Should I Wear a Mouthguard When Playing Sports?
Sports are a great way to get some exercise and meet friends, but there are risks. Injuries to the mouth are a big one. Mouthguards, especially customized ones, are a great way to protect your smile while playing sports.
Why Are Mouthguards Important?
Mouthguards, which are made from plastic, fit over your teeth and shield them from violent blows. Mouthguards also protect your mouth’s soft tissues like the inside of your lips, your tongue, and your cheek lining. By wearing a mouthguard, you can avoid tooth fractures, knocked-out teeth, lip cuts, and other painful dental emergencies. Whether you’re playing competitive sports or just having fun with friends, mouth injuries can happen without warning, so you should protect yourself.
When Should I Wear a Mouthguard?
You should wear a mouthguard during any contact sport or while playing a sport where facial injuries could occur. Basketball, football, hockey, boxing, and skateboarding all have high rates of facial injuries, so be sure to protect your mouth!
Should I Get a Mouthguard From the Dentist?
You can get mouthguards at any sports equipment store, but there are benefits to getting one from the dentist. They’re customized, so they’re much more comfortable and effective at protecting your teeth. They also last longer, so even though they’re more expensive than store-bought options, they’re a better investment. When you come in for a consultation, we’ll make impressions of your smile and send them off to a lab. Your mouthguard should be done in 1-2 weeks.
Mouthguards at Gary Johnson DDS Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Chico, CA
Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your smile! If you have questions about getting a custom mouthguard or want to schedule a consultation with Dr. Johnson, please reach out to us today.