Do You Need a Sports Guard? What You Need to Know

Most sports have protective gear available. Protective pads and helmets, for example, are common.

But one area that is often overlooked is the mouth. Many sports participants are not wearing a sports guard, and they are putting their teeth at risk.

Mouth injuries—and teeth damage—are quite common during sports. Dr. Cerina Fairfax recommends that her patients in Fairfax, VA, wear a custom sports guard when they are participating in sports. It is an easy way to protect your teeth!

A Sports Guard Helps Avoid Injuries to Your Mouth

Dental injuries happen more often than you might think, and those who are playing sports are particularly vulnerable to them. You can fall or slam into another person or a hard surface while in the excitement of the game. If you are wearing a sports guard, your mouth and teeth are protected.

Both adults and children are at risk, but for children, a mouth injury can have a serious impact on their lifelong oral health. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry lists children between the ages of seven and 17 as being most susceptible to dental injuries while they are playing sports. Baseball and basketball, in particular, have high rates of injury occurrences.

You can go to a sporting goods store to purchase a generic mouthguard, or you can have a custom sports guard made by Dr. Fairfax that will fit properly. The “boil and bite” type of mouthguard can be somewhat uncomfortable, making it easy for people to skip wearing them.

Contact Dr. Fairfax to Find Out More about Custom Sports Guards

If you or your child participates in sports, Dr. Fairfax is happy to discuss custom sports guards. Sports injuries or accidents account for a large portion of dental emergencies. Make sure you are protecting yourself and your children from dental injury in Fairfax, VA, with custom sports guards. Call us today!