When participating in sports, protecting yourself from injury is a top priority. While helmets, knee pads, and other protective gear are common, one vital piece of equipment often overlooked is the mouthguard. Whether you're an amateur or professional athlete, safeguarding your teeth and jaw from impact is crucial. For those in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, custom sports mouthguards provided by the expert dentists in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, are available to ensure your smile remains intact, even during the most intense sports activities.
Sports-related dental injuries are quite common and can range from chipped teeth to severe trauma that leads to tooth loss or jaw fractures. Wearing a sports mouthguard can significantly reduce the risk of such injuries. These devices are designed to absorb the shock of impact, protecting your teeth, gums, lips, and jaw, thus making them an essential part of general dentistry.
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), athletes who do not wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries than those who do. Whether you play contact sports like football, basketball, or hockey or non-contact sports like gymnastics or mountain biking, a properly fitted mouth guard is an essential piece of protective gear. To protect your teeth and gums today, contact us at Robertson Dental for the best sports guards.
Several types of sports mouth guards are available, ranging from over-the-counter options to custom-made guards designed by a dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD. Each type provides varying levels of protection, comfort, and durability.
Stock mouth guards are pre-formed and ready to wear. They are the most affordable option and can be purchased at sporting goods stores. However, they provide the least protection because they are not tailored to fit your mouth. Stock mouthguards can also be bulky, making it difficult to speak or breathe while wearing them.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards are another over-the-counter option. They are made from a thermoplastic material that softens when placed in hot water. Once softened, the mouth guard is placed in the mouth, where you bite to create a customized fit. While they fit better than stock mouthguards, boil-and-bite options still don't provide the protection and comfort that custom mouthguards do.
Custom-made mouthguards provide the highest level of protection, comfort, and durability. They are designed specifically for your mouth by a dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD. During your dental appointment, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create a mouth guard that fits perfectly and provides superior protection and comfort. While custom-made mouthguards are more expensive than store-bought options, they are a worthwhile investment in oral health, particularly if you participate in high-impact sports.
Custom-made sports mouthguards in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, are considered the gold standard for athletes due to their many benefits:
Custom mouthguards are designed to fit the unique shape of your teeth and gums. This precise fit ensures that the mouthguard stays securely in place during activity without causing discomfort or affecting your ability to speak and breathe.
Because they are made to fit your mouth, custom mouth guards provide more comprehensive protection for your teeth, gums, and jaw. They are thicker in areas where more impact is expected, providing additional cushioning in case of collisions or falls.
Custom-made mouthguards are made from high-quality materials designed to withstand regular use. With proper care, they can last much longer than over-the-counter options, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.
While no mouthguard can completely prevent concussions, studies have shown that wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can reduce the severity of concussions by absorbing some of the impacts that would otherwise be transferred to the brain. This makes them an important piece of protective gear for athletes in high-contact sports like football, rugby, and boxing.
In addition to protecting your teeth and jaw, a custom mouthguard also helps shield your lips, cheeks, and tongue from being injured by your teeth during an impact. This is particularly important for athletes with braces, as a mouthguard can prevent the sharp brackets and wires from cutting into the mouth's soft tissues.
Anyone participating in sports with a risk of impact to the face or mouth should wear a sports mouthguard. This includes both children and adults. Sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, basketball, and soccer are some of the most common where mouthguards are recommended. However, even athletes in non-contact sports such as cycling, gymnastics, or skating can benefit from wearing a mouthguard to prevent injury during falls.
Parents of young athletes should take special care to ensure their children wear mouthguards during practices and games. A well-fitting custom mouthguard can provide peace of mind, knowing their child's teeth and oral health are protected.
Taking proper care of your mouthguard ensures it remains in good condition and continues to offer maximum protection. Here are some tips for maintaining your sports mouthguards in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD:
Protecting your teeth and jaw from injury is essential for athletes in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD. Custom sports mouthguards provide the best defense against dental trauma, providing superior comfort, protection, and durability. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting, consult our dentist in Silver Spring and Riverdale, MD, to get fitted with a custom mouthguard that will safeguard your smile for years. Make mouth protection a priority; your smile is worth it.
So schedule an appointment today with us at Robertson Dental, located at 9417 Flower Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20901, and 5711 Sarvis Ave Ste 502, Riverdale, MD 20737. For bookings and consultations, you can give us a call at (301) 588-3310 or (301) 927-1453. Please visit our official website to learn more about the various services we provide.