Updated: August 1, 2011
Did you know that if you participate in sports without wearing a mouthguard, you are 60 times more likely to injure your teeth? Contact sports such as boxing, wrestling, and football often require mouthguards be worn during competition but it is important to wear mouthguards during practice as well. If you participate in non-contact sports, you should know that a mouthguard can still help you prevent injury to teeth and jaws. Athletes in almost every sport – baseball, basketball, gymnastics, skiing, snowboarding, and even dancers can benefit from the protection of a mouthguard.
Choices for mouthguards include custom-made guards from you dentist, pre-formed molds, and boil-and-bite products. If you have braces, you will need to change your mouthguard every few weeks so choose ones that fit your budget. But no matter which type of mouthguard you choose, make sure it fits snugly and comfortably, is easy to clean, and does not restrict your breathing.
At Gladstone Family Dentistry we are able to offer custom mouthguards in a variety of colors to suit your personal preference. Each athletic mouthguard we make is custom fit to your mouth and takes about 10 working days to fabricate. The procedure is painless and takes 2 appointments – the first takes 30 minutes to make full upper and lower impressions. Two weeks later you will have a second appointment to fit, trim, and deliver the mouthguard. Make sure you see us at the beginning of each sports season for your routine appointment. Bring your mouthguard to these appointments so we can help maintain your dental health.
School athletes receive a special discount on custom mouthguards at our practice. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for your custom mouthguard whether you are a current patient or not.
