April is National Facial Protection Month
In recognition of National Facial Protection Month in April, we want to stress the importance of wearing a mouth guard while playing sports. Studies show that about 12 million kids, teens and young adults suffer sports-related injuries every year. Many, if not all, of these serious injuries could have been minimized or prevented with the proper protective gear.
SPORTS INJURY RISKS
An athlete's mouth guard is as important during the game as any other piece of protective equipment. Failing to wear one can lead to dental injuries such as:
- Tooth loss or displacement
- Chips and fractures
- Injuries to bones and tissues that support the teeth
- Lower jaw (mandible) injuries
- Injury to the temporomandibular joint in the jaw
A sports-related accident, such as getting hit in the mouth with a hockey puck or a baseball, can cause a painful dental injury that requires orthodontic services to correct the problem. Neglecting to treat dental damage or misaligned teeth can affect anyone's self-esteem, and this is especially true for teens and young adults.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MOUTH GUARDS
Great Lakes Dental Arts fabricates state-of-the-art custom mouth guards right in the dentist office for patients who participate in organized and recreational sports. With sports-related injuries accounting for the highest number of adolescent dental injuries every year, the importance of wearing a mouth guard during sporting events cannot be overstated.
Custom-made sports guards fabricated by a dentist are much more comfortable to wear and offer a higher level of dental protection than generic, over-the-counter mouth guards that can be purchased at a drug store. Our custom mouth guards offer the same level of protection as the ones worn by professional athletes, so you know they must be effective.
If you or a loved one plays either a contact or noncontact sport, talk to your dentist about being fitted for a custom mouth guard that will protect your teeth, gums and jaw from a serious, preventable injury. Our in-office fabrication can be completed quickly, so you'll be able to get right back in the game.