Dental Sports Guards
A dental sports guard, also known as a mouthguard or sports mouthpiece, is a protective device designed to prevent injuries to the teeth, jaws, and soft tissues of the mouth during sports activities. It is typically made of a pliable material, such as thermoplastic or silicone, that is custom-fitted to the individual’s teeth.
Sports guards act as a cushion, absorbing and redistributing the forces generated by impacts to the mouth. They help minimize the risk of tooth fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries such as lacerations to the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Additionally, they can provide a degree of protection against concussions by cushioning the impact and reducing the risk of jaw joint injuries.
A dental professional can create a custom sports guard by taking impressions of the patient’s teeth and sending them to a dental laboratory for fabrication. Alternatively, over-the-counter (OTC) boil-and-bite mouthguards are available, which can be molded to the teeth at home, although they may not provide the same level of fit and protection as custom-made guards.
It is important to wear a sports guard during any high-impact or contact sports, such as football, hockey, boxing, or martial arts, as well as recreational activities with a risk of falls or collisions. Even non-contact sports like racquetball pose a hazard to the mouth if a ball or racquet makes a direct hit. Proper care and maintenance of the sports guard, including regular cleaning and inspection for wear and tear, are crucial to ensure its effectiveness and longevity.
If you are in need of a sports guard to protect your teeth from a sports injury, contact Linglestown Family Dental and make an appointment. We’ll ensure you have the correct mouthguard, custom-fit for your dental structures.
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Dr. Heidi L Myshin, DMD
4401 Linglestown Road
Harrisburg, PA 17112
Phone: 717-652-2700
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