Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards Tuscaloosa, AL
A mouthguard is a soft piece of plastic molded to fit over the teeth of the upper jaw. Without one, anyone who participates in physical activity increases their likelihood of an injury to the teeth and soft tissues of the mouth.
A custom-fit mouthguard offers the ideal option to ensure athletes have the proper protection. Custom-fit mouthguards are available at Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry in Tuscaloosa and the surrounding area. Call us at (205) 409-0102 to find out why a custom option is the better choice.
The Dangers of Not Using a Mouthguard
For more than half a century, the American Dental Association has recommended the use of a properly-fitted mouthguard to reduce the risk of oral injury while participating in sports. Although mouthguards do not guarantee someone will not sustain an oral injury, athletes become 60 times more likely to get hurt when not wearing one. Hard hits and flying projectiles can all translate into a nightmare for the teeth and jaw.
A custom-fitted mouthguard, worn over the top teeth, protects the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue, absorbs shock, and stabilizes the jaw during a hit. Consider many risks associated with not wearing a mouth guard, including broken or lost teeth, jaw injuries, lacerated lips and cheeks, and damage to orthodontic appliances.
Broken or Lost Teeth
Teeth, although hard, can break. Playing sports without a proper mouthguard leaves the teeth at risk of taking a hard blow without any cushion. This can cause teeth to crack, fracture, or even fall out completely. A cracked or damaged tooth signifies a severe dental emergency.
Jaw Injuries
Jaw injuries commonly occur in sports. Mouthguards prevent or greatly reduce their seriousness by cushioning the jaw and reducing the amount of shock it takes during a hit. Teeth, designed to chew food, can also do damage to the soft tissues of the mouth when left uncovered. A mouthguard can help protect the mouth from punctures or lacerations.
Damage to Orthodontic Appliances
Braces or other orthodontia present a unique challenge that only a custom-fit mouthguard done at a dentist's office can address. This type of mouthguard can be made for the upper and lower teeth. It will not only protect the teeth but also prevent the metal wires and brackets from potentially ripping into the soft tissues of the mouth.
“Hard hits and flying projectiles can all translate into a nightmare for the teeth and jaw.”
The Risks of Store-Bought Alternatives
Not all sports mouthguards are created equally. A custom mouth guard fitted by a dentist will provide the most protection as it offers a tailored fit for the unique shape of the upper teeth. This level of smile security cannot be matched by a generic mouthguard found at a sporting goods store.
Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the "one size fits all" approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they remain uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear easier, do not fit correctly, and consist of a weaker material, which are not enough when playing contact sports.
An investment in a custom-fit mouthguard also represents an investment in an athlete's long-term oral health. The materials used remain durable, yet still allow the athlete to breathe and talk with ease. However, using a temporary mouth guard while waiting for a custom one remains better than not wearing one at all.
“Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the one size fits all’ approach to protecting the teeth and jaws.”
Long-Term Effects of Sports Injuries to Teeth
Over a quarter of dental-related injuries happen while playing sports. An oral-facial injury rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages. To avoid long-term oral health problems after a sports-related tooth injury, seek treatment immediately.
Not wearing a mouthguard significantly increases the risks for serious dental injury while playing sports. Hits to the mouth can result in the loss of a tooth, or the need for a root canal to avoid infection. Missing teeth and the subsequent replacement, fractures and cracks will need special attention for the rest of an athlete's life. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers the first line of defense.
“An oral-facial injury, rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards in Tuscaloosa, AL
A Better Fit and Design
A mouthguard designed and created in a dental office represents the most durable and protective option. Our dentist will evaluate an athlete's individual needs and customize a mouthguard. This can include providing extra space for growing teeth and jaws something that just cannot be duplicated with a generic mouthguard.
First, the dentist creates the impression of the teeth that will be used to create the actual mouthguard. From there, the dentist trims, polishes and checks for the proper fit. A properly fitting mouthguard offers a protective, odorless and tasteless option with sufficient thickness in critical areas.
Each mouthguard, tailored to the individual athlete, offers thickness and design to promote comfort and sufficient protection. Thanks to its quality construction, this type of mouthguard can stand up to the rigors of any contact sport. Parents can rest easy knowing they have provided their athlete with the right product to protect their mouth and teeth.
“A mouthguard designed and created in a dental office offers the most durable and protective option.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the dangers of not using a mouthguard?
Q. What are the risks of using a store-bought mouthguard?
Q. What are the long-term effects of a sports injury to the teeth?
Q. What makes custom-fitted mouthguards better?
People Also Ask
Q. How is a custom mouth guard made?
Q. What should I do if I lose teeth?
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the dangers of not using a mouthguard?
A. Several risks remain associated with not wearing a mouth guard, including broken or lost teeth, jaw injuries, lacerated lips and cheeks, and damage to orthodontics. Without a mouthguard, teeth can crack and puncture the soft tissues of the mouth; the jaw can be injured, and braces can be ripped and broken.
Q. What is wrong with the mouthguards I can just buy from the store?
A. Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the "one size fits all" approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they remain uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear easier, do not fit correctly and consist of a weaker material which just won't cut it when playing contact sports.
Q. What makes a custom-fit mouthguard better?
A. The highest quality materials comprise a custom-fit mouthguard made from a mold of your teeth. Tailored to your individual needs, they fit better and remain more durable. A custom-fit mouthguard offers a return on investment in your long-term oral health.
Q. How long does a custom mouthguard last?
A. If taken care of properly, a custom-fit mouthguard can last for several years. However, our dentist should evaluate it during your checkups to make sure it still fits properly. A poorly-fitting mouthguard does not remain effective.
Q. How much do custom-made mouthguards cost?
A. Custom-made mouthguards can cost anywhere from $100 to $700 depending on the severity of the patient's oral health condition and the sport they play. Mouthguards may be covered by insurance. We encourage patients to contact their insurance provider to better understand what their plan entails.
Scan here to view this page, Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards, on mobile
Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Custom Mouthguards for Sports
A custom-fit mouthguard represents a vital piece of protective equipment for any athlete. To schedule an appointment, call us at 205-409-0102 to let Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry in Tuscaloosa for more assistance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, and website security
- Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry was established in 2013.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Tuscaloosa County, Hale County, Greene County, Pickens County, Bibb County, Sumter County, Marengo County, and Jefferson County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Tuscaloosa
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry on mobile
Back to top of Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards
Related Posts
Who Is A Good Candidate For An Implant Dentist
If you are missing one or more teeth, visiting an implant dentist is a good first step toward restoring your smile. Dental implants are an exciting, new, and versatile way to replace teeth and get people back to smiling confidently and enjoying the foods they love. However, dental implants may not be for everyone. Therefore,…
Adjusting To New Dentures: When You Should Replace Your Old Dentures
Adjusting to new dentures is a familiar feeling to the 36 million Americans that have no teeth, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Dentures allow those Americans to eat and speak normally when they have lost their natural teeth to age, gum disease, or dental trauma. Unfortunately, even the best dentures are expected to…
The Role Of Implant Dentists In Restoring Your Dental Health
Implant dentists are essential in helping patients regain a healthy and functional smile by providing innovative and personalized solutions for missing or damaged teeth. They specialize in the placement and restoration of dental implants. With their experience and techniques, implant dentists offer patients the opportunity to restore oral health and regain confidence in their smile.…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Rhodes & Rhodes Family Dentistry on mobile