Engaging in sports offers an excellent opportunity for fitness, enjoyment, and physical challenges, yet it also carries a risk of injuries. Collisions, impacts, and falls during sports can pose a threat to your teeth and mouth. Hence, safeguarding your smile with a sports guard is paramount. At Sunstone Dental, we recognize the significance of preserving your dental health in sports. Our skilled team of dentists specializes in crafting personalized sports guards designed to suit your specific requirements.
The Importance of Sports Guards
Sports guards are crucial for preventing dental injuries during sports. The mouth is highly susceptible to harm from impacts, making a sports guard a must. Here are some key reasons why wearing a sports guard is essential:
- Shielding Against Tooth Fractures: Sports guards act as a protective barrier, absorbing the impact’s force and reducing the risk of tooth fractures. They distribute the force evenly across your teeth, preventing a single tooth from bearing the full impact.
- Prevention of Tooth Dislocations: Contact sports like football and rugby carry a higher risk of tooth dislocations due to physical contact and collisions. Sports guards serve as a protective shield, keeping your teeth in place during impacts and reducing the chances of dislocations.
- Protecting Orthodontic Appliances: If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces or other appliances, a sports guard is even more critical. It safeguards both your teeth and orthodontic appliances during sports, preventing significant damage and potential treatment delays.
It’s important to remember that sports guards aren’t limited to contact sports. Non-contact sports like basketball or cycling can also lead to accidental impacts that may cause dental injuries. Protecting your teeth should be a priority, regardless of the sport you play.
Types of Sports Guards
Sports guards come in three main types: stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite mouthguards, and custom-made mouthguards. Let’s delve into each type:
- Stock Mouthguards: Stock mouthguards are pre-made in various sizes and are widely available at sporting goods stores. They are the most budget-friendly option but offer limited protection and comfort since they aren’t tailored to your mouth. Stock mouthguards tend to be bulky, ill-fitting, and may hinder speech and breathing during sports.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Boil-and-bite mouthguards provide a better fit than stock options. Made from thermoplastic material, they soften when boiled and can be customized to your teeth by biting into the softened material. They offer improved protection and comfort compared to stock mouthguards but may still have fit and durability limitations.
- Custom-Made Mouthguards: Custom-made mouthguards are the top choice for sports guards. Crafted individually by a dental professional, they offer a perfect fit tailored to your mouth. Impressions of your teeth are used to create a custom mouthguard, ensuring optimal protection and comfort. Custom-made mouthguards excel in fit, durability, and defense against dental injuries.
While stock and boil-and-bite mouthguards may offer convenience and affordability, they can’t match the level of protection and comfort provided by custom-made mouthguards. Investing in a custom sports guard is an investment in your dental health and overall well-being.
Benefits of Wearing a Sports Guard
Using a sports guard provides a range of benefits that go beyond protecting your teeth and mouth during sports activities. Here are some additional advantages:
- Prevention of Soft Tissue Injuries: Beyond tooth protection, a sports guard acts as a barrier safeguarding your lips, cheeks, and soft tissues. It helps prevent cuts, bruises, and other soft tissue injuries that can result from accidental contact.
- Enhanced Performance: Wearing a sports guard can boost your on-field performance. With the confidence that you are protected, you can focus on your game and perform at your best. It offers peace of mind, knowing your dental health is secure.
- Reduced Risk of Concussions: While primarily shielding teeth, sports guards can also contribute to a lower risk of concussions. Their cushioning effect absorbs some impact forces, helping to minimize the risk and severity of head injuries.
- Hygienic and Easy Maintenance: Custom-made mouthguards are designed for a snug fit, ensuring comfort and easy maintenance. They are hygienic, tailored to your mouth, which reduces the risk of bacterial buildup compared to stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards.
Remember, wearing a sports guard is more than tooth protection; it’s about ensuring your overall oral health and well-being. Investing in a custom-made sports guard is a small cost compared to potential dental issues and costly treatments you may face without one.
Book an Appointment
Protecting your smile is paramount, whether you’re a professional athlete or a sports enthusiast. Our Dentists at Sunstone Dental in North Delta is dedicated to offering tailored dental solutions for athletes of all levels. Don’t delay; book an appointment with us today to receive a custom sports guard. Remember, prevention is the best approach for dental health. Call (604) 428-8722 to schedule your appointment now and take the first step towards safeguarding your teeth and mouth during sports.