Summer is here! And that means kids will be spending more time outdoors playing soccer, baseball, basketball and other active sports. Playing sports has many heart-healthy benefits, however sports can also cause serious dental damage. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 10-20% of all sports related injuries are maxillofacial (related to the jaw and soft tissues of the mouth).
Our Cary family dental office recommends that children of all ages wear mouth guards to protect their pearly whites while playing sports not only this summer, but year round. And here’s why:
Benefits of Mouth Guards
Mouth guards help cushion blows to the face, lowering the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, and jaw. It is estimated that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer harm to their teeth if they aren’t wearing a mouth guard.
There are 3 different types of mouth guards:
- Custom-Fit – custom made by your dentist.
- Stock – pre-formed and ready to wear.
- Boil & Bite – must be softened (boiled) and then shaped (bite).
The best mouth guard is one that has been custom fit by a dentist, allowing athletes to breathe, speak and drink with ease. However, any form of teeth protection is better than nothing, especially when it’s cheaper that replanting a tooth and follow up dental treatment!
Athletes That Use Mouth Guards
The ADA recommends that athletes of all ages (including the pros!) use a mouth guard to protect against dental fractures, avulsions, or luxation. And while kids might not think that mouth guards are cool, you might be able to sway them when they find out Lebron James of the Miami Heat, Corey McIntyre of the Buffalo Bills, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, and Pierre Garcon of the Washington Redskins all wear mouth guards too!
Contact Our Cary Family Dental Office
Want to learn more about mouth guards, or schedule a teeth cleaning? Contact us today by calling 919-467-0654 or fill out our online contact form!