Are You Getting Enough Protection from Your Sports Mouthguard?

According to the American Dental Association, about a third of dental emergencies are related to sports. When high speeds, flying balls and competitive players come together, it can be a recipe for a dental disaster. Mouth injuries can occur whether you are a serious professional athlete or weekend warrior playing or fun. These can include knocked-out teeth, loose teeth, broken teeth and other traumatic dental injuries that require immediate treatment.

You may already know that athletes can wear a mouthguard to protect themselves from dental injuries while they play. What you may not know, however, is that not all sports mouthguards offer the same level of protection. Also, you don’t have to be a boxer or football player to benefit from an athletic mouthpiece. At Peninsula Dentistry, we want patients to understand how to stay active while also protecting their beautiful smile.

Types of Sports Mouthguards

A mouthguard worn during sports should provide a durable shield of protection for the teeth. It should fit comfortably on the upper arch of teeth. An effective mouthguard should stay in place while allowing the athlete to breathe and speak with ease.

There are three basic types of mouthguards, which come in various costs. However, it is important to know just how much protection each mouthguard can really offer before you make your investment.

Stock Mouthguards: As a “one size fits all” approach, stock mouthguards are the most inexpensive version. Not only do these mouthguards offer very limited protection due to the imperfect fit, they also tend to be uncomfortable to wear.

>Boil and Bite Mouthguards: Boil and bite mouthguards can be purchased at your local pharmacy or sporting goods store. While these mouthguards allow for a do-it-yourself fit, they only provide slightly better protection than stock mouthguards. Boil and bite mouth guards are made from a thermoplastic material that softens in boiling water so you can bite into them. While you may feel as though your boil and bite mouthguard is molded just for your teeth, the material is inferior in comfort and durability compared to a custom mouthguard from your dentist.

Custom Mouthguards: Custom-made athletic mouthpieces are the superior solution for protecting your teeth and jaws. In fact, custom sports mouthguards have even been reported to help prevent concussions in youth sports! These mouthguards are measured to fit over each crevice and groove of your teeth, and they are made of the strongest and most durable material. A custom sports mouthguard offers optimal comfort so that you can leave it in place as you breathe, speak and or take sips of water. Best of all, it provides the most long-term return on your dental investment.

Custom Athletic Mouthpiece in Charleston

At Peninsula Dentistry, we proudly offer custom mouthguards of all types, including those for sports. Let us protect the athlete in your family from devastating mouth injuries and unexpected dental costs. Call our office today to get fitted for your high quality athletic mouthpiece.