The Super Bowl was this weekend, and no matter which team you were cheering for, one thing is a sure bet: the players on both sides were wearing athletic mouthguards to protect their teeth. Whether you or your children participate in sports recreationally or competitively, it’s always a good idea to wear a mouthguard to help protect your teeth and oral cavity against injury.
According to both the American Dental Association and the Academy for Sports Dentistry, custom fit mouthguards made by a dentist perform best at protecting your teeth and soft tissues of the mouth. While some sports, such as football or boxing, may have more obvious risks associated with them, you should also consider wearing a mouthguard when participating in other activities with potential risk of trauma, such as skating or gymnastics. The ADA recommends that a mouthguard is worn even by children participating in athletic activities. If you are worried about the cost of a mouthguard, imagine how much more expensive it would be to repair your teeth after potential injury! In some cases, an over the counter mouthguard may be worn. It is best to discuss with your dentist if this is an option for you or your children and to look for products which have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
Next time you get suited up for a game, whether it’s little league, a high school team, or even the Super Bowl, don’t forget to make an ADA approved mouthguard part of your winning uniform.
For more information:
http://www.ada.org/en/member-center/oral-health-topics/mouthguards
http://www.academyforsportsdentistry.org/
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