Summer is here, the teams have been chosen and the games are about to begin! When participating in: soccer, rugby, water skiing, baseball, cycling, horseback riding, and roller-blading it is important to remember that there is no such thing as a “safe” sport or activity. While the amount of contact is different for each, the possibilities of tooth damage or serious injury is not eliminated. In simpler terms, a mouthguard should be worn during any sport or activity where contact can be made or a fall could occur.

Lets review the facts:

• Sports injury studies indicate that the mouth is the most frequently injured area of the body.
• Injuries to the teeth are often permanent.
• A single tooth, lost or damaged, can cost thousands of dollars over a person’s lifetime.
• It is estimated that faceguards and mouthguards prevent 200,000 injuries in high school and college football.
• A properly fitted mouthguard reduces the chances of sustaining a concussion from a blow to the jaw.

So now you know when you should be wearing a mouthguard but lets talk about WHY! A custom mouthguard can protect against injuries such as: permanent damage to the jaw joints, broken teeth, concussion, cerebral hemorrhages, or having teeth knocked out or displaced from their socket.
It is not hard to imagine that if a hockey puck, baseball or field hockey ball were to come in direct contact with the teeth that there could be serious injury. But lets talk about a fall, tumble, collision, or your feet coming out from under you, possibly causing a concussion. With a custom fitted mouthguard in place the bottom jaw is separated from the upper, prohibiting any force to the base of the brain. Therefore the impact is evenly distributed and absorbed through out the mouthguard.
A custom mouthguard made by your dentist is the best choice. These cover the top teeth, are very comfortable, allow for speaking/ mouth breathing, can be fitted with a helmet strap and come in a variety of colors. In comparison to other mouthguards that have to be boiled or one you buy off the shelf at the local sports store that is one size fits all, these are custom made and safe for long-term use. Not every off the shelf mouthguard is for everyone. A good example would be age/size range, baby vs. permanent teeth, and the amount of protection needed and where it is needed. An individual who wears braces or orthodontic appliances would need a different mouthguard then someone who does not.
The moral of this sports story…get a mouthguard from your dental provider today!  A small investment that will provide you or your children with many years of safe summer fun.