We are deep into football season, but winter sports will be starting soon. Consider that a reminder to remember to wear a properly-fitting athletic mouthguard when you get in the game.

Protecting your smile means going more than just brushing, flossing and visiting McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry for regular cleanings. You also need to protect your teeth when you are practicing or playing your favorite sports.

If you or someone you love is getting ready to start a new season, then now is the time to visit our dentist office in Charlotte, NC. We can design a custom-molded sports mouthguard for you!

Call 704-766-8662 now to schedule an appointment.

They’re Not Just For Football

According to a recent survey of parents, 84 percent of youth athletes do not wear mouthguards when they are practicing and playing. That’s a concern for us because statistically, athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer a dental injury than athletes who do wear them.

Kids are most likely to suffer oral injuries between the ages of 7 and 11, and among 13- to 17-year-olds, basketball players are the ones who suffer the most dental injuries.

The American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and other professional dental organizations recommend wearing a mouthguard for all high-impact sports and activities. That includes basketball, cheerleading, and wrestling in North Carolina high school sports.

In general, high-impact sports involve one or more of the following:

  • Changing speeds or directions
  • Physical contact between participants
  • Jumping
  • Flying objects (e.g. basketball, hockey pucks, etc.)

The Benefits of a Custom Fit

The ADA, AAPD, and other dental organizations don’t just recommend wearing, they recommend a custom-fitted mouthguard.

To be fair, any mouthguard will provide a level of protection. The difference between a custom-fitted mouthguard and commercial ones comes down to the fit.

It’s sort of like the difference between wearing the seat belt in your car or truck when you drive to work and the five-point harness that a NASCAR driver uses during a race. Both will protect you, but one does a better job of minimizing injuries in the event of an accident.

Custom-made mouthguards are more comfortable to wear than the bulky boil-and-bite kinds you can find in stores. They are also smaller, which means it is easier to breathe, talk, and drink water without taking out the custom-made mouthguard.

In other words, you or your child is more likely to wear a mouthguard that is comfortable and doesn’t affect your ability to breathe while playing your sport of choice.

Your Smile Is Worth It

Yes, a custom-made mouthguard does cost some money, but it is a bargain compared to the cost of fixing a broken tooth or replacing teeth that have been knocked out.

Our team at McNulty & Dancausse General Dentistry would much rather see your for routine care with all your teeth than to find out you are having a dental emergency. Keep your smile intact. Get a mouthguard before you take the field or the court again.

Call 704-766-8662 or contact us online to request an appointment.