Dental Health
Make Your Own Luck with a Mouthguard
Call it our unique way of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day! The Crown Dental team is here to urge you — and your children — to make your own luck by wearing a mouthguard when playing spring sports. Or any sport, all year!
Check out why mouthguards are so important, along with what you should do if you or your child suffers a sports injury when not wearing one.
More than a Mouth-Guard
Given its name and position in your mouth, it makes sense to assume that mouthguards protect… well, your mouth. While that’s important, a mouthguard actually protects much more than that.
As Zameera Fida, DMD at Boston Children’s Hospital, explains: “A mouthguard will protect not only your teeth, but also your gums, tongue, cheeks, and lips from trauma. It acts as a cushion to absorb the blow. Whether it’s a blow to the face, knee, or any other part of the body, the gear your child is wearing will absorb the impact.”
Think about watching football, for example, and consider the impact players withstand during tackes. Other team sports, like hockey, soccer, and basketball can pose similar risks; however, the importance of wearing a mouthguard isn’t restricted to these sports.
Don’t be fooled by activities considered “low impact,” like cycling, gymnastics, baseball or softball. Even solo endeavors like skating can prove dangerous, following a slip on the ice.
Choosing not to wear a mouthguard can result in obvious injury, like a chipped or knocked out tooth, along with less noticeable issues like a cracked tooth, which could result in nerve damage if not treated by a professional right away.
It’s always a good idea to increase the protection provided by your mouthguard by wearing other safety gear like a helmet, even if a particular sport or activity doesn’t require it.
Don’t press your luck when you play sports. Wear your mouthguard and make sure your children understand the importance of wearing theirs, too.
If you do wind up with an injury, take advantage of Crown Dental’s dental emergency services! Our team is rooting for you with expert care whenever you need it!
