Sports Mouth Guard
Lake Oswego, OR
Sports Mouth Guard provided by Dr. Carly Petersen
in Lake Oswego, OR at The Dentist on Boones Ferry
 Our overall health is important and directly affected by our mouth and teeth being healthy as well. As a healthy society that enjoys being active, the excitement of sports and competition drives us to push ourselves physically in our favorite activities.
However, some types of sports can cause harm to your mouth and teeth. As with the protection of your body with sports pads, your teeth need to be equally protected from the impact that could cause trauma.
According to the National Institute of Health, over five million teeth are injured or knocked out every year, leading to almost a billion dollars being spent on dental visits to have teeth repaired.
At The Dentist on Boones Ferry, we firmly believe in preserving your oral health, and one way to do that is by coming into our Lake Oswego office and getting a custom made sports mouth guard.
Sports Mouth Guards for Athletic Protection
If you are a sports enthusiast or a young child interested in playing a contact sport, then it's high time you consulted the dental experts at about mouth guards.
Athletes are always advised to have a mouth guard to protect them in the event of a fall, intense body contact or flying equipment such as balls. Aside from contact sports and ball games, a mouth guard is recommended for gymnastics, skateboarding, biking, or any sport that risks injury.
How Sports Mouth Guards Help Prevent Injuries
A mouth guard is worn over the teeth on the top front row, preventing oval injuries such as cut lips and broken teeth, among other oral injuries.
We recommend adding another mouth guard that caters to these teeth for patients who have dental appliances such as braces or bridges on the lower jaw.
Benefits of Sports Mouth Guards
One of the biggest advantages to wearing a sports mouth guard is avoiding dental trauma and tooth loss. It can also prevent fractures to the jaw, and protect from injury to the soft tissues.
Protecting Teeth from Impact
Nobody wants to sustain trauma that leads to a broken or cracked tooth. The use of a sports mouth guard will prevent this and distribute any blunt force that the mouth takes. Having a chipped or broken tooth can cause a significant amount of pain. The mouth guard helps protect the teeth - the upper and lower jaw - from making contact.
Reducing the Risk of Concussions
Some mouth guards, particularly those made from advanced material, can provide a degree of shock absorption and may potentially reduce the risk of head and neck injuries indirectly by cushioning blows to the lower part of the face.
However, this effect is generally limited compared to the protection offered by specialized headgear designed for concussion prevention, such as helmets.
Types of Sports Mouth Guards
Before purchasing a mouth guard, you must consult our dental experts to ensure you get the right one for your dental needs. There are three types of mouth guards, and there are several factors that should be considered before a particular type is recommended.
When you come in for your appointment, Dr. Petersen will assess tear-resistance, resilience, comfort, and fit to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your sports mouth guard.
Custom-Fitted Mouth Guards
This mouth guard design is specifically made for athletes and is produced at the dentist's office. Once we have obtained a precise blueprint of your teeth, our dental expert will make an impression of your teeth to help construct the mouth guard.
They are customized, guaranteeing enhanced comfort because of the perfect fit and protection they provide. However, this type of mouth guard is costly compared to other types since they are customized specifically for you. It's important to schedule follow-up appointments to ensure they are in tiptop condition and perform as expected.
Boil-and-Bite Mouth Guards
Unlike customized mouth guards, these come in pre-formed shapes that can be altered to suit your mouth. The dental appliance is boiled in water, and then you are required to bite it while soft and warm. This makes it fit better before it cools, taking the shape of your dental cavity.
If the instructions are a bit complicated, you can consult our dental expert, who will ensure your mouth guard fits perfectly. Boil and bite mouth guards can be purchased at sporting goods stores. Consulting us before you purchase a mouth guard is vital to ensuring it offers the desired level of protection.
Stock Mouth Guards
Stock mouth guards resemble the boil and bite mouth guards in that they are both pre-formed, but they don't require boiling to fit. The stock mouth guard is the least expensive option out of the three mouth guard types.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Sports mouth guards have been proven to protect teeth and reduce the risk of trauma-related tooth loss. They are a great investment that can save both time and money. Not only that, but they can prevent you or your child from enduring the discomfort of losing a tooth.
Can Children Use Sports Mouth Guards?
As a general rule, your child should wear a sports mouth guard anytime they are engaged in potentially injurious behavior. While many parents understand the importance of wearing a mouth guard while playing football or other contact sports, other activities are often overlooked.
Even though it is not a direct-contact sport, basketball is one of the worst offenders when it comes to tooth loss. A stray elbow or collision between heads can easily knock out a tooth. Other activities like skateboarding or cycling should also include the use of a mouth guard for added protection.
How Often Should I Replace My Sports Mouth Guard?
We recommend replacing a sports mouth guard after every season because they are prone to wear and tear, making them ineffective. If you take part in multiple sports, it's advisable to have a different mouth guard for every sport.
Can I Talk and Breathe Comfortably When I Wear a Mouth Guard?
Ready to wear dental appliances, such as boil and bite and stock mouth guards can be bulky and uncomfortable, causing problems when talking and breathing. Custom-fitted mouth guards, on the other hand, are comfortable since they are customized to your specific mouth.
Sports Mouth Guards at The Dentist on Boones Ferry
Using a mouth guard not only protects your teeth but also protects your pocket. You will want to choose the best sports mouth guard for you in regard to price and comfort. Fortunately, our dental specialists can help you in that process. If you have any questions or concerns regarding protecting your teeth during participation in a sport, please do not hesitate to contact us here at The Dentist on Boones Ferry by phone at (971) 377-1208 today. |
