate without removing this kind of mouthguard.

No matter which kind of mouthguard you choose, you have to wear it to enjoy its protective benefits. And if you think about it, you know you (or your kids) will be more likely to wear a mouthguard that is comfortable and convenient.

Our team at Galleria of Smiles will be happy to create a mouthguard to protect you and all the other aspiring athletes in your family.

 

Mouthguards Are For Every Athlete

We are happy to see more professional athletes wearing mouthguards even when they are not required to do so. Our hope is this will encourage more people to wear mouthguards as well.

But you don’t have to be a pro, part of a high school team, or a youth league player to want to protect your smile. Whether you are playing in a recreational league or a competitive amateur athlete, wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard could be the difference between have a sore lip and a dental emergency.

While we can help in emergencies, we would rather you keep all your teeth instead.

If you have questions or you would like to make an appointment to get mouthguards for your family, call 918-302-2401 or fill out our  online form.