Athletic Mouthguards
Dental and orofacial (face and mouth) injuries in sports are more common than you might think. Although the reported injury rates vary depending on factors such as the size of the study, the sports involved, and the ages of the athletes, various studies have found that anywhere from 10 to 61 percent of athletes have experienced sports-related dental trauma. That is why, at Woodside Pediatric Dentistry, we prioritize the safety of your child's teeth during physical activities by providing custom-fitted mouth guards. Our expert team ensures optimal protection, allowing your child to enjoy sports and activities with confidence and peace of mind. Trust us to safeguard their precious smiles. A properly fitted sports mouth guard, on the other hand, can reduce the likelihood and severity of dental and orofacial injuries. As a result, the American Dental Association advises athletes in contact and non-contact sports to wear athletic mouth guards.
How Does A Sports Mouthguard Work?
Athletic mouth guards (also known as "mouth protectors") are worn over the teeth to protect against dental and orofacial injuries sustained while participating in sports. They are typically worn over the upper teeth, though it may be necessary in some cases to cover the lower teeth.
Sports mouth guards protect the soft tissue in the tongue, lips, gums, and cheek lining by acting as a buffer between these soft tissues and the hard teeth. Mouth guards also aid in preventing tooth and jaw injuries by cushioning and redistributing shock in the event of a strong blow to the mouth. Athletic mouth guards, particularly custom-fitted mouth guards, have consistently been shown to significantly reduce the risk of sports-related dental and orofacial injuries.