Bay Shore
Patchogue
Sports are an excellent way to stay active and healthy, but they can also pose risks to your teeth. In fact, the American Dental Association estimates that 10-20% of all sports-related injuries are maxillofacial injuries, which affect the teeth, jaws, and tissues in and around the mouth. Fortunately, there's a simple solution: wearing a sports mouthguard. By providing a barrier between your teeth and any potential impact, a well-fitted mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of oral injury and damage.
A good sports mouthguard is essential for protecting your teeth during contact sports like football, rugby, hockey, or martial arts. However, it's also important to wear one if you participate in non-contact sports with a high risk of falling or getting hit with an object, such as skateboarding, skiing, gymnastics, shot-putting, skydiving, surfing, or weightlifting. At the office of Bay Shore, we recommend that all athletes wear mouthguards to safeguard their smiles.
There are several types of mouthguards available, each offering a different level of protection. Stock mouthguards come pre-formed and ready to wear but often lack a snug fit. Boil-and-bite mouthguards offer a semi-custom fit by softening in hot water and then molding to the athlete's mouth. For the highest level of protection, please speak with our office about a custom mouthguard. These are individually crafted based on the unique specifics of your smile, providing optimal protection while allowing for easy breathing and speaking.
As designed to cushion and protect the teeth and surrounding tissues, a well-fitted mouthguard minimizes the chances a blow to the face will result in broken teeth and accompanying injuries to the lips, tongue, face, and jaw. It's also believed that wearing a mouthguard may lessen the force of impact transmitted to the brain.
To ensure your sports mouthguard provides optimal protection over time, it's essential to take proper care of it. Rinse your mouthguard with cold water or mild soap before and after each use, and store it in a ventilated container when not in use. Be sure to replace your mouthguard regularly as needed – usually every few months or after any significant damage occurs.
At the office of Bay Shore, we value your trust and investment in protecting your smile. For more information on sports mouthguards and how we can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile, call us today. Our dedicated staff is here to assist you with all your dental needs.
