What are the advantages to using a mouthguard during contact sports?
Mouth guards:
- Protect the teeth. When impact occurs to the mouth, it can result in broken teeth. Teeth may become chipped or even knocked out. By wearing a mouthguard, patients can significantly reduce the risk of permanent tooth loss or damage.
- Protect dental restorations. Patients wearing certain restorations such as dental crowns or bridges may experience damage or loss due to trauma to the mouth. These dental restorations may be bonded back into place or might require new restorations if the damage is significant.
- Protect the face and mouth. The lips, gums, and tongue can also be protected by wearing a mouthguard during sports, ensuring no cuts or injuries occur to the soft tissues.
- Protect against serious injuries. Other serious injuries that can occur due to a blow to the face including jaw fractures, can be reduced or avoided with regular wearing of a mouthguard during sports activities. These serious injuries can be expensive and invasive to resolve.
As you can see, it is incredibly important to be proactive about caring for the smile, not only with brushing and flossing after every meal, but by wearing a mouthguard when the possibility of trauma or injury to the mouth may occur.
Are you interested in learning more about the advantages of using a mouthguard while participating in sports?
Contact Dr. Nancy Gill and the team at Golden Dental Solutions to educate yourself further on preventive smile protection. Her practice is located in Golden, Colorado at 1218 Arapahoe Street and can be reached by phone at (303) 277-9600.
