Dental trauma is a significant yet often overlooked dental health concern — ranking as the fifth most common type of injury, with around 2.8% of people experiencing some form of dental trauma annually. While dental injuries can affect individuals of all ages, children and teenagers are particularly susceptible due to their active lifestyles, participation in contact sports, and increased likelihood of falls.
The good news is that wearing a mouth guard can substantially reduce the risk of dental trauma in many situations. However, despite the effectiveness of wearing a mouth guard, they are often forgotten — especially if you’re unsure when to wear one.
Read on to learn when and how to wear a mouth guard and where to find the best kids orthodontist in Apex who offers custom-made mouth guards.
How Mouth Guards Protect Your Teeth
Mouth guards provide essential protection for your teeth by acting as a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, as well as shielding them from external impacts. These custom-fitted devices are typically made from flexible, durable materials like medical-grade plastic or laminate.
When wearing a mouth guard properly, they absorb and distribute the force of impacts — effectively reducing the risk of broken teeth, chipped teeth, or knocked-out teeth. Additionally, mouth guards help prevent soft tissue injuries to the lips, tongue, and cheeks by creating a cushion between these sensitive areas and your teeth. They also minimize the risk of jaw fractures and concussions by absorbing shock and stabilizing the jaw.
Five Activities That Put You at Risk for Dental Injury
You might be surprised to learn that mouth guards aren't just for boxers and football players. In fact, there's a whole world of activities where wearing one can save your mouth from painful dental injury — and expensive dental work, including the need for additional orthodontic treatments:
1. Biking and eBiking
Biking is a well-loved leisure activity and a common mode of transportation for people who live in densely populated areas. Face-first falls from sudden stops or loss of balance are common hazards, especially in urban environments or on challenging trails. There's also the potential for collisions with objects or other cyclists, which can directly impact the mouth area. A mouth guard provides protection against dental injuries, which can occur at any speed.
2. Using a Scooter or Skateboard
Scootering and skateboarding enthusiasts face a high risk of facial impacts during tricks or unexpected falls. These activities often involve aerial maneuvers and high-speed rides, further increasing the likelihood of accidents. A mouth guard acts as a vital barrier against tooth damage from hitting pavement or obstacles. Mouth guards also help prevent cuts and injuries to the lips and tongue, which are common in skateboarding and scootering accidents.
3. Roller Skating
Roller skating, while often seen as a more leisurely activity, still carries risks to your oral health. Falls on hard surfaces can lead to serious dental trauma, and a mouth guard provides essential protection. It also reduces the risk of jaw injuries from sudden impacts, which can occur when losing balance or colliding with others.
4. Playing Contact Sports
Contact sports inherently come with a high risk of oral injuries. Sports like hockey, basketball, and soccer involve frequent physical interactions that can lead to direct blows to the face. Additionally, mouth guards in contact sports protect the teeth and help reduce the risk of concussions by absorbing some impact force.
5. Riding an ATV
Used for both joy-riding and transportation, riding an ATV presents unique risks to your dental health. Rough terrain and the potential for accidents make mouth guards a crucial piece of safety equipment. Riding an ATV puts you at risk of experiencing sudden jolts, jumps, or landings — all of which can cause your jaw to snap shut with considerable force. A mouth guard also helps prevent the painful experience of biting through the tongue or cheek during rides.
The Risks of Skipping a Mouth Guard
Dental injuries can be painful, expensive to treat, and may have long-lasting consequences on your oral health and appearance. Just as you wouldn't drive without buckling up or go cycling without a helmet, participating in sports or recreational activities without safeguarding your teeth is an unnecessary gamble.
Remember, accidents don't announce themselves. They occur when you least expect — often during routine outings or familiar activities. A split-second mishap can lead to years of dental work and regret.
Over-the-Counter Mouth Guards vs. Custom-Made Mouth Guards: How to Choose Which One is Best for You
Over-the-counter mouth guards, also known as heat and mold mouth guards, are designed to be softened in hot water and then shaped to fit the user's teeth by biting down. While they are a common choice for those who want a fast and less expensive option to protect their teeth, they offer a lower level of comfort and protection.
Custom-made mouth guards, on the other hand, are crafted by dental professionals using digital dental impressions, ensuring the perfect fit and superior protection. They are also a more durable option that will last longer than a one-size-fits-all option.
Where to Find the Best Family Orthodontist in Apex for Getting a Custom Mouth Guard
At Spielberg Dental, we recognize that protecting your smile is just as important as perfecting it. That's why we offer custom-fitted mouth guards designed to safeguard your teeth during various activities, from high-impact sports to everyday recreational activities. Our personalized approach ensures that each mouth guard is tailored to fit comfortably and provide optimal protection for every patient, whether they're an active child or an adult with an adventurous lifestyle.
Dr. Alena Spielberg's specialized training and years of experience in dental protection make her exceptionally qualified to create mouth guards that address a wide range of needs and activities. Dr. Spielberg's passion for community well-being and individualized care means that you'll receive not just expert craftsmanship in your mouth guard, but also comprehensive guidance on how to best protect your smile in all your activities.
Ready to get a custom-made mouth guard that will fit comfortably from the best orthodontist in Apex?
