3 Reasons to Invest in an Athletic Mouthguard

Did you know sporting activities account for the greatest percentage of traumatic dental injuries in teenagers? More dental and facial injuries occur in athletics than they do in violence or traffic accidents. The good news is that there is a proven way to allow your child to play sports while keeping their smile protected at the same time. A custom athletic mouthguard drastically lowers the risk for teeth, cheek and jaw injuries when used during sports.

Unlike a store-bought or “boil and bite” mouthguard, a custom mouthguard is made of strong, flexible material that is tailored to fit over your unique set of teeth. When it comes to a mouthguard’s ability to protect, the fit is paramount. A custom sports mouthguard from your dentist can protect in the following ways:

#1 Absorb Force

Most sports have the potential for a direct blow or force to the mouth. A mouthguard, worn on the upper teeth only, is designed to absorb some of the energy from the impact. Not only can a mouthguard cushion the teeth and prevent jaw injuries, but it has also been proven to reduce concussions in youth sports!

#2 Prevent Broken Teeth

A mouthguard essentially spreads out the impact of traumatic force to the teeth. Therefore, instead of one tooth receiving the full blow, the mouthguards distributes the energy so that there is a much less chance of a tooth break or fracture.

#3 Eliminate Lip and Tongue Injuries

A well-fit mouthguard will fully cover the upper teeth, which creates a barrier between the teeth and the tongue, lip or cheek. Therefore, the likelihood of soft tissue laceration can be greatly reduced.

Get Your Custom Mouthguard for Sports Today!

At Riverwood Dental, we are proud to offer sports mouthguards for children, teens and adults. Keep in mind that mouthguards aren’t just for boxing and football. If you or your child is involved in any type of sport that involve a ball, hard equipment or physical contact, a custom mouthguard can be a powerful method of protection. Let us protect your smile while you play – contact Riverwood Dental today.