Dentistry for Health

Who should wear athletic mouthguards?

Everybody involved in sports activity can benefit from an athletic mouthguard. School aged children and weekend warriors alike should wear mouthguards for protection and performance. Certainly anyone involved in sports with the potential for contact should be outfitted for a custom-made, custom-fitted mouthguard. Sports include (but not limited to) football, soccer, basketball, baseball, lacrosse, rugby, weight-lifting.

Why is a custom-made athletic mouthguard superior?

Protection - every mouth has a unique size and shape so it only makes sense that the best mouthguards will be adapted to the unique size and shape of its wearer.

Breathing - custom fitting means less airway blockage, better oxygen exchange, and improved performance.

Communication - a well adapted custom made mouthguard will stay in allowing the player to talk comfortably and effectively.

Comfort - a custom-made mouthguard is more comfortable, and a comfortable mouthguard is more likely to be worn even when the referee is not watching, and isn't that the whole point?

Performance - studies have shown actual performance improvement in athletes wearing mouthguards.

Dentist - we consider the mouthguard as one more aspect in our overall approach to preventive dental care.

What kind of injuries can a mouthguard prevent?

Dental injuries such as fractured teeth, dislodged teeth, devitalized teeth; cuts to lips, gums, cheeks and other oral soft tissue; jaw fracture, tempero-mandibular joint displacement; and concussive injury to the brain.

Any other benefits?

Yes. Custom-made mouthguards can be made in custom colors. So your whole team can wear the same colors.

Our practice uses Pro-form mouthguards whose literature has provided source material for this site. Additional literature is available at our office for your perusal. Please call our office today to schedule your child, yourself, or your team.

If you have comments or suggestions, email me at dentnut@erols.com