Are you or your child at risk of sports-related dental injuries?

Dental injuries while playing sports are more common than you might imagine. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.  These injuries are what every parent fears will happen to their child: knocked out teeth, injured cheeks or tongue, broken jaws and broken teeth.   To make matters worse, up to 75% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the most visible teeth in our smile, the front teeth.

A sports mouth guard is an obvious choice to reduce the chance of sports-related dental injuries.  All sports mouthguards are not created equal, however.  Low-cost sports store mouthguards can make you feel as though you’re protected, when in fact your protection is limited.  Let’s take a look at what makes an effective mouthguard to help you choose wisely.

The following are the attributes of a properly fitted and effective mouthguard:

1. must be protective with sufficient thickness in key areas, yet not bulky
2. fit comfortably, allowing natural breathing and speaking
3. tear-resistant, keeps its form
4. odorless & tasteless

Shelf-bought mouthguards often do not meet any of these criteria when they are brand new.  Once they have been used for a while and they are chewed out of shape, their condition makes them even worse.  Despite this, over 90% of the mouthguards worn are of the variety bought at sporting goods stores.

What is the alternative to store-bought mouthguards?

Fortunately, there is a choice, one that measures up to all of the criteria of a good and effective mouthguard!  A custom-made mouth guard is not only much more comfortable, and safe and allows you to breathe and talk naturally, it also has been shown to improve your physical performance.

How does a custom-made mouthguard improve your physical performance?

In a nutshell, the custom-made mouth guard is made for your perfect jaw and bite position.  When your mouth is in this relaxed position, the state of relaxation trickles down to your head and neck and even spine muscles allowing your posture to remain straighter and to keep poised and balanced.  All of this adds up to improved physical performance in golf, hockey, football, basketball and many other sports.

Custom-made mouth guards range from basic types which are suitable for kids and junior athletes to professional mouth guards for athletes looking to enhance their athletic performance.  To find out what is recommended for your needs, book an appointment with our Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group team.

Downtown Nanaimo Dental Group is proud to serve your complete dental health needs in Nanaimo on Vancouver Island.  Our Nanaimo dentists and dental hygienists believe in continuous learning to bring you the latest technology in dental medicine and our team of dental professionals aspire to the highest level of patient care.  At each visit to our office, we treat you with the respect, honesty and dignity that you deserve.