Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards Livermore, CA
If you are an athlete, you probably already know how rough it can get out on the field or court. A mouth guard can help prevent unnecessary oral injury. These simple devices slip over the upper teeth to protect them from the surrounding oral tissues.
Mouth guards are available at Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore and the surrounding area. Call us today at (925) 344-3993 to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services.
What Happens When You Go Without Mouth Guards
Many things can go wrong when not wearing a mouth guard during sports. In fact, athletes are 60 times more likely to get hurt when they leave their teeth unprotected. That is why the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended mouth guards to all athletes since the mid-1990s.
Hard hits to the face can easily translate to lasting orofacial trauma. Mouth guards work by absorbing shock, thus protecting the teeth from the surrounding soft tissue. They may also stabilize the jaw when hit. By not wearing a mouth guard, athletes leave themselves open and vulnerable to broken or lost teeth, damage to orthodontic appliances, jaw injuries, soft tissue injuries, and more.
“…the American Dental Association (ADA) has recommended mouth guards to all athletes since the mid-1990s.”
The Risks of Store-Bought Alternatives
Not all sports mouthguards are created equally. A custom mouth guard fitted by a dentist will provide the most protection as it offers a tailored fit for the unique shape of the upper teeth. This level of smile security cannot be matched by a generic mouthguard found at a sporting goods store.
Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the "one size fits all" approach to protecting the teeth and jaws. As a result, they remain uncomfortable and make it difficult for players to breathe or talk. Generic mouthguards tear easier, do not fit correctly, and consist of a weaker material, which are not enough when playing contact sports.
An investment in a custom-fit mouthguard also represents an investment in an athlete's long-term oral health. The materials used remain durable, yet still allow the athlete to breathe and talk with ease. However, using a temporary mouth guard while waiting for a custom one remains better than not wearing one at all.
“Stock and boil and bite mouthguards take the ‘one size fits all’ approach to protecting the teeth and jaws.”
Long-Term Effects of Sports Injuries to Teeth
Over a quarter of dental-related injuries happen while playing sports. An oral-facial injury rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages. To avoid long-term oral health problems after a sports-related tooth injury, seek treatment immediately.
Not wearing a mouthguard significantly increases the risks for serious dental injury while playing sports. Hits to the mouth can result in the loss of a tooth, or the need for a root canal to avoid infection. Missing teeth and the subsequent replacement, fractures and cracks will need special attention for the rest of an athlete's life. A custom-fitted mouthguard offers the first line of defense.
“An oral-facial injury, rarely life-threatening, can be extremely painful and require additional attention as the athlete ages.”
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards in Livermore, CA
A Better Fit and Design
A mouthguard designed and created in a dental office represents the most durable and protective option. Our dentist will evaluate an athlete's individual needs and customize a mouthguard. This can include providing extra space for growing teeth and jaws — something that just cannot be duplicated with a generic mouthguard.
First, the dentist creates the impression of the teeth that will be used to create the actual mouthguard. From there, the dentist trims, polishes and checks for the proper fit. A properly fitting mouthguard offers a protective, odorless and tasteless option with sufficient thickness in critical areas.
Each mouthguard, tailored to the individual athlete, offers thickness and design to promote comfort and sufficient protection. Thanks to its quality construction, this type of mouthguard can stand up to the rigors of any contact sport. Parents can rest easy knowing they have provided their athlete with the right product to protect their mouth and teeth.
“A mouthguard designed and created in a dental office offers the most durable and protective option.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are the risks of using a store-bought mouthguard?
Q. What are the long-term effects of a sports injury to the teeth?
Q. What makes custom-fitted mouthguards better?
Q. How effective are mouth guards?
People Also Ask
Q. How do lifestyle choices affect dental health?
Q. How is a custom mouth guard made?
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long do mouth guards last?
A. It depends on how frequently you use it. However, with proper care, a custom-made mouth guard should last several years. Store-bought ones tend to be less durable, as they are not tailored for the mouth. Remember to bring your mouth guard with you to your dental checkups for regular inspection.
Q. How can I get a mouth guard?
A. Call us today, and we will schedule you for an initial consultation. We can begin the process of creating a dental mouth guard once we determine your candidacy. You will need to first undergo a physical examination and get some impressions taken of your mouth.
Q. What are mouth guards made of?
A. The answer varies on a case-by-case basis. Many mouth guards are made of acrylic, while others are made of acetate, vinyl, or rubber. Mouth guards may also be made of a combination of two or more of the above. We combine both hard and soft elements to ensure durability and comfort.
Q. How should I clean my mouth guard?
A. It is essential to clean your mouth guard regularly. First, rinse in warm water to get rid of any plaque and debris. Then, brush the mouth guard with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Do not use toothpaste, as it may be too abrasive. Let the mouth guard air dry completely to prevent rapid bacterial growth, and always store it in a case when not in use.
Q. Can I wear a mouth guard even if I have braces?
A. Yes. We can devise special mouth guards for persons with orthodontic devices or fixed dental work. It is crucial for these patients to adequately protect the mouth, lest the teeth suffer orofacial damage leading to soft tissue injuries.
Scan here to view this page, Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards, on mobile
Family Dental Terminology
Learn More About Custom Mouthguards for Sports
A custom-fit mouthguard represents a vital piece of protective equipment for any athlete. To schedule an appointment, call us at 925-344-3993 to let Livermore Dental Spa in Livermore for more assistance.
Helpful Related Links
- American Dental Association (ADA). Glossary of Dental Clinical Terms. 2024
- American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® (AACD). Home Page. 2024
- WebMD. WebMD’s Oral Care Guide. 2024
About our business, license, and website security
- Livermore Dental Spa was established in 2023.
- We accept the following payment methods: American Express, Cash, Discover, MasterCard, and Visa
- We serve patients from the following counties: Alameda County, Contra Costa County and San Joaquin County
- We serve patients from the following cities: Livermore, Alameda, Pleasanton, Dublin, Ulmar, Tracy, San Ramon, Danville, Mountain House and Castro Valley
- CA (License #101519). View License Information and Specifics
- National Provider Identifier Database (1679095681). View NPI Registry Information
- Healthgrades. View Background Information and Reviews
- Norton Safe Web. View Details
- Trend Micro Site Safety Center. View Details
Scan here to open directions to Livermore Dental Spa on mobile
Back to top of Reduce Sports Injuries With Mouth Guards
Related Posts
Invisalign®: Better For Adults Or Teens?
Invisalign® has been a game-changer in orthodontic treatments, offering a more discreet and comfortable solution for teeth alignment. While people may wonder if Invisalign is a more effective treatment for teens or adults, there are multiple factors to determine whether a patient is a candidate for Invisalign.One of the significant benefits of Invisalign is its…
Advantages Of Invisalign Over Traditional Braces
Invisalign® has emerged as one of the most popular alternatives to traditional metal braces. These teeth-straightening devices are virtually invisible when worn, as their name suggests, yet they can fix many of the teeth alignment issues braces have historically been used for.Examples of orthodontic issues Invisalign can be used to fix include crooked, crowded, poorly…
Is All-on-4 Considered An Invasive Surgery?
All-on-4 surgery replaces all the teeth in a dental arch with fixed dentures. The dentures are held in place by four implants in the jaw. If the person is missing all their teeth, they will need to have four implants in each jaw.Getting a single dental implant is a process that requires one or more…
Explore additional topics covered on our website:
Call Us Today
Scan here to call Livermore Dental Spa on mobile