Watching the NBA finals a few weeks ago, a sight we all got used to was Stephen Curry chewing on his mouthguard during breaks in play. He knows what all dentists know—that accidents can happen and your mouth needs protecting during sports. Mouthguards not only protect teeth from chipping and cracking, they help limit the risk of injuries to your lips, tongue and all the soft tissue in your mouth as well.
Approximately five million teeth will be lost this year due to sports-related injuries—and that number is only for the US. Most people know that mouthguards are recommended for football and hockey—but did you know that the American Dental Association also advises guards for basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball and skiing? With the amount of sports our children play, we wish we could tell you we make mouthguards on a daily basis. The truth is, we make most mouthguards after an injury has occurred. Only then do the parents and athletes see their value.
There are different types of mouthguards out there. Stock mouthguards are preformed and ready to wear. They are cheap and can be found at any sporting-goods store. The problem with them is that they do not fit well, which results in minimal tooth protection. Boil and Bite Guards allow a better fit as they can conform to the shape of your mouth, but most find them bulky and uncomfortable to wear. Custom-fit mouth guards are fabricated by your dentist to create a perfect fit. This type is more expensive, but it will protect you the best from injury. If your child has braces, a custom-fit mouth guard is a must.
If you are still not convinced about the importance of mouthguards, speak to your dentist. He or she can guide you as to what type is right for you. Don’t wait for an accident to happen!
By Dr. Herbert Schneider and Dr. Rachel Jacobs
Dr. Herbert Schneider has been recognized for his work with fellowship awards from the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Endodontic Society. He also holds a prestigious Mastership from the World Clinical Laser Institute. Dr. Rachel Jacobs joined the practice in 2006. Her calm, yet precise manner makes her a hit with both adults and children. Both doctors are certified in the uses of three different clinical lasers.
