Mouth Guards for Athletes
Because accidents can happen during any physical activity, using a mouth guard during sports can help limit the risk of mouth-related injuries to your lips, tongue, and soft tissues of your mouth. Mouth guards also help you avoid chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth, or even tooth loss. In fact, a mouth guard can even reduce the severity of a concussion. It’s been estimated that between 13 to 39 percent of all dental injuries have some connection to athletics.
But not all athletic mouthguards are made equal and there are three different types.
Ready-Made
Ready-made mouthguards are inexpensive and can be easily found in sporting goods stores. But while they provide some amount of protection, they aren’t customized. As a result, they can fit awkwardly and make breathing and speaking difficult.
Mouth-Formed
Mouth-Formed Mouthguard provide more customized results. Also known as boil-and-bite mouthguards, this type conforms to your smile after being softened in hot water. But some feel that mouth-formed mouthguards have a bad taste. They can also lose their flexibility over time.
Custom-Made
The best type of athletic mouthguard is one that’s been custom-made just for you at Smith Brauer Dentistry. With a custom-made mouthguard, you can play with more confidence and without worrying about your smile.