Back to School Means Back to Sports - Got That Mouthguard?

Back to school time goes hand-in-hand with millions of our nation's kids participating in sports that place their teeth and gums in the danger zone. As you collect school supplies, book bags, lunchboxes, clothing, and sports gear, make sure to put one essential item on your list: a mouth guard. It is an inexpensive little accessory that can save a priceless amount of pain and expense, should an accident happen. This school year alone, thousands of young athletes will experience injuries to their teeth, gums, cheeks, lips, and tongues that a properly fitted mouth guard could have prevented. 

If you think that only the kids who play contact sports such as boxing, football or lacrosse should wear a mouth guard, think again.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that participants in many non-contact sports also wear a mouth guard.  Here is a partial list of sporting activities that the ADA feels should encourage the use of mouth guards:
Acrobatics
Basketball
Bicycling
Boxing
Equestrian events
Field hockey
Football
Gymnastics
Handball
Ice hockey
Inline skating
Lacrosse
Martial arts
Racquetball
Rugby
Skateboarding
Skiing
Soccer
Surfing
Volleyball
Water polo
Weightlifting
Wrestling

An effective mouth guard should have several features: it should be durable, resilient, and comfortable. Mouth guards should also be easy to clean and not restrict the athlete's speech or breathing. There are three different types of mouth guards:

1. Ready-made
2. Boil and Bite-which when heated, conform to the user's mouth
3. Mouth guards custom-made by a dentist

To decide which type of mouth guard is best, it's best to discuss the matter with your dentist. Regardless of which type you choose, it should always be rinsed after each use with antiseptic mouth rinse before and stored in a firm container that is perforated to allow air circulation. Be sure to inspect the mouth guard regularly for wear and tear, and replace it to ensure optimal protection.

Protecting a young athlete's mouth provides piece of mind, allows them to concentrate on the activity and gives everyone something to smile about!

Simply call 919-782-0548 to schedule an appointment.