Have you ever watched a high-action sport and seen a tough collision or a player in pain? While much of their uniforms include protective gear on their legs, arms, and head, there is one important piece of equipment that should never be ignored or forgotten and that is a mouth guard.

Your Bellevue dentist wants our patients to know that the month of April is National Facial Protection Month, where the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontists, and many other academies and associations discuss the importance of staying safe and protecting your teeth by wearing a mouth guard.

 

A mouth guard, also known as a mouth protector, helps cushion any blows to the face that an athlete may experience. This minimizes the risk of chipped or broken teeth, injuries to your lips, tongue, cheek, or jaw, and gives you the extra protection you need to maintain your healthy smile while staying active.

 

Some examples of sports that need their players wearing mouth guards are:

• Boxing

• Hockey

• Football

• Basketball

• Soccer

 

Those are only some of the sports that require this athletic piece of equipment – there are numerous other sports where players can experience this kind of trauma, so it's important to protect your smile at all costs.

 

Custom-made mouth guards are the ideal choice for any sport. Your teeth will properly fit in place, there'll be no movement or shifting when wearing the custom mouth guard, and it'll provide the utmost comfort. There are other options for mouth guards, including a stock version or a boil-and-bite version, but don't hesitate to ask us what's best for your smile!

 

According to the ADA and the AOO, children between the ages of 7 and 11 are the most vulnerable to sports-related mouth injuries. This is a great time to introduce children to sports and see if they would like to pursue it in the future, but parents need to be sure to share their knowledge of mouth guards, like why they're important to wear during sports, so they can protect their smile now and in the future. Athletes are at least 60% more likely to suffer from a dental injury if they're not wearing a mouth guard.

 

Interested in learning more? Don't hesitate to ask us! Contact your Bellevue dentist by calling (425) 747-3080 and schedule a consultation with our office to learn more about the different mouth guard options for you or your family. Stay athletic and stay safe!