A lot of people play sports (young and old) and think that they are doing something good for their body. They are, but they can be damaging a part of their body that they use every day – their teeth.
Below are five good reasons why wearing a mouth guard when playing sports is so important.
1. A Mouth Guard Will Protect Against Getting Tooth Fractures
Among the most important reasons to wear a mouth guard is to keep teeth from being broken. If your tooth fractures, usually it’s able to be saved. Here are a few kinds of different tooth fractures and how they are treated.
- Tooth crown – The dentist usually can place a filling material in the tooth so that the fractured portion’s replaced.
- Dental pulp exposed – This usually requires a pulpotomy in young people or root canal, then the tooth is filled to replace the structure.
- Tooth root fractured – This prognosis isn’t always favorable. If the fracture is near the crown, it’s possible that the tooth will be extracted, if the root’s fractured close to the tooth’s end, something may be able to be done.
2. A Mouth Guard Protects Against Displacement
If you get hit by a baseball in your mouth and you aren’t wearing a guard, this could break a tooth. If you’re fortunate, it might just move the tooth and cause it to be more easily to move afterwards.
But if you’re wearing a mouth guard and you get hit in the mouth, it’s going to cushion your mouth and teeth. It also can distribute that force all over the teeth so one tooth isn’t receiving the blow.
3. Mouth Guards Protect Against Knocked Out Teeth
No one wants to have a tooth knocked out. It’s even worse when someone has their tooth knocked out by something that could have been prevented by wearing a mouth guard.
Fortunately, there are steps that you can take even if a permanent tooth’s knocked out to save the tooth. If it’s a baby tooth that is knocked out, this could cause problems with the permanent tooth that’s developing and might need a space maintainer or spacer.
4. A Mouth Guard Protects Against Injuries to Soft Tissue
There have been people who have bitten through their lips when they were playing a sport. A mouth guard will cover up your teeth sharp surfaces and help you stop from injuring your lips, cheek, and tongue.
5. A Mouth Guard Protects Against a Jaw Fracture
Wearing a mouth guard also can protect against having a jaw fracture. When you get a blow to your head, causing your teeth to go against one another, there isn’t a lot of space for flexibility. However, when you are wearing a mouth guard, it will act as padding and save you from a fractured jaw. A lot of times people who have a fractured jaw will need major surgery and also be on a liquid diet. So wearing a mouth guard is a lot better.
Types of Mouth Guards
Generally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), your dentist will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well.
- Stock mouth protectors are preformed and come ready to wear
- Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors.
- Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually designed and made in a dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist’s instructions.
Conclusion
These are five great reasons why it’s important to wear a mouth guard when you are playing sports. They will protect your mouth, your teeth, and your smile. What better reasons are there to wear one?
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Questions about your Teeth?
If teeth issues are affecting your smile, the team at Island Coast Dentistry can help. Through a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Skupny can tailor a oral treatment plan that is most effective for you. A beautiful, healthy smile can be yours!
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