The Importance of Mouthguards for Kids & Adults
Published March 9, 2023 8:10 pmDo you or your kids play sports? Sports are a great way to stay active, form a community, and improve your health. There are risks, especially to your smile. A bad fall, elbow to the face, or other accident can chip, crack, and even knock out your tooth! That’s why mouthguards are so important for both kids and adults.
How Do Mouthguards Protect Your Teeth?
Mouthguards are made from durable, flexible plastic. They fit over your upper arch of teeth, so when you bite down, the mouthguard cushions the impact between your teeth. The mouthguard also protects the front of your teeth from damage, as well as the soft tissues in your mouth like your tongue, lips, and cheeks.
When Should Kids & Adults Wear Mouthguards?
You should wear a mouthguard during any sport where there could be contact. That includes soccer, football, wrestling, basketball, hockey, baseball, and martial arts. It’s also a good idea to wear a mouthguard during solo sports like snowboarding and skiing since it’s easy to fall and hit your mouth. A good mouthguard is a must-have piece of safety gear before the start of any sports season.
What Happens If You Don’t Wear a Mouthguard?
In sports, dental injuries are very common. You could experience cracked crowns, fractured tooth roots, chips, bites to your cheeks, cut lips, and more. An especially bad hit can knock a tooth out of your mouth or even push it back into your jawbone! Mouthguards protect against these types of painful (and expensive) injuries.
Mouthguards at Altitude Family Dental in Gypsum, CO
Custom mouthguards from the dentist fit better and do a better job at protecting your teeth than store-bought options. While more expensive, these mouthguards last longer. We offer a variety of flexible payment options to make the process simple. If you want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rudin or Dr. Adair, please contact us today!
Categorised in: Custom Mouthguards, Family Dental Care, Oral Health