919-682-5327 Knowing how to prevent injuries is important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities. When it comes to protecting your teeth and mouth, an athletic mouth guard is an essential piece of gear that should be part of an athlete’s standard equipment from an early age. According to the American Dental Association®, an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing an athletic mouth guard. Athletic mouth guards help buffer an impact or blow that otherwise could cause broken teeth, jaw injuries, or cuts to the lips, tongue or face. Athletic mouth guards may also reduce the rate and severity of concussions. Athletic mouth guards are used most commonly in contact sports, such as boxing, football, hockey and lacrosse, but findings show that even in non-contact sports like basketball, gymnastics and skateboarding, athletic mouthguards help prevent mouth and jaw injuries.
There are three types of athletic mouthguards: the ready-made, or stock, athletic mouth guard; the mouth-formed “boil-and-bite” athletic mouth guard; and the custom athletic mouth guard. Choose an athletic mouth guard that is resilient and tear resistant, fits properly and comfortably, is easy to clean, and does not restrict speech or breathing.
Dr. Alex Fleming can make a custom athletic mouth guard in Durham, North Carolina, for you or your child, which is comfortable and offers superior protection. Because treating a sports-related dental injury can cost thousands of dollars, a custom athletic mouth guard is a worthwhile investment. It only requires a brief appointment to take impressions of your teeth, and then the mouth guard is made in the lab. At a second appointment, it is fitted, and instructions are given on how to use and take care of it.
If you are playing sports, call 919-682-5327 and schedule a consultation to ask our dentist which athletic mouth guard option is best for you.
