When you head out for sports practice, you likely remember your helmet, pads, and water bottle. But have you considered adding a mouthguard to your essential gear list? Just like helmets protect your head, a mouthguard protects your teeth and mouth from injuries that can occur during physical activity.
Protecting Your Teeth from Injury
Contact sports like football, basketball, soccer, and even activities like skateboarding or biking put your teeth at risk of being chipped, cracked, or knocked out entirely. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, absorbing and distributing the force of impact to help prevent dental injuries during collisions, falls, or unexpected contact with equipment.
Without a mouthguard, even a minor bump can result in a dental emergency, leading to pain, unexpected dental visits, and costly treatments to repair or replace damaged teeth.
Preventing Soft Tissue Injuries
A mouthguard doesn’t just protect your teeth—it also helps shield the soft tissues in your mouth, including your tongue, cheeks, and lips, from cuts during physical activity. During a fall or collision, your teeth can accidentally bite down on soft tissue, causing painful injuries that can take time to heal. A properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent these injuries, allowing you to stay focused on your game.
Protecting Braces and Dental Appliances
If you wear braces or other dental appliances, a mouthguard is essential to protect your teeth and orthodontic hardware during sports. Impacts can damage brackets, wires, or other appliances, leading to discomfort and potential delays in orthodontic treatment. A mouthguard creates a protective barrier between your braces and the soft tissues of your mouth while helping absorb the shock of any impact.
Helping Prevent Jaw Injuries
A heavy hit to the face during physical activity can sometimes lead to jaw injuries. A mouthguard can help absorb some of this force, reducing the risk of fractures or joint injuries that could otherwise occur during sports.
Encouraging Confidence on the Field
Wearing a mouthguard can give you peace of mind, allowing you to play with confidence, knowing your teeth and mouth are protected. This can be particularly reassuring for young athletes, helping them stay focused while reducing anxiety about potential injuries.
A mouthguard is a small but powerful piece of equipment that can make a big difference in protecting your smile during physical activity.
About the Practice
At Trinity Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Meghan Thorburn and her team are dedicated to helping young athletes protect their smiles with custom-fitted mouthguards and personalized preventive care. Whether your child plays contact sports or enjoys active outdoor hobbies, Trinity Pediatric Dentistry is here to help ensure their teeth and oral health are protected while they stay active and confident.
Call us at (682) 327-1133 or request an appointment online.