If you or your child participate in sports or other physical activities, it’s essential to consider the potential risks to your teeth and overall oral health. Sport-related injuries can lead to various dental traumas, from chipped or broken teeth to more severe ones like jaw fractures. A custom mouthguard is one effective way to protect your teeth and prevent dental trauma during sports.
Custom mouthguards are designed to fit your teeth perfectly, providing maximum protection and comfort during physical activities. For creation, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to ensure a perfect fit. Then, your dentist makes the mouthguard from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting.
So, how do custom mouthguards prevent dental trauma during sports?
Cushioning Against Impact
When playing sports or engaging in physical activities, impacts are common. Without proper protection, the force of impact can cause damage to your teeth and other oral structures. A custom mouthguard provides a cushioning effect that helps absorb the impact of a blow or collision. This helps reduce the risk of dental trauma and other oral injuries.
Reducing the Risk of Tooth Fractures
Tooth fractures and avulsions are some of the most serious dental injuries during sports. A tooth fracture occurs when a tooth cracks or breaks. However, a tooth avulsion is when a tooth completely comes out. Both of these injuries can be painful and require immediate dental attention.
A custom mouthguard can help reduce the risk of tooth fractures and avulsions by providing a barrier between the teeth and other objects. In addition, the mouthguard helps evenly distribute the force of impact, reducing the risk of a tooth being knocked out or broken.
Preventing Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries, such as cuts and bruises inside the mouth, are also common during sports. These injuries can be painful and may require stitches or other medical attention. A custom mouthguard can help prevent these damages by providing a protective barrier between the teeth and the mouth’s soft tissues. The mouthguard helps prevent the teeth from cutting the inside of the cheeks or tongue during impact.
Improving Comfort and Compliance
One of the main reasons people may not wear a mouthguard during sports is because they find it uncomfortable or difficult to breathe with. A custom mouthguard fits your teeth perfectly, so it will be more comfortable to wear than a generic mouthguard. Additionally, a custom mouthguard won’t interfere with speech or breathing, making it easier to wear and comply with during physical activities.
A custom mouthguard can help prevent soft tissue injuries and improve overall comfort and compliance. To learn more about custom mouthguards and how they can benefit you or your child, talk to Dr. Andrews at Plantation Road Dental today.