Ask any dentist, and they’ll say mouth guards are essential when playing sports. Why? Of all the oral injuries they see every year, 13 to 39% are sports-related. Furthermore, the National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety finds that athletes who fail to wear mouth guards are 60 times more likely to experience a dental injury.
Sports can lead to collisions with other players, the ground, and flying objects like balls and bats. Wearing a mouth guard prevents many possible injuries to the face and mouth – chipped or broken teeth and jaw bones, root damage, and cuts to soft tissues. They’re especially designed to cover and absorb impact to the upper teeth, where 80% of all dental injuries occur.
When to Wear Mouth Guards
So mouth guards should be worn during high-contact sports like football, hockey and wrestling, right? Yes, and more. You can still experience serious oral injuries during other sports and activities like gymnastics or skating. Based on injury statistics, the American Dental Association recommends wearing mouth guards for a much fuller list of sports.
Types of Mouth Guards
Before you run out and buy the cheapest mouth guard you can find, consider the features of the three main types:
- Good – Stock mouth guards run as cheap as $5, but you’ll get what you pay for. While they’re better than nothing, they tend to be bulky, fit poorly, and slide around or fall out easily.
- Better – A better option is called a boil and bite mouth guard. This kind is softened before insertion, allowing it to conform to the shape of the mouth. A little more expensive than stock guards, they’re available at many sporting goods and drugstores.
- Best – The best type of mouth guard is one that’s custom-fit by a dentist. Although they can cost more than other options, they provide the best protection and fit. Custom-fit guards are ideal for those with braces or bridges, since they need to fit well to protect the braces and prevent them from hurting your cheeks or lips.
Mouth Guard Care
To function best, mouth guards should be kept in good condition and replaced whenever they show signs of wear (or every season). It’s also important to wash them in cold, soapy water after every use, keep them away from heat, and store them in dry but ventilated containers.
Most of all, take your mouth guard with you to dental checkups at Stonehaven Dental Waco so a professional can clean it, examine it, and make recommendations based on your individual needs.
Reviews From Our Patients
Krystle J.
Sammy, Connor, the front desk staff, Dental Hygenist and especially Dr. Town are amazing! It’s great to see the same faces everyone I get a cleaning! Sammy makes the experience comfortable and welcome. Connor may be quiet but he always does a great job! The dental hygienist always remembers me and my kids. Sorry I cant remember her name but she knows who I am and that’s what matters:) Thankful for this staff and the great care they give to my family!
Linda F.
I love it here. I have never seen a dental office give flowers to first timers. Everyone was so welcome if. In pain but you guys still made me smile. I told my daughter she need to come there. I love how you guys work with options of payment. Again thanks for making me smile in pain.
Emily C.
We’ve always had a good experience at Stonehaven. The women at the front desk are always cheerful and helpful. I love the hygienists, they always make my children and I feel comfortable and informed. I have pretty high dental anxiety and they’ve never tried to minimize my fears- but they listen to me, and help me feel as comfortable as possible. The dentists and orthodontists have been great! No issues at all. (I just wish my daughter was better at flossing, but we’re working on that!)
Yolanda R.
Oh my god, this doctor and staff are the best! They are friendly, they explained everything very thoroughly and made me feel very comfortable. The office is so clean and every one of the staff is so amazing especially Crystal! I recommend this dental office big time!!! Thank you Stonehaven Dental!!
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"This is my first time at Stonehaven dental. Everyone was super friendly, and helpful. Dr Town came in and visited with me and together we developed a treatment plan to address the issues that were present on my teeth. Couldn't be more happy with the experience with everyone in the office!"